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General Discussion => General Discussion Boards => Rants and Debate => Topic started by: paulsterio on October 16, 2011, 10:41:15 pm

Title: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: paulsterio on October 16, 2011, 10:41:15 pm
Come across this on TheAge, what's your opinion on the issue?!

Do students need tutoring to succeed in the HSC?
(HSC Related, but very relevant to the VCE still)
Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/the-question/do-students-need-tutoring-to-succeed-in-the-hsc-20111014-1loyq.html#ixzz1awasrT82

Some say tutors boost results; others say they can make it harder for students to think for themselves.
THE STUDENT JOEL REINES
I'VE had three tutors for five subjects this year. My mum is one of the vast majority of HSC parents who, according to Australian Tutoring Association figures, is in external tuition overdrive.
But no matter how much I am hothoused, my tutors aren't going to be sitting next to me in the exam room, so I am going to have to draw on my own knowledge and skills to get me through.
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Private tutors can be useful, especially if a student is facing difficulties in a subject, but you shouldn't rely on them as the magic solution to get you through the HSC. Being over-tutored can mean that students may lose the ability to do their own research, which is vital. Having information virtually fed to you on a platter will only get you so far.
It's interesting that the students who usually come top in the state aren't those who use coaching. Rather they are the ones who do extensive reading for themselves. This allows them to gain a greater understanding than what is in the textbook and is the key to their success.
At my school students are encouraged to do further reading on each topic and to think independently. The underlying message is that you have to fully embrace a subject to develop a passion for it, which naturally breeds success.
At this school the use of external tutors is discouraged. Teachers will organise one-on-one private lessons with students whose results are lacking, especially when they are preparing for a big assignment. This is a great system, since most teachers know their students' capabilities far better than an outside coach and they also have a vested interest in getting the best HSC results.
If a student finds their results are lacking in one particular subject then tutors should be used but there has to be a happy medium between using tutors to help a student get the best possible marks, and encouraging them to work harder for themselves. To avoid over-using tutors students should ask themselves: will extra tuition really improve my marks dramatically, or will I just become lazy by putting the burden of my school assignments on my coaches?
External tutoring may ''buy'' students a few extra marks, but learning how to be an independent researcher will ensure success in the HSC and beyond.
Joel Reines is a year 12 student at Reddam House, North Bondi.
THE PRINCIPAL JULIE GREENHALGH
FOR the most part, my advice to students is to avoid getting external tutoring as preparation for the HSC exams.
Classroom teachers who are well qualified, up-to-date with changes in syllabus requirements, experienced and hard working will provide all the assistance that is necessary for students to succeed at the HSC, so long as the students make the best use of their class time and take advantage of offers of additional help from their teachers.
The NSW Board of Studies gives an indication of the time needed to complete the HSC courses, and schools determine their timetables so that students have enough time to cover the work in class. However, sometimes, additional time and/or assistance is necessary.
Girls at Meriden are able to get additional assistance, if needed, from their teachers at lunch time and after school. Over the recent school holidays, many of the year 12 teachers have held additional classes, and girls have been emailing practice essays to their teachers on a very frequent basis. All this gives the girls the additional help that they may need. I imagine that most schools offer some form of additional assistance to their HSC students.
In my experience, students who have an external tutor tend to rely too heavily on the tutor. Rather than drawing on the expertise of their class teacher in an efficient way, these students do not use their class time well; nor do they take advantage of the out-of-class assistance that is being offered by the classroom teacher and the school.
Our school, for example, runs a maths centre where the girls in years 7 to 12 can get assistance from the maths staff after school at no additional cost.
The only time where a tutor may be of some assistance is when a student has missed a substantial amount of school. This may be through ill-health or for family reasons. This is the only time when I would recommend to parents that some short-term tutoring may be of help.
Dr Julie Greenhalgh is principal of Meriden School, Strathfield.
THE ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CROKE
A TUTOR'S services are simply irrelevant to the success of most HSC students, although parental and peer-group insecurity is driving the expansion of a lucrative but unregulated tutoring industry. That is because an HSC cohort now comprises more than 70,000 students, each with different hopes and aspirations. They are tomorrow's teachers and nurses, farmers and mechanics, chefs and bureaucrats. Meeting their diverse curriculum needs involves a wide range of subjects, from classical Greek to tourism and events. Tutoring only caters for a small minority of subjects, namely those which students expect will improve their competitive entrance to a particular university option. For them the main game is not the HSC but the ATAR. Most HSC students judge their relative success in their own unique way and usually by whether or not the HSC opens the door to their preferred course of study. The HSC is designed for a culture which measures success in terms of personal goals and through mastery of a wide repertoire of knowledge and skills, not just by mastery of facts and time on task which are the virtues promoted by the tutoring industry.
The HSC is no sprint, requiring a tutor in the final stages to achieve a personal best. It is a two-year course of study involving assessments, practical projects and an examination. Most successful students learn best by engaging with their daily teacher, not deferring to their weekly tutor. Beyond the tutor's reach, the HSC also lets flourish high levels of creativity in music, visual arts, drama and design, not to mention the capacity for sophisticated work flowing from extension 2 English and extension history. Student success springs from confidence in knowing that they have met such demands by themselves and with their teachers' guidance.
Some students may benefit from targeted tutoring, but for many a dependence on tutoring for HSC success only adds undue stress. Year in, year out, successful students return to their schools to preach the same message to the next generation: keep a study/life balance, be realistic about your goals, set high expectations for yourself, work consistently, eat and sleep properly. Tutoring never rates a mention.
Brian Croke is executive director of the Catholic Education Commission, NSW.
THE TUTOR ROB PRIOR
WITH such fierce competition for university entrance, tutors and tutoring colleges fulfil a vital need for HSC students.
While some students have the ability to succeed without outside assistance, there are many factors that motivate students and parents to seek tutoring. It could be the student lacks the foundations necessary to cope with work presented to them in later years. Or perhaps they are having difficulty keeping pace with their peers and need specialised attention. Often it is simply that the student lacks the discipline and focus to maintain a committed approach to studying.
Many of the students we have tutored are very motivated and have high aspirations. Most are satisfied with the education they receive at school, but want to be challenged and exposed to the different perspectives tutoring can provide. They are also keen to be spurred on by healthy competition with like-minded students.
When I started tutoring in the mid-1970s, the demand was mainly for remedial assistance for students who were struggling with their studies. By the early '90s, an increasing number of students with lofty ambitions turned to tutoring to gain the best opportunity to enter high-end university courses, such as medicine, law and economics.
This period also marked a big expansion of multiculturalism, with education made a priority by parents who wanted their children to have a better life than they had. These parents felt that, even beyond enrolling their children in selective and private schools, extra tutoring could provide an advantage in the quest for tertiary entrance. Tutors offer personal attention, helping students to develop their understanding and skills, in order to approach school exams and the HSC with greater confidence.
To meet increasing demand, a growing number of options emerged and the tutoring industry gained momentum. Now a wide spectrum of tutoring opportunities are available, from one-on-one tutors and computer programs to structured courses offered by tutoring colleges such as ours.
Parents seeking tutoring for their children should consider the options and not be afraid to request a trial lesson before committing. This way, their child will feel empowered to choose the option that will work for them.
Robert Prior is the founder and principal of PRIOR Education Australia.


Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/the-question/do-students-need-tutoring-to-succeed-in-the-hsc-20111014-1loyq.html#ixzz1awaf7mO5
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: jane1234 on October 16, 2011, 10:52:08 pm
Hmm... I find it interesting that the principal says this:

Quote
Classroom teachers who are well qualified, up-to-date with changes in syllabus requirements, experienced and hard working will provide all the assistance that is necessary for students to succeed at the HSC, so long as the students make the best use of their class time and take advantage of offers of additional help from their teachers.

While that's true for the most part, there are some teachers that may be too busy/lazy to help, or might be just plain hopeless at explaining anything. I guess that's where tutoring would come in, to try and "fill in" what the teacher missed in class.
That said, if I had tutoring it probably wouldn't change my marks - but there are plenty of people doing the VCE who struggle to understand concepts AND have shitty teachers. Tutoring would certainly be helpful in that case.
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: paulsterio on October 16, 2011, 11:03:03 pm
I'm with you Jane, that I think if I did any tutoring my marks wouldn't change, but that's because I'm speaking as someone who generally is OK with school work and find that I understand everything rather easily, plus I have friends who I can discuss things with and also communities such as ATARNotes.

I agree that tuition may help people who are struggling, but what I don't understand is why tuition has become the big business that it is, like I've heard of and know of tutors that are making well in excess of 1000 per week, some even make over 2000 per week, and I think that for the service they provide, they are making huge profits, now I think that's like taking advantage of students, like there's got to be a line drawn between a genuine desire to want to teach and tutor and tutoring for the raw purpose of making huge profits. I think that's a massive issue with the tutoring industry currently, not to mention that it's a cash economy too
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: jane1234 on October 16, 2011, 11:12:35 pm
Yeah but it's no different to how much some piano teachers will charge, or tap, or ballet, or whatever... they provide a service and students, or probably the parents, pay for this service. And I'm assuming both parties are happy with this agreement, or else they wouldn't get/give tutoring in the first place... I just don't reckon it's any worse than individual coaching for anything else. Sure, some tutors/companies employ fear tactics or whatever to get people to sign up, but there are so many dodgy ways of advertising in the world and I don't think tutoring is any worse than any of them.
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: HarveyD on October 16, 2011, 11:21:25 pm
Some people do it for the sense of security as well
You dont really want any regrets when you do your Year 12, so if your parents offer to pay for your tutoring, guess it doesnt hurt
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: paulsterio on October 16, 2011, 11:23:06 pm
Hmmm, yeah I guess I understand what you mean, but I have a particularly extreme example. There's this guy called Jack in Springvale, who tutors classes of about 60 kids, at a rate of 25 dollars for two hours. That equates to 60 x 25 = $1500
That's $750 per hour, where else can I earn that sort of money?! :O

Like I understand that what he's doing is fine, albeit illegal because of tax evasion, but is it ethical for him to provide a tuition service where there is basically no quality control and where his knowledge is questionable, I remembering one of my friends pulling me along to one of his lessons and we (Jack and I) had an argument over whether sec(-x) and sec(x) are the same thing, they obviously are, but he denied it - that's forever changed my view of the tutoring business, albeit I'll admit I haven't been to much tuition at all, so I can't really comment :)

