Studying with English Language Tutors at Writers Studio

Did you know there’s a difference between a tutor and a teacher?

A tutor is typically an educator who works with a student or a small group on a specific subject. In contrast, a teacher is a licensed professional who leads a classroom of students and is responsible for their overall education. The main difference between a tutor and a teacher lies in the setting in which they work and the type of instruction they provide.

Tutors act as mentors, focusing on driving performance and achieving results. Teachers excel in classroom management, especially in larger groups, and emphasise well-paced progression for all students. Both tutors and teachers play essential roles in a student’s learning journey, but they do so in different ways and at different paces.

Thinking of improving a student’s command of the English language? Tutors with a strong background in the teaching of English is the only way.

At Writers Studio, we give our students the best of both worlds – qualified teachers with a strong tutoring background in the area of English Language. Both the language paper and creative writing are our forte. You will be happy to know that our tutors are also specialists in the teaching of oral skills and we have been helping many students excel in their oral exams in school.

Here are a few advantages of working with a tutor at Writers Studio:

1. Personalised Attention for Creative Writing Classes 

In a classroom setting, teachers may not be able to give individualised attention to each student, which can be a disadvantage for students who are struggling or need additional assistance. This is especially necessary when it comes to the learning of Creative Writing. Our tutors are able to tailor their attention to the learning pace of their students.  Our creative writing tutors are matched to each student by their teaching and learning styles. We believe that tutors are most effective when they customise their teaching styles to cater to the learning needs of the writing students. In training our creative writing tutors to deliver results, we spend plenty of professional time ensuring that tutors are not only able to master the content of the creative writing lessons they are teaching, but are able to analyse and study each child upon their entry and pitch the lessons to cater to their individual learning needs. We believe that tutoring is 80% mentorship and 20% guidance. Children of the digital era already enter classrooms with a set of knowledge. In fact, they would have attended lessons before in another tuition centre. They will already have a preconceived idea of how to write creatively but they are confused or simply lacking in how to perform better. They also have developed their own preferences for creative writing work. Before we attempt to teach, we fully understand that conditioning the child is the most important in delivering optimal results.

2. Targeted Help for Weaker or Attention-Deficient Students

Tutors can provide one-on-one attention and customised instruction, which can be more effective for certain students compared to group instruction. They focus on specific creative writing topics or skills that a student may be struggling with, rather than trying to cover a broad range of material, which can sometimes be counterproductive.

At Writers Studio School of English, we maintain a healthy teacher-to-student ratio to ensure effective learning. Our classrooms are thoughtfully arranged to cater to different groups of students, with careful attention given to the colour scheme and layout. We prioritise smaller class sizes and may place students on a waitlist to prevent overcrowding and ensure a conducive learning environment.

Our classrooms are designed to be spacious and airy, with colour concepts in mind to create a positive atmosphere. We also partner with Philips to provide the best lighting, ensuring soothing light intensity for optimal focus. In this ideal environment, we are dedicated to giving students the attention they need to thrive.

Imagine taking private creative writing tuition in a small group setting. We understand that our students’ parents prefer the focused attention that resembles a home tuition environment. Our tutors don’t adopt a one-size-fits-all approach; instead, they tailor their methods to ensure each student thrives. They actively mark, comment, and engage with students on an individual level, allowing every child to fully grasp the material.

We view our lessons as valuable opportunities to highlight key learning points, ensuring that every child benefits from each session. This commitment creates real value for parents, as they can trust that the lessons they invest in are effectively conducted.Additionally, we dedicate significant time to crafting detailed reports and feedback for parents, or reaching out with calls to discuss our concerns and insights about their children. Working with tutors at Writers Studio is a collaborative experience, fostering a supportive learning environment where every child can shine.

“Thank you, Ms. Karen, for teaching me and bringing out the best in me. I’ve learned so much from your lessons, and my grades have improved significantly. I really enjoy your classes because it feels like you understand me the best.”

