When it comes to supporting children with learning challenges, there’s often confusion between educational therapy and traditional tuition. Let’s break down some common myths and facts to give you a clearer picture of what educational therapy truly offers.
What Myths do we cover in this blog?
Myth 1: Educational Therapy for children in Singapore is just like Tuition
Fact: Educational therapy is much more than just re-teaching school material. While tuition focuses on helping students complete their schoolwork and improve their marks through repetitive practice, educational therapy addresses the underlying processing abilities that affect learning. Educational therapists work to improve a child’s cognitive processes, such as memory, attention, and problem-solving, which leads to better academic outcomes in the long run.
Explanation: Unlike tutors, who may focus on task completion and rote learning, educational therapists aim to stimulate thought processes and augment a child’s ability to learn independently. This involves using innovative, evidence-based tools fitted to each child’s requirements, making the learning experience more engaging and effective.
Myth 2: Success in Educational Therapy is measured by exam marks
Fact: The success of educational therapy isn’t solely measured by improved grades. Instead, it’s about how well a child internalizes knowledge and applies it across different life contexts. The ultimate goal is to develop a student’s ability to actively learn from their experiences, which leads to a better quality of academic life overall.
Explanation: While better marks might be a byproduct of educational therapy, the primary focus is on deeper learning and cognitive growth. Success is seen in the child’s ability to think critically, solve problems, and learn autonomously, not just in their ability to perform well on tests.
Myth 3: Educational Therapy only involves the Student
Fact: Educational therapy for children in Singapore is a very collaborative effort that involves not just the student, but also their family, teachers, and a team of professionals. This could include speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and educational psychologists, all working together to support the child’s unique needs.
Explanation: Unlike traditional tuition, which typically involves just the tutor and the student, educational therapy takes a holistic approach. By involving a network of professionals, educational therapists can address the neurological and cognitive vulnerabilities that may be hindering a child’s learning.
Myth 4: Educational Therapy is the same as Traditional Learning Support
Fact: Educational therapy goes beyond traditional learning support by identifying and treating neurological vulnerabilities that affect learning. It’s not just about applying general teaching principles; it’s about creating a modified learning plan that considers the child’s specific challenges, such as language impairment, sensory issues, or attention difficulties.
Explanation: Traditional learning support may work well for neurotypical children, but it often falls short for those with learning challenges. Educational therapy, on the other hand, is designed to meet these challenges head-on, using evidence-based practices to create an environment where the child can thrive academically.
Myth 5: Educational Therapy is only about Academic Skills
Fact: While educational therapy does aim to improve academic skills, it also focuses on developing overall quality of life. This means working on skills that go beyond the classroom, helping children develop confidence, independence, and a love for learning that will serve them throughout their lives.
Explanation: Educational therapy isn’t just about lifting grades. It’s about training children with the tools they need to succeed in all areas of life, from social interactions to problem-solving and critical thinking. The skills they learn in therapy can help them navigate challenges both in and out of school, leading to a more fulfilling life.
Myth 6: Educational Therapy is only for Children with Severe Learning Disabilities
Fact: Educational therapy can benefit children across a wide spectrum of learning abilities. It’s not just for those with severe learning disabilities; even children who struggle with mild attention issues, anxiety, or specific academic challenges can benefit from educational therapy.
Explanation: Educational therapy in Singapore is versatile and can be customized to meet the needs of any child, whether they have mild difficulties or more complex challenges. It’s about providing targeted support that helps each child achieve their maximum capability, regardless of the severity of their learning issues.
Myth 7: Educational Therapy is a Short-Term Solution
Fact: Educational therapy is typically a long-term process that focuses on sustained improvement. Unlike short-term tutoring, which might be used to prepare for a test or complete an assignment, educational therapy aims to build lasting skills that will benefit the child throughout their academic career and beyond.
Explanation: The goal of educational therapy is to create deep, lasting changes in how a child learns and processes information. This means that the therapy is usually ongoing, with progress monitored over time to ensure that the child continues to develop their cognitive and academic skills effectively.
Myth 8: Any Tutor can provide Educational Therapy
Fact: Educational therapy is a specialized field that requires extensive training in both education and therapy. Not all tutors are equipped to provide the kind of in-depth, individualized support that educational therapists offer. Educational therapists are trained to understand the neurological underpinnings of learning and to use therapeutic techniques to address them.
Explanation: While tutors can help with homework and test preparation, educational therapists have the expertise to dig deeper into the cognitive processes that underlie learning. They use a range of therapeutic strategies, customized for each child, to address specific learning challenges and foster cognitive development.
By understanding the differences between educational therapy and traditional tuition, parents and educators can make more informed decisions about how to best support children’s academic stages. If you’re considering educational therapy for your child in Singapore, it’s essential to recognize its holistic and personalized approach to fostering cognitive and academic growth.
For more insights into educational therapy and how it can help your child, check out our other blog posts here.
Meet our Senior Educational Therapist
Darren Low: Darren Low (totalcommunication.com.sg)
To Connect with our Educational Therapist, reach-out to us through this link: Developmental Signs | Singapore | Total Communication
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