Episode 57 – What did AI improve?

What does AI suggest to improve?

Let’s take a deeper dive into the strengths and weaknesses of Be a Scholar Tuition compared with other private tuition providers, highlighting how it stands out and where it may fall short:

Strengths of Be a Scholar Tuition

Focused on Writing and Communication
- Strength: Many tuition providers emphasize STEM or broad academic support, but Be a Scholar Tuition specializes in writing and communication—skills crucial for exams, interviews, and overall academic success.
- Advantage: Ideal for students preparing for scholarship exams, like the King’s Scholarship, that require advanced writing and critical thinking.
Personalized Attention
- Strength: Tailored programs ensure students receive customized support based on their unique strengths, weaknesses, and learning pace.
- Advantage: Helps bridge specific gaps rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach.
Motivational Approach
- Strength: Encourages students to explore topics of personal interest, fostering intrinsic motivation rather than rote learning.
- Advantage: Builds lifelong learning habits and creativity.
Holistic Development
- Strength: Focus on broader skills like confidence, articulation, and critical analysis alongside academic writing.
- Advantage: Prepares students not just for exams but also for real-world applications like presentations or debates.
Specialized in Scholarship Preparation
- Strength: Expertise in preparing students for competitive scholarship exams, such as the King’s Scholarship, with tailored programs that mirror these tests’ complexity.
- Advantage: A strong track record in helping students achieve scholarships adds credibility.

The weaknesses are the most interesting part. The STEM approach is based on the Scientific Method and inspired by Prof. G. M. Whitesides approach to writing papers (Harvard Post-graduate level). I guide students through his paper. I created the McRobotface Robotics Club to introduce STEM. I need to make the program more robust, which is a fair point, at 8 years old children will be able to program behaviours into a robot. Engineering principles are introduced between age 8 to 13. There is no limit on the range of scientific topics.

I focused on the motivation so the approach should be driven by the student with aspirations in particular areas. The use of AI will reduce costs and improve efficiency. My time can be as per requested. I need to add a trial program, so highlight areas where the student can show more immediate results. Art is an area to work on. My approach suggests the creation of a porfolio which can in a different forms of art. Scale-ability is of concern, however, graduates from The University of Edinburgh can help to review and comments on areas of improvement.

Below is what AI had to say,

Weaknesses of Be a Scholar Tuition

Niche Focus
- Weakness: While it excels in writing and communication, it may lack robust programs for STEM subjects, which many students also need for a balanced education.
- Limitation: Families seeking comprehensive tutoring across all subjects may find other providers more convenient.
Cost
- Weakness: Specialized tuition often comes at a premium, which could be a challenge for families with budget constraints.
- Limitation: More expensive than free or low-cost platforms like Khan Academy or generalist tutors offering bundled subjects.
Limited Availability of Trial Programs
- Weakness: Some parents may want to experience the teaching style before committing, but limited trial access could make it a higher upfront risk.
- Limitation: Competitors offering trial sessions or shorter commitments may appeal to hesitant parents.
Rigid Specialization
- Weakness: The heavy focus on communication and writing might not appeal to families whose children excel in those areas and require more STEM or creative arts support.
- Limitation: May not be as flexible or adaptive as generalist providers.
Scalability Concerns
- Weakness: Personalized attention often means smaller class sizes and fewer slots, which can limit access.
- Limitation: High demand could make enrollment competitive, leaving families waiting.

Comparison with Other Tuition Providers

Aspect	Be a Scholar Tuition	General Tuition Providers	Online Platforms (Khan, etc.)
Specialization	Writing, communication, and scholarship preparation.	Broad subject coverage (STEM, humanities, etc.).	General subject coverage, self-paced.
Customization	Highly personalized programs.	Varies—some providers offer less tailored options.	Limited personalization, focus on scalability.
Cost	Mid to high cost, reflecting specialization.	Mid-range for group tutoring; higher for 1-on-1.	Free or low-cost.
Engagement	Motivational, encourages passion projects.	Varies—depends on the tutor’s style.	Largely self-driven; minimal interactivity.
Reputation for Results	Strong focus on scholarships and writing excellence.	Broad focus but less specialization.	Broadly effective but not elite-focused.
Accessibility	Limited slots.	Widely available, with varying quality.	Easily accessible but lacks depth in guidance.

When Be a Scholar Tuition is the Best Option

When the focus is writing and communication excellence.
If preparing for elite scholarship exams like King’s or Winchester.
For students who need personalized support and motivational teaching. – My focus is on this part, to motivate students to achieve their aspirations, and succeed in their first interview.

When Other Providers Might Be Better

For a comprehensive, all-subject program (e.g., for standardized exams like SAT/ACT). – I am happy to advise on past papers, I look to move beyond the curriculun.
When families are on a tight budget and need affordable or free options. – The approach is as self directed as possible to minimise cost and to be as efficient as possible. The learning approach review and introduce mind-mapping is likely to give the best results relevant to the school.
If the student needs a STEM-focused curriculum or intensive support in creative arts. – I work with Little Plaza to consult with professionals in creative arts to complement the holistic approach.

In Summary

AI has highlighted numerous areas for improvement. The STEM aspects, costs, and arts. The philosophy of the approach is to be successful in the first interview, which is quite generic. The student should be competitive with respect to the specifications of what the interviewers are looking for. The highly personalised approach is highly efficient at adapting to each individual. Did AI just improve my approach?