The Department of Basic Education’s recent proposal to do away with Mathematics as a compulsory subject is worrying to say the least.
Last year, South Africa ranked among the lowest scoring countries in the renowned Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study.
School may be out but perhaps it’s as good a time as any to reflect on how to improve your child’s grades, especially if you were not too happy with the results you saw last term.
With large classes and stressed out teachers characterising our education system, tutoring could mean the difference between a failing grade and an excellent one.
Here’s a look at some of the tutoring options available across South Africa:
Cognition.Online
Cognition.Online is an innovative tutoring app designed by Pretoria-based engineers and entrepreneurs.
Likened to Uber, and developed for iOS and Android, this app makes tutoring possible in moments.
When requesting a lesson, the user will be asked to supply details like the subject to be taught, grade, time of lesson, payment per hour and location.
Tutors — who have been screened by Cognition.Online — apply to teach the lesson, and the student or parent chooses which tutor to use based on their performance rating (by previous students) and price range.
Payments are done via the online payment service PayU.
For more details on Cognition.Online click here
AskGoodie
AskGoodie is a Johannesburg based tutoring company specialising in Mathematics and Physical Science.
Suitable for both primary and high school students studying the South African CAPS, IEB and Cambridge curriculum.
In addition to prearranged classes at the company's tutoring centre in Braamfontein, AskGoodie also provides a unique 24/7 helpline where students are able to call and talk to a tutor at any time.
Cost: R299 per month, unlimited calls.
For more information visit www.goodietutors.co.za.
SkillUp Tutors
SkillUp Tutors is an online service providing users with access to a data base of qualified and accredited tutors.
After completing a form listing your child’s specific tutoring needs — from price range per class, gender of the tutor and whether an online or face-to-face lesson is preferred — SkillUp will connect you with a range of potential tutors to choose from.
Lesson dates and times can then be done directly with the selected tutor. SkillUp provides tutoring for high school mathematics, science and languages.
Cost: Set by selected tutor.
Learn more about SkillUp Tutors here.
The Step Up Education Centres
The Step Up Education Centres, based in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, offers tuition classes for Gr R through to Gr 12 in English, Afrikaans, Physical Science, Mathematics and Accounting.
Based on the CAPS system, the Step Up approach is focused on academic and emotional aspects of learning, with educators placing a strong emphasis on motivation, building confidence and instilling a passion for learning.
Visit stepuped.co.za to find a centre in your region.
Read More
- Mathematics: Let's apply 21st century thinking to maths education!
- Can Hollywood movies teach teenagers about history?
- No holds barred