21 August 2017
Increasingly, tuition centers are distributing flyers and other promotional material such as foolscap pads, bubble tea and even breakfast sets, outside the gates of schools. These advertisements take place often during the examination season, and traditionally competitive schools like Hwa Chong Institution and Raffles Institution are often targeted for such promotional activity.
Schools are monitoring the situation to ensure that there is no security and safety threat posed to the school community.
Some tuition centers distribute postcard fliers as well as “seasonal specials” such as McDonald’s breakfast sets to junior college students outside their school compound. Yet others hand out free foolscap pads, breakfast sets and bubble tea.
Yet, such promotional gimmicks cannot compare to word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied parents and students, nor are they a substitute for tutors who can truly deliver results and help students understand, appreciate, and even enjoy the learning process.
Experienced tutors and students have commented that whilst giving out promotional materials outside schools may help students make more-informed choices, most students and parents would consider the tutors’ qualifications, experience and ability to deliver results, rather than mere promotional stunts or flashy advertisements.
Tuition center promotional gimmicks are no substitute for qualified tutors who can engage students effectively and inculcate a love for learning.