But you catch my drift yeah? :D

Some people do it for the sense of security as well
You dont really want any regrets when you do your Year 12, so if your parents offer to pay for your tutoring, guess it doesnt hurt

It doesn't hurt - but it's a big use of your time :P
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: jane1234 on October 16, 2011, 11:27:28 pm
Hmmm, yeah I guess I understand what you mean, but I have a particularly extreme example. There's this guy called Jack in Springvale, who tutors classes of about 60 kids, at a rate of 25 dollars for two hours. That equates to 60 x 25 = $1500
That's $750 per hour, where else can I earn that sort of money?! :O

Like I understand that what he's doing is fine, albeit illegal because of tax evasion, but is it ethical for him to provide a tuition service where there is basically no quality control and where his knowledge is questionable, I remembering one of my friends pulling me along to one of his lessons and we (Jack and I) had an argument over whether sec(-x) and sec(x) are the same thing, they obviously are, but he denied it - that's forever changed my view of the tutoring business, albeit I'll admit I haven't been to much tuition at all, so I can't really comment :)

But you catch my drift yeah? :D

Wow, that's just stupid. I have no problem with tutors or how much money they make, but to argue that (when it can be easily proved using a calculator) is just plain wrong. If they are going to tutor, they should at least know what they're on about...
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: Water on October 16, 2011, 11:32:54 pm
I for one know that tutoring hindered my capacity for self-development and learning "for many years" cause I was literally spoon fed.

Say No to Tutoring. Say Yes to Independent Learning!

Fuck Tutor. You've got internet etc.... "The world is your oyster"
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: paulsterio on October 16, 2011, 11:34:20 pm
The thing with tuition is there's no requirement of any qualifications or such, so here's this guy who basically did year 12 about ten years ago, going on to do a uni degree in an area completely unrelated to maths, and now he's tutoring maths, and that's not the only thing, he has a lot of conceptual errors which I think are unacceptable, but the difference between a tutor and a teacher is that teachers generally have to go through checks to ensure that they are qualified whereas tutors don't

Btw Jane, I like your quote from Pocahontas in your sig :)

I for one know that tutoring hindered my capacity for self-development and learning, "for many years" cause I was literally spoon fed.

Say No to Tutoring. Say Yes to Independent Learning!

Fuck Tutor. You've got internet etc.... "The world is your oyster"

I agree with you, it's never good to be spoonfed :)
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: taiga on October 16, 2011, 11:35:06 pm
Will be honest, I think my parents sent me to tutoring partially because they wanted to feel like they tried their best for my education.

Was it that helpful? Probably not, but that's because I didn't take advantage of it (asking questions regularly etc). I just saw it as a waste of a good 2-3 hours a week. I think tutoring is really only applicable to some types of learners, and I definitely wasn't one of the people that fell into the category.

Just on a side note, I've heard a lot of good things about Jack, perhaps he was just off his game that day. There's some rumour going around that he got busted for tax evasion and ended up paying back what he owed in 20 dollar notes :P

I'm not sure what your problem with tutors making 'profits' is though, I don't think it is tutors that take advantage of students to do this. It is moreso the big companies that run monopolies or use fear inducing tactics to get students.

1000 dollars a week for a full time tutor is very reasonable I like to think. I tutor for about 6 hours a week and earn ~200, so if they are having it as their full time job, 1000 is very reasonable. And even if it was 5000, as long as they aren't manipulating students, I don't think it's a problem.


(btw just scimmed over what people were writing, so might have misinterpreted what you had to say, if so it's my bad :P)
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: paulsterio on October 16, 2011, 11:41:26 pm
Yeah I get what you mean, my parents have mixed views on tuition, but generally they're of the notion that it's just too much money (and I'm quite happy with that because that means that I don't have to go) :D

I've heard some good things about Jack as well, but also some bad things, when you're tutoring as many kids as he is, you're bound to get mixed reviews :P but i've heard that rumour as well, apparently he has a massive safe in his house where he keeps all his money! :P

I don't have an issue with tutors making profits, I just think that sometimes it's a bit too much, not to mention companies such as TSFX (who have dodgy marketing tactics that involves spamming my email inbox with offers - I feel like reporting them :P) and then there's MedEntry and other UMAT companies who make massive profits from manipulating students to use their products, fear tactics and such :)
But I think that it's fine for tutors to make profits, not just when there seems to be some sort of manipulation involved, so I think we're on the same note :)

Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: xZero on October 16, 2011, 11:57:46 pm
I heard Jack was amazing but never liked group tutoring, much prefer private tutoring. I found them fairly useful last yr (can't say the same for uni tutors tho :P), infact I learnt how awesome maths was from my maths tutor.

But were they really that helpful? idk, i hardly slack off during tuition and to me going to tutor is like going to a library, it prevents you from procrastinating. If i spent the time travelling to and back from tutor + the time in the actual tuition i can prob achieve the same result.
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: LOVEPHYSICS on October 17, 2011, 12:45:55 am
I don't think tutors can ever replace school teachers. They can help though.
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: #1procrastinator on October 25, 2011, 05:46:31 am
some do, some don't, different people learn differently
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: EvangelionZeta on October 26, 2011, 02:52:44 am
I'd say most of the 99.5+ kids in my year didn't have tutors...
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: funkyducky on October 26, 2011, 10:58:39 am
I think it really comes down to specific cases - the student, the subject, how good the school teacher is, how good the tutor is, how much they charge.
On the one hand, I got 50 in Methods last year without a tutor. My parents offered to get me tuition and I tried a couple of lessons but it was useless, as I had no questions to ask and nothing to gain, so I stopped. On the other hand, I've been going to a French tutor weekly this year, because a LOTE is hard to practice for by yourself, especially with the Oral Exam (which is now over, yay!).
And I find that there's about a 50-50 balance between kids with and without tutors amongst the top students in my year level (the ones who will get 99+)
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: spaciiey on October 26, 2011, 12:29:25 pm
i didn't get tutored at all. i got 97.9

the dux of my school last year spent well over a hundred bucks a week on tutors. he got 98.05, with the asian five.

he smashed my spesh score. i smashed his english score.

he also smashed my methods score, but i dont think that that counts because i jumped right in at 3+4 level (with a horrid teacher) and he didnt, and i did non-cas and he did cas. plus, i did methods 3+4 in year 11, not year 12.

