WITH the festive season decidedly behind us and the May/June exit exam period mere months away, the preparation countdown has begun in earnest.

Students are busy reviewing coursework, memorising class notes, and practising test papers, all the while resisting the nagging urge to procrastinate and become overwhelmed with stress.

It is undoubtedly a hectic period, even for the more advanced student.

I believe, however, that a lot of stress could be avoided if private tutoring were added to the preparation matrix, as it is the best option to ensure top grades in examinations and standardised tests. Extra lessons provide a platform for breaking down complicated concepts to cater to a child’s particular learning style, which is difficult to achieve in a classroom of 35-40 individuals.

With classes brimming with rows full of students, teachers are constantly battling to maintain order, to command attention, and to foster academically successful pupils. Add to that the distraction brought by cellphones, schoolyard gossip, and lengthy syllabuses and you’ll get an idea of the depth of the challenge.

Alas, all isn’t lost! Private tutoring can help to supplement the shortcomings of the traditional education system. Private tutoring offers an opportunity to identify and address problem areas, helping to improve overall academic performance and gain an edge on standardised tests, even for students who may not be performing at their full potential.

In my experience, these are some of the benefits to students:

1) Greater Attention

Smaller class sizes allow private tutors to provide individualised attention to their students. Within this environment, tutors are able to identify specific weaknesses for each child, work through these problem areas, and help to improve their student’s comprehension of the material.

2) Fewer Distractions

Many students have difficulty grasping concepts in a classroom setting where they face many distractions, including noisy chatter, uncomfortable school furniture and disruptive classmates. Simply shifting the learning environment to a quiet, orderly surrounding may be just what’s needed to sharpen their focus.

3) In-Depth Reviews

With fewer pupils and minimal interruptions, tutors can concentrate on the coursework, ensuring all areas of the syllabus have been adequately covered, rather than merely skimming the material. This results in individuals developing a deeper understanding of concepts and honing their reasoning skills.

4) Improved Confidence

As pupils increase their comprehension of the material, they tend to become more confident in retaining and applying their subject knowledge. Armed with this strong self-assurance, they are likely to remain calm during critical examinations and successfully complete assessments during the allotted time.