~ Pei Ran, Wednesday 3 to 5 pm class, Primary 5

3. Immediate Feedback on Weaknesses and Strengths

Working with a Writers Studio tutor gives students the chance to practise what they are learning and receive immediate feedback. Constructive comments help students identify their shortcomings and errors, reinforcing their proficiency in the subject or skill. This personalised approach ensures that they can grow and improve effectively.

“Mr. Edmund is one of the best tutors I’ve ever had. Whenever we need encouragement, he surprises us with handwritten notes on beautiful pieces of paper. His words always feel special to me, as if he knows exactly what I need to stay motivated. He doesn’t rush through the lessons; instead, he slows down and takes the time to help us when we find certain worksheets difficult.”

~ Alison Teoh, Thursday 3 to 5 pm, Primary 6

At Writers Studio, we believe that when a student submits a piece of work, it’s crucial to correct mistakes immediately while the student is still engaged. We make sure that corrections and notes are addressed on the spot to capture those fleeting moments of understanding. We recognize that a child’s attention can easily be diverted by various distractions, and we do not want issues to linger and be forgotten.

Our tutors understand the importance of time for our students and work proactively to ensure they are well-prepared for their exams. We emphasise “forward teaching and backward revision”, especially for the PSLE Language Paper 2, during every lesson. As a result, you’ll notice that Writers Studio graduates possess a unique flair—an aptitude and attitude that is competitive and rivals that of any top graduate.

“My mother jokes that wherever I go to class, I carry ‘luggage’ with me. This is because I always bring my arch file, work-in-progress folder, and homework. They can be heavy, but I know Mr. Francis will need them. He reviews what he taught us at the start of each lesson, making sure we’re all on the same page.”

~ Coby Lim, Wednesday 3 to 5 pm, Primary 6

One of our long-term teachers, who also teaches at the Ministry of Education, recently shared an interesting observation: “I have a new batch of students this year, and one of them stood out. While the others merely listened, he took notes diligently. He timed himself while writing his English composition and was disciplined enough to proofread his work as well. Curious, I asked if he had any extra English tuition at home. He proudly replied that he studied at Writers Studio.”With a smile, the teacher noted that this dedication is our trademark. Students who have been with us, as well as graduates from our enrichment centre, develop into responsible, respectful youths. They carry this positive learning attitude with them throughout their lives, which is something we are incredibly proud of.

We believe that immediate feedback –  negative or positive – when shared in a sincere and constructive way, goes a long way in creating the right learning attitude in our students.

4. Flexibility of Arrangement

Tutors at Writers Studio can arrange sessions at times convenient for students, and some students can take our English classes online due to unexpected logistical issues. Unlike teachers, who may not be available outside regular school hours, our tutors are ready to provide individualised lessons tailored to address specific student challenges. This approach reflects not just the dedication of one tutor, but the collective effort of our team.

Our experienced tutors work with students of all ages and skill levels to enhance their command of the English language. We recognise that it takes a village to educate a child, which is why we work closely with parents. We hold regular Parent-Teacher Meetings for students who need additional support, and we have a dedicated admin team that provides feedback to parents, giving them firsthand insights on how to guide their children at home. Our goal is to achieve the best results from our lessons.

Whether your child is struggling with writing, grammar, or oral proficiency, Writers Studio has a tutor who can help. Alongside our founder, Ms Goh, our tutors strive to make lessons engaging and enjoyable, allowing students to experience the joy of creative writing. Our lessons also incorporate multiple intelligences to help unlock creativity.

That’s why we’re excited to announce our special November holiday program, designed for students preparing for the next school year. It’s the perfect opportunity to sharpen their skills, gain a head start, and dive into exciting creative projects. Join us this holiday season and step into the new school year with confidence!

Ms Goh is the founder of Writers Studio. She is astute in appraising each student that enrols in Writers Studio and spends plenty of time to ensure her teaching team scales themselves in understanding what it takes for a student to learn, perform and excel. Ms Goh graduated from a university in Singapore, and also a postgraduate diploma in Education. She also has a masters degree in Creative Writing and Literature from the UK.