-shrug-

truth be told i think it's a personal choice. i dont think that being tutored would have made a difference for me.

~~~

*edit* having said that though, i realise i am being a hypocrite because this i AM a tutor and i had (and still have) enough kids lined up to make a decent living from it. and with the kids i've had, talking to their teachers i get the idea that yes, it has helped them to be tutored. with tutoring you gotta remember though it's not a bandaid -- you yourself have to be willing to work and not be under the impression that an extra hour a week will suddenly make you understand everything.

then again i dont really work with kids who are trying to go from an a to an a plus like i imagine most of you are here. i work more with struggling students who want to go from d's and e's, to b's or c's.

but you have to remember that i want to go into teaching and always liked it and was fair good at it anyways, even throughout high school. soooo yeah... i guess the quality/enthusiasm/whatever of the tutor also counts for something.
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: VivaTequila on December 29, 2011, 12:51:06 am
97.10. Never paid for a tutor.

Go figure, you might pay your way into a better score but imo it's not worth the money.

but that's just my opinion, paying for a tute will undoubtedly increase your score.

Edit: Also for the sake of it, never attended a revision lecture either. I just used my textbooks and the internet.
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: max payne on December 29, 2011, 01:23:24 am


but that's just my opinion, paying for a tute will undoubtedly increase your score.

really? i strongly disagree with that statement. paying for a tutor wont UNDOUBTEDLY increase your score. It might in some cases but IMHO i dont see what a tutor can provide that a 1 on 1 teacher session cant provide. If your teacher doesnt have the time or is not a very good teacher than go to the internet. There are millions of videos and resources from highly educated people on the net. In fact, VCE is practically designed so that you can achieve any score withought the need for out-of-school help. All you need is the text book and some determination. I self learn practically every subject cause i personally cannot learn a thing when someone trys to explain it to me. Im the kind of person that needs to read it for my self and do the questions to understand. So my opinion might be biassed. Although I have absolutely nothing against tutors at all. In fact i wouldnt mind doing it. In the end if the student is happy and wants to do it, why not make money off it?
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: acinod on December 29, 2011, 02:08:08 am
Is Dr. He considered tutoring? He calls it coaching. Is coaching and tutoring the same thing?

Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: WhoTookMyUsername on December 29, 2011, 10:08:39 am
yes...


to OP No.
I didn't have a tutor for Bio and got a 50. I don't plan to have a tutor for any of my other subjects except English (which is less self tutor able). Especially for maths / science all you need to do is learn the course (if you struggle here, get a tutor) and then spam application (prac exams etc.)
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: thushan on December 29, 2011, 10:23:14 am
Hmm, I had a tutor for Englang like from August onwards when I was having enormous trouble trying to self-teach the course (teacher's lessons weren't very good, and it wasn't helped by the fact that our class was very disruptive!). Helped heaps because I have someone who knows his stuff with whom I could discuss my ideas and theories with.
Chem, never had a tutor, but I did learn ahead (had to, Olympiad and that) but my teacher at Year 11 was amazing, and I think that's what helped me the most.
Physics, never had a tutor - teacher wasn't great, selftaught most of the course and repeatedly sought help from one of the other physics teachers (our physics department was AWESOME :D )
Spesh/Methods: never had tutors for these, but I did kumon when I was younger, and that helped heaps
German: had a tutor for that, he helped a fair bit in that I could simply practise my german
Bio: parents forced me to grab a tutor for this, he had excellent resources, teaching wasn't great - I couldn't understand his accent!
So all in all, I guess I had some help along the way...
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: paulsterio on December 29, 2011, 10:53:19 am
I couldn't understand his accent!

LOL!!!! That's mean :P

Anyways, in my case, I didn't have tutors for Software Development, Chem, English, Methods or Spesh, I just didn't feel like I needed a tutor. Self-teaching was good enough for me :D

For English, I had a tutor, I guess it helped me, but most of my improvement in English throughout the year was just from my own work, I didn't really feel as if I gained much from tuition, but I guess just the discussion and that would have helped me develop as a writer.
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: thushan on December 29, 2011, 10:58:02 am
I couldn't understand his accent!

LOL!!!! That's mean :P


Not mean when you start spelling 'transpiration' as 'ranspiration!' Lucky I never had to write that in the exam :P
I only realise it was spelt 'transpiration' when my tutor started talking about 'ranscription' and 'ranslation' :P
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: VivaTequila on December 29, 2011, 10:58:30 am


but that's just my opinion, paying for a tute will undoubtedly increase your score.

really? i strongly disagree with that statement. paying for a tutor wont UNDOUBTEDLY increase your score. It might in some cases but IMHO i dont see what a tutor can provide that a 1 on 1 teacher session cant provide. If your teacher doesnt have the time or is not a very good teacher than go to the internet. There are millions of videos and resources from highly educated people on the net. In fact, VCE is practically designed so that you can achieve any score withought the need for out-of-school help. All you need is the text book and some determination. I self learn practically every subject cause i personally cannot learn a thing when someone trys to explain it to me. Im the kind of person that needs to read it for my self and do the questions to understand. So my opinion might be biassed. Although I have absolutely nothing against tutors at all. In fact i wouldnt mind doing it. In the end if the student is happy and wants to do it, why not make money off it?

Interesting actually... I still believe that paying for a tutor will definately, incontrovertibly, 100% increase your score. It might be questionable as to how much, but considering that spending time with a tutor is essentially time spent collaborating and investing time and effort into your studies whilst getting (hopefully) insightful input, feedback, and contributions from the tutor, it's hard to argue the opposite way. It's also hard to argue that it will have absolutely zero impact on your score. I just can't see it doing nothing or working the opposite way which is why I am saying that it will definately help. There's also the matter that tutors exist; people must be utilising them for something, and presumably the system works and tutors do in fact help your score.

Again, I'm not talking in the realms of degrees of efficacy, because I don't think they would help all that much in the majority of cases. But I don't think they can damage your score, and I don't think that you'd break even if you utilised a tute. The only way to go is up.
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: brightsky on December 29, 2011, 10:59:18 am
Is Dr. He considered tutoring? He calls it coaching. Is coaching and tutoring the same thing?



it's as if he considers maths to be a sport.

and in response to OP: no. most vce subjects merely involve learning a set course and applying the knowledge garnered to different questions. given that you're efficient with time, you should be able to master this yourself, without external aid. that said, it can at times be difficult to find resources that expose you to a sufficient variety of questions such that you are fully prepared for exams/sacs, and tutoring centres such as dr he can help a lot in that regard. furthermore, many find self-learning an entirely new course rather confronting, not to say that often the logic that you develop during the learning process with which you use to tie all the concepts introduced in the syllabus together can be erroneous. given that you have a good teacher, or can be bothered searching through the net for answers, these misunderstandings can often be rectified in good time, however having a tutor can sometimes reduce the time and stress it takes to do so. what is more, i believe many (good) students find a tutor purely for psychological reasons; they either seek reassurance or somehow believe that not going to a tutor will render them 'behind' in the competition that is vce.
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: abd123 on December 29, 2011, 11:30:52 am
I'd say most of the 99.5+ kids in my year didn't have tutors...
Thats hard to believe...

Realistically, I reckon the 99.5+ kids had tutors along the way, and they also must have been studying a lot.

It's common sense.
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: max payne on December 29, 2011, 11:52:00 am


but that's just my opinion, paying for a tute will undoubtedly increase your score.

really? i strongly disagree with that statement. paying for a tutor wont UNDOUBTEDLY increase your score. It might in some cases but IMHO i dont see what a tutor can provide that a 1 on 1 teacher session cant provide. If your teacher doesnt have the time or is not a very good teacher than go to the internet. There are millions of videos and resources from highly educated people on the net. In fact, VCE is practically designed so that you can achieve any score withought the need for out-of-school help. All you need is the text book and some determination. I self learn practically every subject cause i personally cannot learn a thing when someone trys to explain it to me. Im the kind of person that needs to read it for my self and do the questions to understand. So my opinion might be biassed. Although I have absolutely nothing against tutors at all. In fact i wouldnt mind doing it. In the end if the student is happy and wants to do it, why not make money off it?

Interesting actually... I still believe that paying for a tutor will definately, incontrovertibly, 100% increase your score. It might be questionable as to how much, but considering that spending time with a tutor is essentially time spent collaborating and investing time and effort into your studies whilst getting (hopefully) insightful input, feedback, and contributions from the tutor, it's hard to argue the opposite way. It's also hard to argue that it will have absolutely zero impact on your score. I just can't see it doing nothing or working the opposite way which is why I am saying that it will definately help. There's also the matter that tutors exist; people must be utilising them for something, and presumably the system works and tutors do in fact help your score.

Again, I'm not talking in the realms of degrees of efficacy, because I don't think they would help all that much in the majority of cases. But I don't think they can damage your score, and I don't think that you'd break even if you utilised a tute. The only way to go is up.
Actually I do believe it can have the opposite effect and I have seen it happened as well. In some cases kids can rely TOO heavily on tutors and tend to not develop independent skills which are vital for exam study. This is mostly seen in kids who have been tutored from a young age. Sure it can help with things such as concepts and discussing ideas especially in subjects like English. But I do know people who don't study at all for tests and even exams because they think "oh I'll just ask my tutor". but of course I'm not saying all cases are like this, just that it is possible that having a tutor can have negative affects, again especially if you've had a tutor for most of your schooling.
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: Sickle on December 29, 2011, 12:06:11 pm
Hm. Some people will benefit more than others from tutoring - as taigz (I think it was taigz) said, some students have learning styles that are suited to tutoring. I know quite a few kids who managed exponentially well by self-teaching (99+) - and this could have been due to their learning style which flourished on dissecting and deriving things for themselves. I tried a few tutors at the start of the year, and quit them like funkyducky did (although my motivation was mainly laziness ._.) - and ended up with a fairly good score.

Also, abd123 - 'Realistically, I reckon the 99.5+ kids had tutors along the way' - only some, not all. Won't deny that a lot of them must have studied a lot - as it tends to take studying to achieve precision and speed in subjects such as maths, although I do know a few kids who are just natural geniuses and aced vce with significantly less effort than the rest of their cohort (they are a minority).
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: Stick on December 29, 2011, 12:54:37 pm
I was talking to someone who graduated from PLC last year with an ATAR of 98.45 and she got tutors for every single subject because she didn't want to sound stupid asking questions in front of her classmates. I think this sums up my opinion on tutoring.
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: VivaTequila on December 29, 2011, 07:06:34 pm


but that's just my opinion, paying for a tute will undoubtedly increase your score.

