When a child embarks on the journey of primary English composition tuition, one of the first questions that parents often ask is, “How soon can I expect to see improvement in my child’s composition writing after starting tuition?” This question is both logical and necessary, given that the ultimate goal for many students and parents is the PSLE examinations, overseen by the Ministry of Education Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board (MOE SEAB).
Understanding the PSLE English syllabus is the first step to answering this question. The MOE SEAB’s syllabus seeks to enable students to communicate effectively, and use English accurately, fluently and appropriately in real-life situations. In composition writing, this translates into the ability to write text that is meaningful, sequenced, and coherent, with a strong sense of personal voice.
Now, to the core question – when can you see tangible improvement in your child’s composition writing skills?
The first thing to understand is that learning and progress take time and depend on various factors, such as the child’s initial skill level, learning style, frequency of classes, and the quality of tuition received. Each child is unique, and therefore, the time it takes for them to improve will differ.
Here’s a more comprehensive look at these factors:
Initial Skill Level:
A child who already has a solid foundation in English language basics may show quicker improvement than a child who needs more guidance in grasping grammar rules, expanding vocabulary, or enhancing sentence structure.
Learning Style:
Different children have different learning styles – some are visual learners, some are auditory, and some are kinaesthetic. The rate of improvement can depend on whether the tuition classes cater to your child’s learning style.
Frequency of Classes:
Regular and consistent learning can accelerate improvement. If your child attends tuition classes more frequently in a week, they are likely to improve faster.
Quality of Tuition:
The quality of tuition is perhaps the most crucial factor. A good tuition program will not only align with the MOE SEAB’s PSLE English syllabus, but also use effective teaching methods, provide individual attention, give constructive feedback, and foster an environment that encourages learning.
However, even considering these factors, it’s important to understand that learning is not a race. The goal of primary English composition tuition should not solely be about acing the PSLE examinations. It should aim to instil a love for the English language, enhance creative thinking skills, and develop the ability to express oneself effectively. Thus, while it’s natural for parents to expect progress after their child begins tuition, it’s also essential to focus on the holistic development of the child’s language skills.
Some indicators of improvement you can look out for in your child’s composition writing include a richer vocabulary, better sentence structure, improved grammar, more logical sequencing of ideas, and the ability to create engaging and meaningful narratives. Additionally, developing self-editing skills, where the child learns to review their work for errors or areas of improvement, is a significant sign of progress.
In conclusion, while it’s difficult to provide a specific timeframe within which you can expect to see improvement in your child’s composition writing after starting tuition, it’s generally reasonable to anticipate signs of progress within a few months. However, the most important thing is to ensure your child enjoys the learning process, remains curious and passionate about the language, and appreciates the journey of mastering English composition writing as much as the outcome in the PSLE examinations.
