Is Singapore’s Tuition Obsession Out of Control? Hear Our Founder’s Take on CNA Talking Point!

Lil’ but Mighty’s Key Points and Takeaways 

1. Teacher Qualification & Professional Development  

• The importance of continuously enhancing the training and mentorship programme for teachers to maintain high-quality instruction.  

• Professional development ensures that teachers stay updated on curriculum changes, effective pedagogy, and student engagement strategies.  

• Investing in teacher quality is directly linked to the tuition fees—parents expect value for their investment, and strong teacher training justifies the cost.  

• A structured mentorship system can help new teachers adapt more quickly and ensure consistency in teaching standards across all levels.  

2. Ethical Advertising & Transparency

• The need to uphold responsible marketing practices in the tuition industry, ensuring that advertisements accurately reflect the services offered and the results that can be expected.  

• Avoiding misleading claims about guaranteed improvements in grades, as learning is a multifaceted process influenced by various factors.  

• Ensuring that success stories and testimonials used in marketing are representative and not exaggerated.  

• Building trust with parents through clear communication of teaching methodologies, expected learning outcomes, and realistic goal-setting.  

3. The Enduring Role of Tuition & Parental Expectations for Regulation

• Tuition is a permanent fixture in the Singapore education landscape, as parents see it as an essential supplement to formal schooling.  

• The increasing demand for some form of regulation in the industry suggests that parents recognise the benefits of tuition but also seek safeguards to ensure quality and credibility.  

• Regulation could help set industry standards for teacher qualifications, lesson quality, and ethical practices, giving parents more confidence in their choices.  

• While tuition can never replace schools, it plays a crucial role in providing personalised support, bridging learning gaps, and helping students achieve their full potential.

Implications for Lil’ but Mighty

The discussion on the talk show highlights the growing expectations from parents regarding tuition services. This reinforces the importance of maintaining high-quality standards in teaching at Lil’ but Mighty. As educators, our role extends beyond delivering lessons—we are shaping young minds and building trust with parents who choose our programme.

To meet these expectations, our teachers must uphold excellence in three key areas:

1. Content Mastery

• Students and parents expect clear, effective explanations that go beyond what is taught in school. This means our teachers must have a deep understanding of the English syllabus, examination formats, and effective answering techniques.
• Teachers should be able to break down complex concepts into digestible steps, helping students not only memorise but also apply their knowledge with confidence.
• Ongoing self-improvement—through reading, training, and exposure to real-world language applications—is essential to stay ahead and ensure lessons remain relevant.

2. Classroom Management

• A well-managed class is one where students feel engaged, motivated, and safe to participate.
• Teachers should set clear expectations for behaviour, ensuring a structured yet lively learning environment that encourages interaction and discussion.
• The ability to adapt teaching strategies based on student needs, learning styles, and classroom dynamics is crucial.
• Positive reinforcement, discipline, and clear communication help create a productive learning space that benefits all students.

3. Punctuality & Professionalism

• Being punctual for lessons is a reflection of our professionalism and respect for students’ and parents’ time.
• Late starts disrupt learning flow, create unnecessary stress, and impact the trust that parents have in us.
• Professionalism extends beyond punctuality—it includes being well-prepared, dressing appropriately, and demonstrating a growth mindset in responding to feedback and challenges.

Strengthening Our Training & Mentorship Programme

As the tuition industry evolves, our training and mentorship programme must evolve with it to ensure our teachers are continuously improving. 

Some key areas to focus on:

• Structured onboarding for new teachers, ensuring they receive guidance on lesson delivery, student engagement, and assessment methods.
• Ongoing professional development, including workshops, lesson observations, and peer learning, to keep teachers updated on best practices.

• Mentorship opportunities, pairing experienced educators with newer teachers to provide support, feedback, and shared learning experiences.
• Regular quality assurance checks, including feedback from students and parents, to help teachers refine their approach and uphold 
• LBM’s teaching standards

By reinforcing these high standards and continually improving our training programme, we ensure that Lil’ but Mighty remains a trusted name in tuition—one that parents can confidently rely on to deliver ethical, effective, and high-quality education and serving English that makes them happy!