really? i strongly disagree with that statement. paying for a tutor wont UNDOUBTEDLY increase your score. It might in some cases but IMHO i dont see what a tutor can provide that a 1 on 1 teacher session cant provide. If your teacher doesnt have the time or is not a very good teacher than go to the internet. There are millions of videos and resources from highly educated people on the net. In fact, VCE is practically designed so that you can achieve any score withought the need for out-of-school help. All you need is the text book and some determination. I self learn practically every subject cause i personally cannot learn a thing when someone trys to explain it to me. Im the kind of person that needs to read it for my self and do the questions to understand. So my opinion might be biassed. Although I have absolutely nothing against tutors at all. In fact i wouldnt mind doing it. In the end if the student is happy and wants to do it, why not make money off it?

Interesting actually... I still believe that paying for a tutor will definately, incontrovertibly, 100% increase your score. It might be questionable as to how much, but considering that spending time with a tutor is essentially time spent collaborating and investing time and effort into your studies whilst getting (hopefully) insightful input, feedback, and contributions from the tutor, it's hard to argue the opposite way. It's also hard to argue that it will have absolutely zero impact on your score. I just can't see it doing nothing or working the opposite way which is why I am saying that it will definately help. There's also the matter that tutors exist; people must be utilising them for something, and presumably the system works and tutors do in fact help your score.

Again, I'm not talking in the realms of degrees of efficacy, because I don't think they would help all that much in the majority of cases. But I don't think they can damage your score, and I don't think that you'd break even if you utilised a tute. The only way to go is up.
Actually I do believe it can have the opposite effect and I have seen it happened as well. In some cases kids can rely TOO heavily on tutors and tend to not develop independent skills which are vital for exam study. This is mostly seen in kids who have been tutored from a young age. Sure it can help with things such as concepts and discussing ideas especially in subjects like English. But I do know people who don't study at all for tests and even exams because they think "oh I'll just ask my tutor". but of course I'm not saying all cases are like this, just that it is possible that having a tutor can have negative affects, again especially if you've had a tutor for most of your schooling.

hmm i dunno, it's a plausible hypothetical but it seems VERY unlikely. guess it's true though, i can't argue that a tutor will definitely help, but it is most likely to help.
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: pi on December 29, 2011, 07:13:30 pm
some do, some don't, different people learn differently
+1

I'd say most of the 99.5+ kids in my year didn't have tutors...

I'd say the complete opposite unfortunately :( I only know of one person so far with an ATAR of 99.5+ from MHS who didn't have a tutor at all throughout his VCE.


My opinion on this topic depends on what the individual defines as "successful". Some are very happy with a 70 ATAR, whilst some want 99.75+ to be "successful". Personally, I'm happy with my scores and I'll admit to having an English tutor for most of yr12 (started in Feb). I chose to have this (me, not my parents btw) because I felt I needed to improve and had the potential to be more than a B+ student. I chose to not have tutors in other subjects, mainly because I felt I was capable enough to get a score that I'd be happy with (I'm also one who doesn't want to waste much money either :P).
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: james_blues on December 29, 2011, 07:33:45 pm
I wanted a English tutor since i was averaging only B's in year 11 and wanted to improve on this. In year 12 i got A's for all GA's, so tutoring can be helpful in improving your weaknesses
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: paulsterio on December 30, 2011, 06:22:39 pm
I still don't understand why my parents are willing to fork up like $2000 over the course of the year for my English tuition (only thing I did) - which didn't even help me anyway, when they could have just put that money towards my car fund =.=
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: pi on January 01, 2012, 04:18:22 pm
I still don't understand why my parents are willing to fork up like $2000 over the course of the year for my English tuition (only thing I did) - which didn't even help me anyway, when they could have just put that money towards my car fund =.=

Some parents value academics over owning cars in the short-term?
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: WhoTookMyUsername on January 01, 2012, 04:19:17 pm
long term?
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: pi on January 01, 2012, 04:24:22 pm
long term?

Well, VCE english only lasts a couple of years... The ATAR is only relevant for a few months, so it's short-term imo
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: pi on January 01, 2012, 04:28:59 pm
career is 4 lyf, first car is 4year

Most people change careers many times in their lives, so the ATAR doesn't define what career you will have in your whole life (main exceptions include med/dent/etc.).

Either way, English SS > $2000 for car, for me anyway
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: nisha on January 06, 2012, 08:03:23 pm
Ok, so I'm slightly surprised on the amount of people that don't prefer tutoring.
As an Asian student, our parents (mostly) see tutoring as an outlet to enhance a student's learning.
Yes, I do agree, that tutors CAN SPOONFEED a student, int what they need to know, and the students think, thats ONLY what they need to know. But in the end, that is not the tutor's responsibility. If you love the subject, are getting tutored on the side (to reinforce concepts, or help you with a difficulty), then naturally you should want to go above and beyond the course material. It is all down to your motivation. You can only take the horse to the pond, not force it to drink.

Tutors can act as:
1. To reinforce concepts on which you have learnt at school
2. To provide extra material (notes, harder practise exams and questions) in which the student cannot obtain from the internet or from school
3. To help students that are having difficulty in a particular area
4. Teach concepts better than your teacher at school
5. Assist in providing help when avaliable (by phone, email)


This all depends upon WHAT subjects are being tutored (Maths subjects are approached differently than English-based subjects) and WHAT TYPE of qualifications the tutor has. Obviously, it is desirable to pay a tutor that is a master of the subject (Eg, obtained high marks in VCE, has a considerable amount of experience and/or has a uni degree or is a vcaa assesor).

From personal experience? The best tutors are those that make YOU THINK. The ones that encourage your own ideas (english), and the way you would grasp and attempt a problem (maths), and because of this clear understanding that you have, you like the subject and want to aim exceptionally high in that area.

Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: greenbeans on January 22, 2012, 11:31:21 pm
There are a squillion different sides to having tutors and not having tutors, but personally I am not in favour of them for my learning. I would love to tutor myself, but I think they can be quite exxy.

I've heard stories of students who only use tutors as their form of revision and rely on their tutor to do their own 'learning' which I think is really a load of bs. Plus, you've already got a plethora of resources at the ready thanks to your school. Hello, weekly candlelit dinners with teachers going over 12973109 essays you wrote them, soooo many practice exams, free book talks, your friends and past VCE kiddos who did the same subjects, iPods to record your notes, annoying parents to quiz you on information you have to gargle, computers and printers at the ready, THE FREAKIN WEB!!!!

There seems to be quite a division between the kids who gets tutors - those really needing the help.. and those who are the top end students really wanting to push themselves. Either is great, but you CAN see an attitude difference between those students who are the independent learners and willing to get a tutor to beast their scores for their own goals, and those who unwillingly trudge off to the tutor because they're mopey about their (past) grades or it was their parents' idea/s. Or maybe I'm being way too judgmental, but that's how I saw it for at least the middle years. And ....therefore... probably the biggest learning curve I discovered, *particularly* during year 12 was how your attitude towards your studies is definitely the most influential factor of your success/outcome/failure/blitz/happiness with VCE!

But honestly, all you brainiacs here at AN wouldn't need tutoring, they'd be teaching their tutors a thing or two themselves!  :P
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: Mariammm on January 23, 2012, 12:05:41 am
I had a maths tutor last year which helped me get my scores up from low-mid 90s to high 90s ... It just gave me that little boost i needed, especially since my teacher was pretty dreadful... Was a massive ripoff though ... I'm now trying to convince my mum that i do not need bio, further or methods tutoring or any other subject for that matter.. But i guess its because she wants to be assured that she she has done everything possible to support me ... Considering that i'm doing bio with distance ed...Imo it just wastes a whole night of valuable study time( if you dont need it). .. Getting ready, travelling, attending - money and time drainer
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: fuzzylogic on January 23, 2012, 12:16:07 am
I'm a firm believer that tutoring only helps certain types of learners, as taiga said, and on top of that, a good tutor tailors their method to the student.  Almost every student in my chem, maths and physics classes in year 12 had some form of tutoring or coaching (physics probably because our teacher at school was absolutely dismal), and pretty much every one who got over 99 would have had some form of tutoring in at least one subject. 



 
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: John President on January 23, 2012, 12:53:11 am
I definitely think the question being asked is very generalised - everyone has different learning styles, strengths and weaknesses, plus it may vary depending on the quality of the teacher, plus dozens of other varying factors...but I don't think tutoring is essential (although it can be very helpful)

I got an ATAR over 99 without ever having or feeling the need for a tutor during high school - though I did really work for it. Although in hindsight I do think I could have benefited from one for English. My teacher spent a lot of time explaining very simplistic points, which meant that the more advanced students didn't really get as much help with more complex skills in English - unless I went to see the teacher one on one. Then again, tutors are expensive...

Fuzzylogic, I find your post interesting - Your school clearly had a culture of students seeking tutoring to boost their scores (not surprising given its PLC) while my school is a complete polar opposite - an almost entirely Anglo-Saxon public school that has little renown for academia. Unsurprisingly, hardly anyone sought tutoring - although my teachers were very good and very motivated to get the best out of us. Especially my physics teacher.

Although in general, I think exceptionally gifted students have little need to blow tons of cash on tutoring and should instead channel their energies into doing their own revision - for free.

Or everyone should just look on ATARnotes  ;)
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: greenbeans on January 23, 2012, 09:13:39 am
yeah i second the whole 'you can't get over XXXX in VCE without a tutor' :)
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: fuzzylogic on January 23, 2012, 01:45:51 pm



Fuzzylogic, I find your post interesting - Your school clearly had a culture of students seeking tutoring to boost their scores (not surprising given its PLC) while my school is a complete polar opposite - an almost entirely Anglo-Saxon public school that has little renown for academia. Unsurprisingly, hardly anyone sought tutoring - although my teachers were very good and very motivated to get the best out of us. Especially my physics teacher.

Although in general, I think exceptionally gifted students have little need to blow tons of cash on tutoring and should instead channel their energies into doing their own revision - for free.

Or everyone should just look on ATARnotes  ;)

Yes, you're right there is a culture of tutoring being the norm at my school.  What I found interesting was that starting from year nine even, a lot of our teachers actually encouraged students who were struggling to find private tutors as well as giving them extra help.  I know one of our maths teachers at school had a list of maths tutors that he would give out to anyone who wanted it. 

As for 'exceptionally gifted students' having little need to spend money on tutoring-- I don't know if I quite agree.  Again, this is probably the product of going to a school where tutors are the norm, but almost year after year, ever top student and incredibly smart student I've known or known about has had tutoring, or been to Dr. He, or North Shore etc.  I've also seen incredibly talented students in my class fall behind their peers in who probably werne't as talented, in SACs and tests, simply because they hadn't had tutoring.  It seems VCE is not and has not been for a long time, a level playing field. 

That said, I never really struggled, yet felt the need to have tutors in almost all my subjects, probably because of peer pressure LOL...in the end, we did a lot of extension, and I have to say that helped me a lot come exam time. 
