What are the benefits of learning online? Won’t the student be missing out from face to face interaction?
Learning online allows for a degree of convenience both from being able to access class material and ask questions anytime, from anywhere. Follow up can be done online instead of having to wait a whole week. All assignments will be done in Google Classroom, allowing for more accurate marking and feedback, and students will be instructed on how to scan their school notes or tests for the tutor to view where necessary. As a parent, a lot of time is freed up from not having to stay at home while a tutor is present and peace of mind from not needing to have a stranger in your home.
Do you do 1 to 1 coaching? What are the benefits of group coaching?
At the moment, Curio does not do 1 to 1 coaching. Group coaching allows for students to learn from each others’ strengths and weaknesses, and the interaction is particularly healthy when an expert Curio coach directs a discussion. In particular, group slack channels build up a database of questions and notes for students to refer to which involve more than one perspective, as well as a treasure trove of organised exam ready study material.
Can I do a trial lesson? What if I do not want to continue after the 1st lesson?
We do not offer trial lessons as we are highly trained professionals, and are 100% confident about providing value to our students in every lesson. We love our jobs and care about our students as well. We recommend that you stick around for at least a month in order to get used to the coach, lessons and flow of the Sapience method. If you still do not find the lessons beneficial after 1 month, you may go ahead and cancel.
Can I just ask questions and not do the video calls?
Yes! Our ‘Lite’ package allows for questioning and for students to just practice and hand in assignments, which will be marked and returned to them with comprehensive feedback. These packages are geared towards the self-motivated learners who are already doing well or who do not have time for classes, and who will benefit greatly from just a little extra practice!
What is slack and why are you using it?
Slack channels are organised spaces which allow for teachers and students to separate topics and arrange questions, comments, notes and insight accordingly. They are invaluable when studying for an exam and students need to do a quick search, instead of thumbing through pages of notes in order to find what they need. Slack also prepares students for the working world, and allows them to understand how information is best organised and filtered for best result.
How soon can a Curio coach answer a question? What if it’s urgent?
Questions will be addressed within 10 hours after they are posed. Students may use the subject line ‘URGENT’ if they need an answer as soon as humanly possible.
How do I know if my Curio coach is legitimate?
Curio was started and is run by a fully trained NIE teacher with over 20 years of experience in education. Only close contacts or highly recommended teachers (both ex and present) will be teaching at Curio, fully screened and trained to teach effectively online. All education certificates will be presented during the first video consultation after sign up.
Can I do video-calls from anywhere? What software will you be using?
You can do video-calls from anywhere at all, but you need to ensure that background noise is at a minimum, and that you can learn uninterrupted. Your study room or desk at home would be ideal. We will be using Google Hangouts and Zoom with appropriate password protected security protocols in place.
Will you have physical classrooms for us to attend instead?
Curio’s plan was to have a physical space to call our own, for students to attend classes as well as have a space to study. We will be revisiting this plan after the threat from Covid-19 is over, and we will be updating you all on our plans for the space thereafter!
What happens during the complimentary initial consultation?
A Curio Coach will arrange for a video call with the student, or both parent and student. During this call parents can view the coach’s credentials as well as ask any questions they might have about the sign up. Students will have to scan in their latest exam or test paper and email it to the coach, who will then provide analysis and ask questions to determine how to personalise study notes for the student, and design his/her learning journey for success with Curio. This session might take anywhere between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on the number of questions both parties might have.
Can I join a Curio coaching group with only students from my school?
This is entirely possible if you and your friends would like to start a class together, and even beneficial if your assignments are project based or unique to your school. Curio coaches are trained to adapt lessons based on the learning requirements of each group and will be able to coach exclusively for a project or unique, school specific weighted assessment if necessary.