Frequently Asked Questions:
01
Why did you choose "The Young Writer's Table"?
Every writer's process begins behind a table. For some writers, sitting behind the table becomes a sacred ritual; there's a fixed position for their mug of hot chocolate; their table lamp must be the right distance away from their computer (so that their keyboard is illuminated without too much glare). For others, their table comes in all forms, shapes and sizes; they scribble their notes on iPads that are propped on their laps; they doodle plot points on napkins on the metro in Paris. The Writer's Table is a symbolic reference of the writing process and the discipline and dedication that comes with it. These learning values will be inculcated in all our students.
02
What is your method?
The learning ability of every child is different; some are able to grasp concepts better, others are able to memorise the meaning of words more efficiently. We do not believe that any one child is more capable than the other, even if their grades seem to suggest so. With this in mind, we begin by assessing a child's ability (based on work the child's done before and through discussion with the child's parents). We identify the areas where he needs the most help, whether it involves building a meaningful vocabulary or writing a more compelling narrative, and we design a unique curriculum that addresses the child's needs.
Although we use the Ministry of Education (MOE) syllabus as a guide, we do not confine ourselves to it. We will teach your child comprehension skills by reading extracts from Edgar Allan Poe, Charlotte Perkins Gillman; we will teach them story structure by studying the plot in Finding Nemo. It is a question that students constantly ask, "How is what I'm learning relevant?" At The Young Writer's Table, the curriculum is aimed at encouraging your children to appreciate the relevance of their education.
My time as an educator in United World College has taught me the value of concept-based teaching and learning. I would not look at characterisation, for example, but at texture as a means of crafting character. Why do this? Because in so doing, a student can draw a link between building a scene and building a character; a student can understand how touch in real life can relate to building a character by giving them needs and wants. Texture is a deviation from a base layer. How do we deviate in our writing?
03
Where do you conduct your lessons?
Lessons are conducted in a classroom at Bishan (seven minutes walk from Bishan MRT). Please visit the Class Schedule page for more information.
I taught a hundred students between 2015 to 2020. I started it as a form of supplementary income but it became something that I really enjoyed doing. What was really difficult for me as an educator was that not everyone was able to afford my services and when I was offered a promotion in my school, I decided that I would see my current batch of students through their exams and stop. My hope is that I will be able to make this a successful enough endeavour so that I can offer free classes for students who are not able to afford tuition; this is very important to me because I believe that access should quality education should not be something for those who can afford it.
04
How many students do you teach in a class? And for how long?
I will take as many as six students in a class, which usually lasts for 2 hours. I keep classes small so that I can provide personalised attention to each student. (It should be mentioned though that research done by educational economist Eric Hanushek has shown that class size has no bearing on a student's performance.)
05
Do you guarantee my child will score well?
While I acknowledge there's an importance of doing well in an exam, it is not everything. My focus is on nurturing the learning ability of your child, to help your child inculcate a positive attitude towards education, to encourage your child to take pride in their work. In so doing, I guarantee that your child will write better, will enjoy learning more and will be a more confident person; to me, these life skills and values are more important than doing well in an examination.
06
How is what you are offering different from a traditional tuition centre?
I would rather not speak about the difference because I do not know what a traditional tuition centre offers in terms of creative writing. What I can say is that I teach all the classes so I can ensure that I can manage the standard of instruction. I am constantly seeking ways to improve my teaching and I learn a lot from the students that I teach.