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: greenbeans on January 23, 2012, 04:30:21 pm
our top students for my school didn't have tutoring :D
but then again they mightn't be the 'norm' again... i was blown away by how many people i found out actually had tutoring at my school!!
and we had a range of kiddos - from some wanting to do med to others being the amazing i will have the best of all worlds, brilliant funny massive social life popular sporty musicy etc
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: John President on January 23, 2012, 05:11:41 pm
Yes, you're right there is a culture of tutoring being the norm at my school.  What I found interesting was that starting from year nine even, a lot of our teachers actually encouraged students who were struggling to find private tutors as well as giving them extra help.  I know one of our maths teachers at school had a list of maths tutors that he would give out to anyone who wanted it. 

As for 'exceptionally gifted students' having little need to spend money on tutoring-- I don't know if I quite agree.  Again, this is probably the product of going to a school where tutors are the norm, but almost year after year, ever top student and incredibly smart student I've known or known about has had tutoring, or been to Dr. He, or North Shore etc.  I've also seen incredibly talented students in my class fall behind their peers in who probably werne't as talented, in SACs and tests, simply because they hadn't had tutoring.  It seems VCE is not and has not been for a long time, a level playing field. 

That said, I never really struggled, yet felt the need to have tutors in almost all my subjects, probably because of peer pressure LOL...in the end, we did a lot of extension, and I have to say that helped me a lot come exam time. 
Fuzzy - it would be really interesting to go back in time and see how you did without a tutor haha. I'm sure you still would have done amazingly well.

It's a relief to hear about tutored students outstripping more talented non-tutored students. If that didn't happen...that'd be a lot of money being wasted! Although I agree it can be beneficial, I still doubt that private tutoring is ESSENTIAL for VCE success, with all the study resources/skills sessions available out there.

Sidenote - I wish more students at my school wanted tutoring, I'd get more moneys lol. Problem is a whole lot of them just stay in Year 12 for the formal/schoolies!
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: DlP on January 23, 2012, 06:55:29 pm
At my school, the majority of students who got 99.95 had tutors.
Actually, the vast majority of students had tutors.


I think the fact that students with tutors are out-performing students without tutors is saying something about the education system, or maybe just schools. What if it's the teachers who aren't all great? I know a lot of mine weren't.
Granted, most of the tutoring centres I went to just taught the same things at a faster rate. The ones I chose in the end (I couldn't choose none, unfortunately) were the ones that taught outside the syllabus, especially for maths. I like to believe that the maths syllabus for the HSC is lacking in a lot of places.
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: greenbeans on January 23, 2012, 07:04:17 pm
DlP makes a good point- the teachers can get all the credit at these schools where a huge population of the students are getting private tuition.. so it's quite false advertising.
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: nacho on January 23, 2012, 07:07:43 pm

I think the fact that students with tutors are out-performing students without tutors is saying something about the education system, or maybe just schools.
that's not true at all
i know heaps of people who went to tutors for years (in middle highschool) that were outperformed by far by people that never went to tutors
i also know heaps of people who did go to tutors and performed outstandingly, so it's not one way or the other
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: burbs on January 23, 2012, 07:09:35 pm
DlP makes a good point- the teachers can get all the credit at these schools where a huge population of the students are getting private tuition.. so it's quite false advertising.

what the what
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: Planck's constant on January 23, 2012, 07:10:05 pm
And what exactly is the difference between teaching and tutoring, other than a difference in degree ?

1 teacher teaching 30 students 2 hours a week = Teaching
1 teacher teaching 1 student 10 hours a week = Tutoring

Of course the student under the second scenario will do better.
Those who argue against this self-evident fact, are either plain stupid or just like the sound of their own voice


Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: greenbeans on January 23, 2012, 07:17:49 pm
DlP makes a good point- the teachers can get all the credit at these schools where a huge population of the students are getting private tuition.. so it's quite false advertising.

what the what


some schools can brag about having fantastic students who are actually having to fork out for extra tuition as their teaching methodologies aren't up to scratch and then the school takes all the credit!
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: Thu Thu Train on January 23, 2012, 07:21:53 pm
DlP makes a good point- the teachers can get all the credit at these schools where a huge population of the students are getting private tuition.. so it's quite false advertising.

what the what


some schools can brag about having fantastic students who are actually having to fork out for extra tuition as their teaching methodologies aren't up to scratch and then the school takes all the credit!
I don't think you quite understand the point of a tutor...

Edit:
200th POST
(http://i.imgur.com/Dejw5.png)
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: greenbeans on January 23, 2012, 07:23:29 pm
i should hope so considering i am one
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: nacho on January 23, 2012, 07:24:52 pm
And what exactly is the difference between teaching and tutoring, other than a difference in degree ?

1 teacher teaching 30 students 2 hours a week = Teaching
1 teacher teaching 1 student 10 hours a week = Tutoring

Of course the student under the second scenario will do better.
Those who argue against this self-evident fact, are either plain stupid or just like the sound of their own voice
A) I'm not talking out aloud
B) For someone who dismisses any argument against their opinion as 'plain stupid' it is probably because you lack the intelligence to back up what you are saying.
Firstly, I do not know of anyone who has gotten 10 hours of tuition a week,
but even in your own scenario it doesn't matter. Working hard in class + at home make you just as capable as a student with 10 hrs + tutoring.
additionally people who get that much tutoring can also become complacent/lose motivation
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: WhoTookMyUsername on January 23, 2012, 07:25:15 pm
A fair portion of the top students don't have tutors. You don't need tutoring to succeed in VCE. 3/5 MHS 50s in Bio this year had no tutoring at all. Does it help? Depends on the person and the situation.
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: Mariammm on January 23, 2012, 07:27:21 pm
The problem here is that everyone is using anecdotal evidence so an agreement can never be reached ... So far nobody has denied that tutoring can achieve results but rather, whether this is necessary and i guess this depends on numerous factors - most of which have already been mentioned- such as the needs and the learning style of the student, the quality of teaching already available to the student, the talents and skills of the student in that particular subject and pushy parents - therefore a generalization cannot be made
I beg to differ agronaut... Student a may outdo student b due to differences in intellectual capacity and personal effort put in ... So i assume you are arguing that if the same student was put in both situations, they would achieve better with the latter - this my be the case, but sometimes when  you work to tear apart and understand a subject and consequently, your own learning technique it works out better than being spoonfed the knowledge by a tutor
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: fuzzylogic on January 23, 2012, 07:31:16 pm
DlP makes a good point- the teachers can get all the credit at these schools where a huge population of the students are getting private tuition.. so it's quite false advertising.

what the what


some schools can brag about having fantastic students who are actually having to fork out for extra tuition as their teaching methodologies aren't up to scratch and then the school takes all the credit!

People are probably going to disagree with me, but I don't think it's possible to do exceedingly well with just a tutor.  From my experience, teachers at school are like the plat de resistance, and tutors the side dishes: you can have an amazing meal without the side dishes, but if you do choose to have them, they can only enhance the experience (well almost).

I think where students do really well, even if a lot came from having tutors, normal teachers do deserve the credit-- they might not all be top class, but they do give feedback, mark students' work, help when necessary and hopefully inspire their students (and I think that's pretty important in students doing well).  I'm generalising here, and I know this isn't always the case, but they do the best they can for a 1:20-30 teaching ratio. 

In terms of the school taking credit-- why not?  Success isn't always just about the teacher, but a small yet significant part is about the atmosphere and environment of learning that the school creates.  And most of the high flying schools that take credit for their students' success even if most had tutors do have this sort of atmosphere. 
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: Planck's constant on January 23, 2012, 07:34:58 pm

Student a may outdo student b due to differences in intellectual capacity



You are comparing apples with bananas.

I am talking :

1) I am one of 30 students being taught in a classroom setting by Dr Wee for 2 hours a week
2) I am the LONE student being taught one-to-one by Dr Wee for 10 hours a week

2 > 1

Obvious



.
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: Planck's constant on January 23, 2012, 07:36:34 pm

B) For someone who dismisses any argument against their opinion as 'plain stupid'



I did say that
I cannot deny it
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: Mariammm on January 23, 2012, 07:42:36 pm

Student a may outdo student b due to differences in intellectual capacity



You are comparing apples with bananas.

I am talking :

1) I am one of 30 students being taught in a classroom setting by Dr Wee for 2 hours a week
2) I am the LONE student being taught one-to-one by Dr Wee for 10 hours a week

2 > 1

Obvious



.

I clearly answered that part in my argument ... Yet you chose to just look at one line of it
So i assume you are arguing that if the same student was put in both situations, they would achieve better with the latter - this my be the case, but sometimes when  you work to tear apart and understand a subject and consequently, your own learning technique it works out better than being spoonfed the knowledge by a tutor
I didnt shut down your argument but said that you cant speak for everyone .. So dont be throwing unrelated analogies

And i said 'intellectual capacity AND personal effort'
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: WhoTookMyUsername on January 23, 2012, 08:10:11 pm
well the OP said if tutoring is "NEEDED" clearly; it's not NEEDED. and the degree that it helps is very subjective
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: Mariammm on January 23, 2012, 08:13:27 pm
well the OP said if tutoring is "NEEDED" clearly; it's not NEEDED. and the degree that it helps is very subjective

This i agree with ... But one question is being asked and another is being answered
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: WhoTookMyUsername on January 23, 2012, 08:17:47 pm
Well there's no answer to the other question so there's really no point debating it IMO
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: DlP on January 23, 2012, 08:18:30 pm
I should have been more careful with my words. That was slightly ambiguous. I didn't mean all, just the fact that any tutored student could out-perform one without tutoring. Of course not all students with a tutor could out-do any without - that would be embarrassing.

Also, I see tutors as something different. To me, a private tutor would be one teacher helping one student at a time, but there can be multiple students there at once. A tutor (I just call them tutors) would be in a classroom setting, similar to what schools do. I generally see private tutors as those helping students who are struggling, while classroom-based tutors as those generic tutors people talk (and occasionally complain) about.


@greenbeans: No...not quite what I was getting at.
The school and its teachers are partially responsible for the atmosphere it provides. I find that students from different backgrounds (I'm Asian) generally aren't so focussed on education, and the teachers (can) do little to change that. Then people complain about these other students making it seem like tutoring is essential. Maybe tuition provides something that some schools tend to be lacking.

