Leading Solutions to Academic Stress and Burnout

House of Hows is honoured to be featured in The Straits Times, recognising our innovative and supportive approach to managing academic stress and student well-being.

House of Hows is honoured to be featured in The Straits Times, recognising our innovative and supportive approach to education. This report highlights our commitment to addressing student academic stress and burnout while promoting a well-rounded and productive learning environment.

Innovative educational methods

At House of Hows, our educational philosophy is not limited to traditional methods. We incorporate interactive and fun activities that make learning both effective and fun. For example, Primary 5 student Shannan Tan plays Rush Hour with her mother Joyce Sim at the centre. This is a concrete example of how we use learning through games to enhance maths skills and keep students interested.

Personalised academic support

Recognising that each student has unique needs, House of Hows emphasises personalised learning programmes. In the case of a Secondary 2 student, Iris Tay, she attended three academic intensive camps with the help of our Director, tutor Laura Oh, from which she received tailor-made science course support. These personalised programmes demonstrate our commitment to providing targeted support to help students excel academically.

Focus on mental health issues

At House of Hows, we take the mental health of our students very seriously. We recognise that holidays, often seen as a time for relaxation, can be a source of stress for students who feel the need to catch up academically. As one of our tutors, Ms Tan, pointed out, this time can serve as a critical checkpoint for students to reassess their academic status and work through problems.

Director Laura Oh noted that demand for the holiday programme increased due to feedback from parents that their children had little success with e-learning during the pandemic. These programmes give students an opportunity to review and consolidate knowledge in a structured and supportive environment.

Coping with the new normal in education

The pandemic introduced a new normal in education, characterised by blended learning and changing school schedules. Dr Annabelle Chow, chief clinical psychologist at Annabelle Psychology and Annabelle Kids, explains that society's emphasis on productivity exacerbates academic pressure. She advocates a balanced approach, with school holidays used not only for academic catch-up but also for rest and exploring other interests.

Building supportive communities

House of Hows fosters a collaborative and supportive learning community. Group activities and peer interaction are at the heart of our philosophy, helping students develop social skills and learn from each other. This sense of community not only enhances the learning experience, it also provides students with a support network.

Striking a balance between academics and leisure

We promote a balanced approach to education that encourages students to engage in both academic and leisure activities. For example, Ms Joyce Sim enrolled her daughter Shannan in a maths and science camp, while ensuring the family still went on holiday to Australia together. This balance is essential to maintaining students' enthusiasm for learning and overall wellbeing.

Conclusion

House of Hows is setting a new standard by addressing the critical issues of academic stress and burnout while promoting a holistic approach to education. Our innovative approach, personalised support, and focus on mental health make us a model of excellence in Singapore's education sector.

To understand how counselling-aware tuition works in practice, read our guide to tuition centres with counselling support in Singapore.