Junior college (JC) years are some of the most intense in the Singaporean education system. Whether it is preparing for the International Baccalaureate (IB) or A Level exams, the 2 years in school often feels too short to cram for an entire syllabus of content.
During this time, many students see their grades drop like they’ve never seen before. Getting U and S grades is not uncommon, even for students in the top JCs in Singapore. Other commitments like CCA, leadership roles, or service learning projects also vie for one’s attention and compromise their ability to dedicate enough time to their studies. The result is that many students end up going through their JC years feeling stressed, helpless, and low in confidence.
Does all the above sound like a friend or classmate you know? Are you the parent of a teen who is going through this? Or are you the one who is struggling in JC?
Well, here’s some advice on how you can help that person who is struggling in their studies in JC.
1. You are not your grades
At this point in life, studies may seem like everything. Some students get badly affected when they fail their exams or fail to meet their (or their parents’) expectations. They may equate poor results with being dumb, incompetent, or not valuable. If you/your child/your friend is feeling this way, they may spiral further into serious mental health issues if this is unaddressed.
Assure them that their worth is not in their academic results. Assure them that there is more to life and achievements than studying. Let them know that you are there for them, no matter what their results. If they have been truly working hard – assure them that you see their efforts!
2. Ask them how you can help
You may have the best intentions, but the ‘wrong’ kind of help may make them feel even worse. They might view it as additional stress, or their pride might make them feel ashamed to accept the help.
Instead, have a talk with the person struggling and try to let them figure out what type of assistance would be most beneficial for them, within their comfort level. If possible, figure out what the root cause of their problems are: Is it a lack of understanding? Lack of time to study? Or lack of motivation?
3. Offer to study with them
Studying with a friend can be helpful for some people. It is a way of being accountable, especially when one finds it difficult to stick to a study schedule. When studying with a friend, you set aside a time and can check on each other and encourage each other. It makes the study process feel less lonely and arduous.
You can also use study sessions to test each other, or even tutor them on concepts that they do not know. They may find it less intimidating to ask a friend than to approach their teacher for help. Besides, teaching someone else is also a good way for you to check your own knowledge!
4. Suggest tutoring
Tutors are the professionals when it comes to helping students who are struggling with their studies. It’s their job to help students revise, help them understand the subject content better, and offer guided practice for them to improve quickly. So, if you feel like you don’t have the ability to help your friend/child with their studies, you may suggest for them to engage a tutor, such as a JC Physics tutor or JC Math Tuition teacher.
With so many students going for tuition in Singapore, there is absolutely no shame in attending tuition. The structured curriculum, personalised attention, and positive learning environment are what make tuition so effective for students who want to improve in their studies.
Conclusion
There are quite a number of ways you can help someone who is struggling with their studies in JC. Above all, the key thing would be to do so while still respecting them and valuing them for who they are, rather than pressure them or do so in a way that makes them feel belittled.
Our tutors are here to help too! With years of helping struggling students succeed, Future Academy tutors are skilled in creating a learning space that is without fear or judgment. Our past students have said our tutors are very friendly and helpful, and don’t feel afraid to ask questions in our classes. Through our tutoring programmes, we have had impressive success stories like F to A grades within just a few months!
Whether for yourself, your child, or a friend – we welcome you to enquire about our classes today!