On the other hand, I know a few of my teachers were very critical of tuition. One of my friends was very strongly opposed to tutors as well (only because he didn't go to one, and almost everyone else did). When I asked one of my teachers, she said that she felt that way because many tuition centres took credit for what they're students were really doing. I don't know if the situation is the same anywhere in Vic, but in one of the top selective schools in my state, most of the students come from one particular area. It could be because that area has the combination of high socio-economic status and a large Asian population.

But the point was that it wasn't the tutors that were so great, it was the students. She believed that their (the tutor's) students didn't accurately measure the tuition centre's success, but it was largely the student's doing and that their participation in tuition was merely an expression of their own or their parents values.


@argonaut: That's some really intensive tutoring. How do those 10 hours fit around the week?
@fuzzylogic: I think that the atmosphere is quite a large part. Positive peer pressure, although it's much more subtle.
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: WhoTookMyUsername on January 23, 2012, 08:23:19 pm
I should have been more careful with my words. That was slightly ambiguous. I didn't mean all, just the fact that any tutored student could out-perform one without tutoring. Of course not all students with a tutor could out-do any without - that would be embarrassing.


uh... what? Are you trying to say that if one person took the VCE twice and simulataneously, the one with tutoring would perform better? THe way you've phrased it i read it as "any tutored student > any one without tutoring"
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: DlP on January 23, 2012, 08:55:23 pm
Basically, tutored students seem to be doing better.
A simpler way of putting it (although my perspective is skewed).
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: greenbeans on January 23, 2012, 11:49:57 pm

But the point was that it wasn't the tutors that were so great, it was the students. She believed that their (the tutor's) students didn't accurately measure the tuition centre's success, but it was largely the student's doing and that their participation in tuition was merely an expression of their own or their parents values.


^^^ this. totally what i believe in, clearly i've offended/confused/frustrated a few AN members here by not putting my own thoughts, beliefs whatever into something prosaic enough as DlP has so beautifully done.
so on the whole i am for tutors as i love the profession, yet i, personally am against getting myself tutored, but this issue has so many facets to it that having a clear cut answer is such a no-no.
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: paulsterio on January 26, 2012, 04:51:34 pm
not necessarily, tutoring has the capacity to diminish one's performance. for example, had i done methods tuition, say, it might have been possible for me to end up doing worse because of a false sense of security and because of me not trying my best to understand and do well.

also, group tuition isn't necessarily worse than 1-on-1. group tuition has the advantage of competition and that's a massive advantage.
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: HERculina on January 26, 2012, 04:59:19 pm
I actually disagree with that. How can tutoring make you do worse? If you're a great student wouldn't you be smart enough to use the tutoring as an advantage and improve with it? Plus I've never heard of someone with tutoring say it made them worse. Someone who says so must have already been unmotivated in the first place.
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: paulsterio on January 26, 2012, 05:05:23 pm
Hmm, I'm not in a position to say, but I was just putting the idea out there.

I was thinking along the lines of tuition being kinda like "spoonfeeding" which is basically telling students how to do things without them understanding it. This gives them a sense of "oh I know how to do this and I understand it", whilst they actually do not. This might be bad for the student because they then go on without ever learning it properly

For example, personally, I knew how to find derivatives way before I understood what it meant in terms of the instantaneous rate of change. That's because an older friend of mine taught me it as a way of finding a stationary point. "Find the derivative, set it equal to zero, solve for x". That's what I knew, but I didn't understand. I think tuition can also have this effect?
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: Fishyiscool on January 26, 2012, 05:07:17 pm
I actually disagree with that. How can tutoring make you do worse? If you're a great student wouldn't you be smart enough to use the tutoring as an advantage and improve with it? Plus I've never heard of someone with tutoring say it made them worse. Someone who says so must have already been unmotivated in the first place.

As much as I love you, Hercules, tutoring for health was a waste of my life and made me dumber. XD my marks dropped from a+ to c+ xD I guess I spent time I could have spent studying at tutor.. Then came home and wasted time coz I'd 'worked so hard at tutor' LOL. Coz I'm a psycho like that xD it prob depends on what tutor and whether it's one on one or group (like I had for health).
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: HERculina on January 26, 2012, 06:27:50 pm
Lol ok  ;D. Maybe it varies for different people. I just think that tutoring is more of a stay the same vs get better thing rather than a get worse vs get better thing if that makes sense =D
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: Fishyiscool on January 26, 2012, 10:41:20 pm
Lol ok  ;D. Maybe it varies for different people. I just think that tutoring is more of a stay the same vs get better thing rather than a get worse vs get better thing if that makes sense =D


Yeeeeh I get what u mean ; I guess it depends on the person and how lazy they are ;D
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: nisha on January 27, 2012, 10:30:05 am
Its a case of "Its cruel to be kind " in this situation.
If you can be bothered to get a tutor and getting ahead, it will only benefit you and your results in the long run...

I think I'm telling myself this, more than anyone else, since I have 11.5 hours of tutoring per week.
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: chrysalis on January 27, 2012, 10:53:06 am
I've never once had tutoring so I can't say whether or not it would've helped, but I know that the very top scoring students from my school (including myself) did not receive tutoring.

Of course, tutoring can be extremely beneficial depending on the individual, but it's definitely not needed to succeed.
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: nisha on January 27, 2012, 10:56:40 am
I've never once had tutoring so I can't say whether or not it would've helped, but I know that the very top scoring students from my school (including myself) did not recieve tutoring.

Of course, tutoring can be extremely beneficial depending on the individual, but it's definitely not needed to succeed.

Agreed
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: Planck's constant on January 27, 2012, 11:07:42 am
I've never once had tutoring so I can't say whether or not it would've helped, but I know that the very top scoring students from my school (including myself) did not recieve tutoring.

Of course, tutoring can be extremely beneficial depending on the individual, but it's definitely not needed to succeed.


Usain Bolt is naturally talented.
This does not mean that all that Usain Bolt has to do is train and race.
He needs the right coach to tell him 'how to train and how to race' so that he can maximise his results.
If Usain Bolt thought that he does not 'need' a coach, that would be the height of arrogance.

Similarly, the right tutor can help even the most talented of students to improve.
At any rate, a tutor can accelerate the learning of even the most talented of students.
If a talented student thought that he is too smart for improvement, that would also be the height of ARROGANCE
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: paulsterio on January 27, 2012, 11:10:09 am
But, argonaut, we all agree that talented students want to improve, the point being discussed is whether a tutor will help them improve. You can't compare someone who wants to improve with someone who doesn't
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: nisha on January 27, 2012, 11:11:28 am

If a talented student thought that he is too smart for improvement, that would also be the height of ARROGANCE

+1. Never be overconfident. Bites you in the arse
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: paulsterio on January 27, 2012, 11:15:12 am
You need to be confident, but not overconfident. Hmmmm, where's the line then? It's like cheating and bending the rules, there's got to be a point where a line is crossed?
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: chrysalis on January 27, 2012, 11:19:46 am

Similarly, the right tutor can help even the most talented of students to improve.
At any rate, a tutor can accelerate the learning of even the most talented of students.
If a talented student thought that he is too smart for improvement, that would also be the height of ARROGANCE


Yes, I agree - of course tutors will assist to maximise success, but all I'm saying is that they are not an absolute necessity.
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: Planck's constant on January 27, 2012, 11:20:00 am
But, argonaut, we all agree that talented students want to improve, the point being discussed is whether a tutor will help them improve. You can't compare someone who wants to improve with someone who doesn't

Yes, OK but I am challenging the attitude of some who claim 'I am beyond improvement, how can you improve perfection?'.
That's arrogance.
It is also untrue.

Because there is no way known, unless you are a freak of nature, you can get a top line result, eg a 50 in Mathematical Methods 3/4 as a Year 11 or a 50 in Latin as a Year 12, without any sort of tutoring/coaching/mentoring, call it what you like
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: Special At Specialist on January 27, 2012, 11:22:06 am
10 years ago I'd say tutoring was very important for top scorers.
But nowadays, with all the free online material such as khan academy, youtube and wikipedia, I don't think that tutoring is necessary.
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: Mariammm on January 27, 2012, 11:23:01 am
This debate is just going around in circles...
Can't we just agree that tutoring is not essential but can be useful to certain students to varying degrees
Moral of the story : if you want a tutor and feel like you will benefit, then get one
If you don't, then don't get one
And agronaut, you can improve on your own, without the help of a tutor - its not about arrogance, its about realism - if you know that by working hard through the content, doing practice exams etc. is enough, then why would you get a tutor?? You just have to be honest with yourself about how far you can get on your own (with your classroom teacher)
I think the best type of confidence is going into an exam, assured that you have done the best you possibly can, hope for the best but prepare for the worst
And there are many cases of perfect scores - even here on AN- on a subject with no tutoring
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: paulsterio on January 27, 2012, 11:23:43 am
Of course, no one is perfect.

I doubt it though, I know a lot of people who got 50s without tutoring/coaching...etc. I, myself, got 49 in Methods without tuition, my friend managed to get a 50 without tuition. I also believe that Thushan managed to get 50s without tuition as well



And agronaut, you can improve on your own, without the help of a tutor - its not about arrogance, its about realism - if you know that by working hard through the content, doing practice exams etc. is enough, then why would you get a tutor?? You just have to be honest with yourself about how far you can get on your own (with your classroom teacher)


Yepp, that's right
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: b^3 on January 27, 2012, 11:24:56 am
This debate is just going around in circles...
Can't we just agree that tutoring is not essential but can be useful to certain students to varying degrees
Moral of the story : if you want a tutor and feel like you will benefit, then get one
If you don't, then don't get one
And agronaut, you can improve on your own, without the help of a tutor - its not about arrogance, its about realism - if you know that by working hard through the content, doing practice exams etc. is enough, then why would you get a tutor?? You just have to be honest with yourself about how far you can get on your own (with your classroom teacher)
I think the best type of confidence is going into an exam, assured that you have done the best you possibly can, hope for the best but prepare for the worst
And there are many cases of perfect scores - even here on AN- on a subject with no tutoring

+1 to the all of it and +2 to the bolded part.
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: Planck's constant on January 27, 2012, 11:36:34 am

I also believe that Thushan managed to get 50s without tuition as well


You are going to have to ask him.
You should also not believe everything you are told.

I will make this additional point.
If your mum and dad manage every minute of your life, providing research and secreterial assistance and save you a lot of time from having to work things out and do them on your own, which gives you more time to study, then that is also a form of tutoring/mentoring/coaching

Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: paulsterio on January 27, 2012, 11:41:43 am
I'll remember to ask him :)

Anyways, but then there's the issue of the line, which seems to come up everywhere, so if your parents decide to do your chores for you so that you have more time to study, does that constitute tutoring/mentoring/coaching? if your parents buy books for you, is that tutoring/mentoring/coaching? if your older siblings give you their notes and helps you out every now and then is that tutoring/mentoring/coaching?
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: nisha on January 27, 2012, 11:51:43 am
O.o its getting intense
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: Fishyiscool on January 27, 2012, 11:57:38 am
I'm Pretty entirely sure that thushan hasn't been tutored since kumon in like year 8 or 9 LOL.
Some people are just geniuses on their own accord.
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: Planck's constant on January 27, 2012, 12:02:58 pm
I'll remember to ask him :)

Anyways, but then there's the issue of the line, which seems to come up everywhere, so if your parents decide to do your chores for you so that you have more time to study, does that constitute tutoring/mentoring/coaching? if your parents buy books for you, is that tutoring/mentoring/coaching? if your older siblings give you their notes and helps you out every now and then is that tutoring/mentoring/coaching?


At the top level, there is always a 'Brains Trust' behind the scenes, paulsterio :)
Trust me ... lol
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: Planck's constant on January 27, 2012, 12:05:33 pm
I'm Pretty entirely sure that thushan hasn't been tutored since kumon in like year 8 or 9 LOL.
Some people are just geniuses on their own accord.


So you are telling me that Thushan was a tutor at Kumon
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: Mariammm on January 27, 2012, 12:07:48 pm
That is called familial support ... Some people are lucky enough to have it more than others
I'll remember to ask him :)

Anyways, but then there's the issue of the line, which seems to come up everywhere, so if your parents decide to do your chores for you so that you have more time to study, does that constitute tutoring/mentoring/coaching? if your parents buy books for you, is that tutoring/mentoring/coaching? if your older siblings give you their notes and helps you out every now and then is that tutoring/mentoring/coaching?


At the top level, there is always a 'Brains Trust' behind the scenes, paulsterio :)
Trust me ... lol
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: Planck's constant on January 27, 2012, 12:22:20 pm

That is called familial support ... Some people are lucky enough to have it more than others



I see.

If my mum is a Senior Lecturer in English Literature and my dad is Emeritus Professor of Mathematics and all my brothers and sisters have done VCE ahead of me and I have 24 hour access to them for help/tips/advice then this not tutoring, its familial support and I am doing everything on my OWN

But if I pay some Uni Student $25 an hour for 1 hour a week, I am being TUTORED and I should be ashamed of myself.
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: Panicmode on January 27, 2012, 12:28:14 pm

That is called familial support ... Some people are lucky enough to have it more than others



I see.

If my mum is a Senior Lecturer in English Literature and my dad is Emeritus Professor of Mathematics and all my brothers and sisters have done VCE ahead of me and I have 24 hour access to them for help/tips/advice then this not tutoring, its familial support and I am doing everything on my OWN

But if I pay some Uni Student $25 an hour for 1 hour a week, I am being TUTORED and I should be ashamed of myself.

There's no reason to be ashamed of being tutored at all.

Personally, I did VCE all by myself, no extra notes, no help from older siblings, no tutors; just the books on the book-list, my teachers and me. But, I think I probably should have forked up the money for a tutor in at least a couple of my subjects. I might have seen my study scores rise a bit.
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: Zebra on January 27, 2012, 12:44:53 pm
I strongly believe one can do very well without getting any tuitions as long as determination to work hard is there.
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: Fishyiscool on January 27, 2012, 12:57:35 pm
I'm Pretty entirely sure that thushan hasn't been tutored since kumon in like year 8 or 9 LOL.
Some people are just geniuses on their own accord.


So you are telling me that Thushan was a tutor at Kumon

LOL. Im not entirely sure about that, but I know he was tutored at kumon as a child. :P a small child.
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: Mariammm on January 27, 2012, 01:02:43 pm

That is called familial support ... Some people are lucky enough to have it more than others



I see.

If my mum is a Senior Lecturer in English Literature and my dad is Emeritus Professor of Mathematics and all my brothers and sisters have done VCE ahead of me and I have 24 hour access to them for help/tips/advice then this not tutoring, its familial support and I am doing everything on my OWN

But if I pay some Uni Student $25 an hour for 1 hour a week, I am being TUTORED and I should be ashamed of myself.
Why would you be ashamed? I have already made my opinion clear that there is nothing wrong with tutoring ... Heck, if one has that available to them, they should utilize it to their advantage - guitlessly ....
So what exactly is your point?
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: Mariammm on January 27, 2012, 01:26:47 pm
Sorry for the double-post but I have to add something...
I was referring to Paul's comment about parents doing chores for you and siblings giving you their notes - this is the familial support I'm talking about
However, if you are sitting with your parent/sibling, who happens to be familar with the subject, for an amount of time, for a one-on-one session where they explain the content to you, then this becomes tutoring - the only difference being that you dont pay them... And once again,there is nothing wrong with that ...
You just happen to be lucky
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: nisha on January 27, 2012, 01:54:31 pm
I strongly believe one can do very well without getting any tuitions as long as determination to work hard is there.

Yes. I agree. But not everyone is lucky to have great teachers who are passionate about their subjects to teach you.
That is why there are tutors.
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: Jdog on January 27, 2012, 01:57:23 pm
thushan got tutoring for german and biology.
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: Fishyiscool on January 27, 2012, 02:15:00 pm
thushan got tutoring for german and biology.

Oh yeeeeah lol, my bad. XD
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: Russ on January 27, 2012, 07:15:52 pm
I'm Pretty entirely sure that thushan hasn't been tutored since kumon in like year 8 or 9 LOL.
Some people are just geniuses on their own accord.


So you are telling me that Thushan was a tutor at Kumon

LOL. Im not entirely sure about that, but I know he was tutored at kumon as a child. :P a small child.

I choose to interpret this as validation of my job and work
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: Fishyiscool on January 27, 2012, 07:30:02 pm
I'm Pretty entirely sure that thushan hasn't been tutored since kumon in like year 8 or 9 LOL.
Some people are just geniuses on their own accord.


So you are telling me that Thushan was a tutor at Kumon

LOL. Im not entirely sure about that, but I know he was tutored at kumon as a child. :P a small child.

I choose to interpret this as validation of my job and work

What do u mean? You work at kumon? :D
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: thushan on January 27, 2012, 08:36:40 pm

I also believe that Thushan managed to get 50s without tuition as well


You are going to have to ask him.
You should also not believe everything you are told.

I will make this additional point.
If your mum and dad manage every minute of your life, providing research and secreterial assistance and save you a lot of time from having to work things out and do them on your own, which gives you more time to study, then that is also a form of tutoring/mentoring/coaching



Hey Argonaut.

Will set this straight.

English Language - didn't receive tuition until about 2-3 months before exams - but I guess I did have a tutor for a couple of months, he was absolutely amazing.
Maths Methods/Specialist - did most of the material in Kumon in years 5 and 6, then worked on my own
Chem - never had a tutor, but I did Olympiad in year 11-12 and my year 11 chem teacher was amazing.
Physics - never had a tutor, did pretty much all the work myself, but went to a TSFX lecture at the end of the year.
Biology - had a tutor for whole year of bio, but it was a complete waste of money, purely coz i couldn't understand his accent at all. he did give me some reading that was good. but i accredit TSFX and Douchy and GTAC, which i searched up.
German - had scocliffe09 as my german tutor, he was amazing, but i wasn't great at german in the first place

So all in all, I had SOME tutoring, but by no account did I have a zillion tutors.

Also, it was doing Biology in Year 11 with next to no spoon-feeding (see note on my tutor), searching up my own resources, and writing mind map after mind map when i realised that's how I learnt best that gave me the study skills i needed for year 12!

Oh and dude, could you be a little less...contemptuous! Make arguments, that's fine, but be logical/reasonable rather than contemptuous.
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: thushan on January 27, 2012, 08:42:13 pm
I'm Pretty entirely sure that thushan hasn't been tutored since kumon in like year 8 or 9 LOL.
Some people are just geniuses on their own accord.

tizi, I did get some tutoring, but not much - bio in year 11, german on a casual basis, and englang for a few months
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: Fishyiscool on January 27, 2012, 09:41:37 pm
I'm Pretty entirely sure that thushan hasn't been tutored since kumon in like year 8 or 9 LOL.
Some people are just geniuses on their own accord.

tizi, I did get some tutoring, but not much - bio in year 11, german on a casual basis, and englang for a few months


Hahaha oh yeah I realized after someone said it xD Ahhh well most of it was due to yourself only :P
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: Jdog on January 28, 2012, 06:26:05 pm
mad props to thush for gunning chem on his own. respect.
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: paulsterio on January 28, 2012, 09:05:23 pm
sorry guys, i've just haven't updated myself on this thread but firstly,

I see.

If my mum is a Senior Lecturer in English Literature and my dad is Emeritus Professor of Mathematics and all my brothers and sisters have done VCE ahead of me and I have 24 hour access to them for help/tips/advice then this not tutoring, its familial support and I am doing everything on my OWN

But if I pay some Uni Student $25 an hour for 1 hour a week, I am being TUTORED and I should be ashamed of myself.

no, if you're receiving direct help then that's tutoring, if you're receiving indirect help it's familial support. When I had my VCE Exams, my dad was on Long Service Leave from his work and basically he was at home all day (I still had school), so he'd do things like printing off practice exams for me, going to the bookstore to get me any books that I asked him to, he looked up sample English essays and topics on the Internet for me as well as other things such as study guides and such. I think this is familial support. He didn't directly assist me with coursework material, but he helped me by saving me time, allowing me to study more efficiently and have more breaks.

However, if my dad sat down with me and did exam questions together, taught me and supported me that way, then yes, it'd technically be tutoring. However, I don't see anything to be "ashamed of", I don't understand why you've brought the issue of "shame" into the discussion. We're debating whether tuition helps one to succeed, not whether tutoring is shameful.
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: thushan on January 28, 2012, 10:42:26 pm
sorry guys, i've just haven't updated myself on this thread but firstly,

I see.

If my mum is a Senior Lecturer in English Literature and my dad is Emeritus Professor of Mathematics and all my brothers and sisters have done VCE ahead of me and I have 24 hour access to them for help/tips/advice then this not tutoring, its familial support and I am doing everything on my OWN

But if I pay some Uni Student $25 an hour for 1 hour a week, I am being TUTORED and I should be ashamed of myself.

no, if you're receiving direct help then that's tutoring, if you're receiving indirect help it's familial support. When I had my VCE Exams, my dad was on Long Service Leave from his work and basically he was at home all day (I still had school), so he'd do things like printing off practice exams for me, going to the bookstore to get me any books that I asked him to, he looked up sample English essays and topics on the Internet for me as well as other things such as study guides and such. I think this is familial support. He didn't directly assist me with coursework material, but he helped me by saving me time, allowing me to study more efficiently and have more breaks.

However, if my dad sat down with me and did exam questions together, taught me and supported me that way, then yes, it'd technically be tutoring. However, I don't see anything to be "ashamed of", I don't understand why you've brought the issue of "shame" into the discussion. We're debating whether tuition helps one to succeed, not whether tutoring is shameful.

Oh and can I add, thanks Argonaut. So all my students are meant to feel ashamed that I'm tutoring them, and I'm supposed to be ashamed that I'm giving tutoring? Sometimes it is good to give people guidance on how to think, guiding their development of analytical skills and logical reasoning and principle development through my Chem tutoring, the deriving of formulas and concepts from basic common sense in my Methods and Spesh tutoring.

And btw argonaut, I'm feeling pretty shit about myself over what you said. :( If you're just trolling me, please stop, I'm actually quite hurt about this.
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: thushan on January 28, 2012, 10:51:34 pm
Ahaha on another note I'm no longer tutoring Methods, Spesh or Physics...(but I am keeping the students I already have!).
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: luken93 on January 29, 2012, 12:04:24 am
Can't remember if I wrote on this thread, but anyways.

I got no tuition whatsoever, I went to a couple of lectures but that was the extent of my outside help.

And I go to a mediocre school.

And my parents are tradies and shop assistants.

It can be done on your own accord, just sayin.
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: Russ on January 29, 2012, 11:41:05 am
You're misinterpreting his comments, he never said that you should be ashamed of yourself

I choose to interpret this as validation of my job and work

What do u mean? You work at kumon? :D

Yeah, I just quit, I've worked there for a while now (several years).
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: s.ay on January 29, 2012, 11:55:13 am
Tutoring in its own right is nothing to be ashamed of, nor is seeking a tutor. It is entirely dependent on one's circumstances. For example, I am receiving tutoring for methods, as I was sick for about two years of my schooling and wish to fill in any gaps that I may have. I don't think I should be ashamed of that? And whether or not students need tutoring to succeed in VCE.. well I am inclined to say that,once again, it really depends on the individual.
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: golden on May 03, 2012, 08:50:15 am

I also believe that Thushan managed to get 50s without tuition as well


You are going to have to ask him.
You should also not believe everything you are told.

I will make this additional point.
If your mum and dad manage every minute of your life, providing research and secreterial assistance and save you a lot of time from having to work things out and do them on your own, which gives you more time to study, then that is also a form of tutoring/mentoring/coaching



Hey Argonaut.

Will set this straight.

English Language - didn't receive tuition until about 2-3 months before exams - but I guess I did have a tutor for a couple of months, he was absolutely amazing.
Maths Methods/Specialist - did most of the material in Kumon in years 5 and 6, then worked on my own
Chem - never had a tutor, but I did Olympiad in year 11-12 and my year 11 chem teacher was amazing.
Physics - never had a tutor, did pretty much all the work myself, but went to a TSFX lecture at the end of the year.
Biology - had a tutor for whole year of bio, but it was a complete waste of money, purely coz i couldn't understand his accent at all. he did give me some reading that was good. but i accredit TSFX and Douchy and GTAC, which i searched up.
German - had scocliffe09 as my german tutor, he was amazing, but i wasn't great at german in the first place

So all in all, I had SOME tutoring, but by no account did I have a zillion tutors.

Also, it was doing Biology in Year 11 with next to no spoon-feeding (see note on my tutor), searching up my own resources, and writing mind map after mind map when i realised that's how I learnt best that gave me the study skills i needed for year 12!

Oh and dude, could you be a little less...contemptuous! Make arguments, that's fine, but be logical/reasonable rather than contemptuous.

Maybe I'm misinterpreting this but you managed to do Methods/Specialist material in grade 5 and 6?
If you did then wow!
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: pi on May 05, 2012, 06:02:54 pm
Maybe I'm misinterpreting this but you managed to do Methods/Specialist material in grade 5 and 6?
If you did then wow!

You did not misinterpret that, it is simply scary.
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: paulsterio on May 05, 2012, 07:52:13 pm
I think it's a misinterpretation :P

What Thushan meant to say is that he did Kumon in years 5-6, not Methods and Spesh in years 5-6?
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: pi on May 05, 2012, 07:56:30 pm
I think it's a misinterpretation :P

What Thushan meant to say is that he did Kumon in years 5-6, not Methods and Spesh in years 5-6?

I think you should ask him, it's not a misinterpretation :P

Kumon goes into methods and spesh level material. I know someone who was doing volumes of revolution in yr8, and thushan is a fair bit above that guy intellectually (no offence to this person).
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: paulsterio on May 05, 2012, 08:00:29 pm
I think you should ask him, it's not a misinterpretation :P

Kumon goes into methods and spesh level material. I know someone who was doing volumes of revolution in yr8, and thushan is a fair bit above that guy intellectually (no offence to this person).

Alright, I'll ask Thushan

But relating this back to the discussion, does doing, say, Volumes of Solids of Revolution in Year 8, really help a student achieve more highly later on in Year 12?
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: pi on May 05, 2012, 08:03:05 pm
Alright, I'll ask Thushan

But relating this back to the discussion, does doing, say, Volumes of Solids of Revolution in Year 8, really help a student achieve more highly later on in Year 12?

I don't think so, this guy got similar scores to me in yr12 maths (1 SS higher in methods, same in spesh).

I think it's just parents who are overly keen when this sort of stuff happens, I'm not for it tbh. Kids should be kids.
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: thushan on May 05, 2012, 08:05:40 pm
mmm, not complaining though - without kumon...i would have been a different person...
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: paulsterio on May 05, 2012, 08:07:00 pm
That's exactly what I'm thinking, because in the end, VCE maths is really about minimising the amount of careless errors you make and really getting down to the nitty gritty and hard problems which separate the 50s from the 45s and I don't see how someone who's done this in Year 8 would have much benefit.

On top of that, I doubt someone in year 8 has enough "world knowledge" to reallly understand the maths in the same way that we do?
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: paulsterio on May 05, 2012, 08:07:19 pm
mmm, not complaining though - without kumon...i would have been a different person...

How so?

- sorry for double post, ceebs editing :P
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: pi on May 05, 2012, 08:09:31 pm
On top of that, I doubt someone in year 8 has enough "world knowledge" to reallly understand the maths in the same way that we do?

Who cares about that, a kid in yr8 shouldn't be doing anything other than maybe basic quadratics and trig. It's yr8! One of the very last years with pretty much no substantial homework. Go outside and play a sport or something, don't get bogged down over little booklets filled with calculus.
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: thushan on May 05, 2012, 08:11:38 pm
mmm, not complaining though - without kumon...i would have been a different person...

How so?

- sorry for double post, ceebs editing :P

kumon was the reason i did well in maths in year 12
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: paulsterio on May 05, 2012, 08:13:00 pm
Who cares about that, a kid in yr8 shouldn't be doing anything other than maybe basic quadratics and trig. It's yr8! One of the very last years with pretty much no substantial homework. Go outside and play a sport or something, don't get bogged down over little booklets filled with calculus.

kumon was the reason i did well in maths in year 12

hmmm, interesting conflicting views here, but yeah :\
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: Lasercookie on May 05, 2012, 08:26:03 pm
On top of that, I doubt someone in year 8 has enough "world knowledge" to reallly understand the maths in the same way that we do?
This sounds like a very interesting discussion point, can you elaborate on this point?

What do you mean by 'world knowledge' and how is that applicable to understanding maths? Isn't it mostly abstract? I'd have thought that a year 8 would be quite capable of understanding the relationship between numbers, graphs, shapes, vectors and what not. You would assume that if they're working at year 12 level content, they'd be pretty good with algebra and all that lower year level content etc.

Hmm, what are a few related issues? I guess:
A few of those can relate to VCE students and how the way they approach maths too.
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: MJRomeo81 on May 05, 2012, 08:31:07 pm
Getting some hands on experience with complicated stuff at a young age certainly helps. Even if you don't fully understand it or you develop bad habits in the area (e.g. programming for example), I've found that the sheer experience of "seeing it all before" gives you an inherent advantage.
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: pi on May 05, 2012, 08:59:20 pm
Who cares about that, a kid in yr8 shouldn't be doing anything other than maybe basic quadratics and trig. It's yr8! One of the very last years with pretty much no substantial homework. Go outside and play a sport or something, don't get bogged down over little booklets filled with calculus.

kumon was the reason i did well in maths in year 12

hmmm, interesting conflicting views here, but yeah :\

What's your view out of curiosity? Would you encourage your younger siblings to be able to do volumes of revolution by late primary/early secondary school?


My view is a bit biased, as I did Kumon for about a month in primary school (grade 1) but my parents pulled me out because they too believed "kids should be kids". I distinctly remember them taking me out to a movie instead of going to the next Kumon class (they didn't tell me I was to stop going), saying that to me. Furthermore, my yr8 maths teacher drilled a guy in my class (the same one as aforementioned) for being a "monkey with no tricks" after using the Kumon rote-learning techniques (which I don't think is the right way to learn secondary school maths either).

Getting some hands on experience with complicated stuff at a young age certainly helps. Even if you don't fully understand it or you develop bad habits in the area (e.g. programming for example), I've found that the sheer experience of "seeing it all before" gives you an inherent advantage.

This isn't really about a head-start, this is more about extreme parenting. Whilst it may make things easier, there is more to success than rote-learning how to solve problems. And I don't really think that this is too much of an advantage, I wouldn't trade hours of my childhood for Kumon.

I'm against it, you can only be a kid once, and personally, I'd live those memories to be filled with fun rather than work. There's plenty of time for work later in life imo.
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: abeybaby on May 05, 2012, 09:03:32 pm
kumon is AWESOME for teaching mental arithmetic, little tricks when working with big numbers and speed, but when you get to levels L+, it just gets ridiculous.. it becomes somewhat useless...

i wish i knew about kumon in primary school, i would have loved to finish up to K
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: thushan on May 05, 2012, 09:05:48 pm
kumon is AWESOME for teaching mental arithmetic, little tricks when working with big numbers and speed, but when you get to levels L+, it just gets ridiculous.. it becomes somewhat useless...

i wish i knew about kumon in primary school, i would have loved to finish up to K

nah, M = trig, useful. O, P = advanced calculus. Q = statistics + matrices.

Quite useful.
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: charmanderp on May 05, 2012, 09:07:05 pm
I wish I had done something like Kumon in primary school. Never really took maths seriously until Methods 3/4 and as a result, my algebra skills are just awful. I think essay writing tuition as a youngster can also be of huge help. I did about a month or two of that at the start of Year 6 and I feel like it's one of the major reasons I've done well at English and other written subjects in high school.
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: abeybaby on May 05, 2012, 09:12:13 pm
the logs in L drive me nuts.. some of the questions are so irrelevant to VCE, and the students just had no understanding on what logs really are.. it just became a rote learning game for them
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: Russ on May 06, 2012, 04:10:56 pm
Like I said earlier, I worked at Kumon for several years and we had kids doing VCE stuff (M) in lower secondary school.

tbqh, we could probably have coached students even lower to be able to get the questions right. At the end of the day, a math exam is just pattern recognition and being able to apply the right formula. We had kids learn how to factorize and then do a few hundred factorization questions. And then repeat. It's rote learning but it sets you up extremely well for future education.

Since I'm not working for them any more I can use words like "guarantee" without worrying about actually having to refund money so; if you do Kumon for at least a year in middle primary school then I guarantee you'll be ahead of your maths class in VCE. There's no special trick to it and it's not even that enjoyable or engaging but it improves your skills very effectively.

will answer questions if you want
Title: Re: Do students need tutoring to succeed in the VCE?
Post by: kensan on May 06, 2012, 04:13:01 pm
I did Kumon from grade 1 till year 9, got to level N and stopped.
I think Kumon helped so much with my mathematical ability, definitely helped.