Setting tuition fees is more than just assigning a number; it’s a strategic dance that involves understanding the psychology behind pricing. For tuition centers, this delicate balance between affordability and perceived value is crucial. In this article, we delve into the psychology of pricing and offer insights on how to set tuition fees that not only meet the financial needs of your center but also resonate with the expectations and perceptions of parents.
Understanding Parent Expectations
To set tuition fees that genuinely attract parents, it’s imperative to recognize that they aren’t merely seeking a place where their children can learn. Parents are in search of an educational environment that aligns with their multifaceted expectations.
Before diving into the numerical realm of tuition fees, a thorough understanding of what parents value most is necessary. Is it the quality of educators, the promise of personalized attention, or the availability of additional resources? Identifying these expectations lays the foundation for an effective and parent-centric pricing strategy.
Value Perception and Affordability
In the intricate dance of pricing, perceived value plays a pivotal role. It’s not just about the education; it’s about the perceived quality and unique offerings. Communicating the distinct value propositions of your tuition center – whether they involve innovative teaching methods, small class sizes, or specialized programs – is paramount. However, this perceived value must align seamlessly with the affordability spectrum. Striking the right balance ensures that parents perceive your center as offering top-notch education within their financial reach.
Psychological Pricing Strategies
The art of pricing involves the strategic use of psychological techniques that influence how parents perceive the cost of tuition. One effective strategy is charm pricing, where prices end in ‘9’ (e.g., RM99 instead of RM100), a tactic that has consistently appealed to the budget-conscious consumer. Moreover, adopting tiered pricing models or bundling services creates a perception of added value, making the overall educational package more attractive and enticing for parents.
Transparency and Open Communication
Building trust with parents is non-negotiable. Transparent communication about how tuition fees are structured and what they encompass is foundational. Clearly articulating the breakdown of costs, any additional fees, and the benefits associated with the fees fosters trust. Open communication becomes a conduit for parents to feel confident in their decision to invest in your tuition center.
Offering Flexible Payment Options
Recognizing the diverse financial situations of parents, offering flexible payment options is a strategic move. Monthly installment plans or discounts for early payments can ease the financial burden, making your tuition center more accessible. This flexibility not only reflects an understanding of the economic challenges parents may face but also demonstrates a commitment to working collaboratively with them to ensure quality education for their children.
Conclusion
In the intricate world of education, the psychology of pricing extends beyond numbers; it delves into the emotions and expectations of parents. By aligning tuition fees with perceived value, employing psychological pricing strategies, and fostering open communication, tuition centers can set fees that not only attract parents but also establish a foundation for a positive and enduring educational journey.
Understanding the psychology of pricing is not just a strategy; it’s a commitment to providing an education that not only meets academic standards but also surpasses the expectations of parents in every aspect.
As the educational landscape evolves, managing tuition centers efficiently is as crucial as setting the right tuition fees. AOneSchools Tuition Centre Management System emerges as a vital tool in this journey. Streamlining administrative tasks, automating processes, and providing insightful analytics, AOneSchools empowers tuition center owners to focus on what truly matters: delivering exceptional education. To navigate the complexities of the modern educational ecosystem, AOneSchools is not just an option; it’s a transformative solution.
The Ministry of Education (MoE) is encouraging teachers of all levels to teach according to the Minimum Adequate Syllabus (MAS); focusing on skills selection in addition to the teacher’s analysis of important materials and topics such as past year’s examination questions to develop student’s abilities and increase their knowledge. The ministry stresses the importance of continuous learning even during this Movement Control Order (MCO) period.
According to the ministry, teachers should utilize
teaching tools to assist students more effectively to understand the lessons. As
to whether the extension of the MCO will affect the student’s learning
performance, the ministry pointed out that it will be the teacher’s responsibility
to ensure that all teaching content is conducted according to the minimum
standard syllabus and subsequently minimising any negative impact towards the
student’s learning progress.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. How can a teacher ensure that teaching continues to take place during the MCO?
Teachers can creatively apply various methods to distribute assignments to students. For students who have access to technology, teachers can connect with them through various platforms such as WhatsApp, Google Classroom and Microsoft 360.
2. For students without
the access to technology, how can teachers ensure their learning progress will
not be affected?
Teachers can distribute assignments to students or parents
through mobile applications such as WhatsApp or use SMS if the student
does not have a mobile phone especially primary school students. In this age of
technology advancement, every household would have at least one communication
device such as a smartphone. The tasks given should be limited to the student’s
textbooks, workbooks or reference books and no additional book purchase is
required to avoid unnecessary burden to the parents.
3. Does the assignment distributed by the teacher need to include content that has not been taught?
No. The main purpose of the assignment provided by the teacher to students is to strengthen the students’ learning ability. Teachers can also encourage students to find a variety of learning materials such as textbooks, reference books and mock exam questions. Students should make an effort to practice what has been taught before in school.
4. What are the required criteria for teachers to provide teaching materials for students of different learning levels during the MCO?
Teachers may prepare relevant teaching materials and allocate a series of customised assignments according to the students’ ability. Teachers can also share lesson notes, pointers or creative mind maps with students as a good reference guide. In addition, students are encouraged to adopt a proactive attitude to explore more in-depth into their textbooks, reference materials or websites provided by the teacher.
5. What type of exercises or assignments can teachers provide to students?
Teachers can choose to use textbooks, workbooks and activity books for teaching. For hands-on curriculum such as cooking and gardening which comes under Design and Craftsmanship (RBT), this can be provided in the form of project-based learning programs (PBL). The Ministry of Education also encourages parents to assist their children in this project and teachers can make full use of Google Forms to provide tests and share relevant links.
Several examples of workbooks and reference books that can be used by teachers and students.
6. Is there a minimum number of exercises that a teacher must provide?
Each subject must be practiced at least once a week, as determined by the teacher.
7. How can teachers ensure the students complete their assigned exercises and assignments?
Teachers can seek the parents’ cooperation to supervise the students’ learning progress and share the answers with students. This will be a good time of self-evaluation for students.
8. Can teachers instruct the students to complete their assigned homework within a limited time?
No. Students are allowed some measure of flexibility to complete their assignment to avoid having undue stress.
9. When students fail to complete their assigned homework, can teachers take action against them when they return to school?
No. Teachers should think of creative ways to motivate and encourage students to complete their homework.
10. Are the teachers required to prepare a daily teaching plan (Rancangan Pengajaran Harian)?
No. Teachers only need to briefly record student’s assignments and homework.
11. How can teachers optimise their teaching methods to ensure students can continue to learn effectively?
After the end of the MCO, teachers can continue to use the MAS to prepare the relevant teaching and learning tools required during the process of Pengajaran dan Pembelajaran (PdP).
12. What does Minimum Adequate Syllabus (MAS) mean?
The Minimum Adequate
Syllabus refers to key materials and topics which focuses on skill selection or
analysis conducted by teachers to develop students’ abilities and increase their knowledge.
13. What type of preparations and actions must teachers take in learning and teaching (PdP)?
The Ministry of Education encourages teachers of all grades to promote teaching through an online professional learning team (PLC) according to the minimum standard syllabus. Teachers can equip themselves to study the annual preparation plan (RPT) and identify topics and skills which are relevant to teach and develop a new lesson schedule and plans.
14. What aspects of preparations are required from the teachers after the MCO ends?
Teachers should make wise learning and teaching plans in accordance to the order of priority for the minimum standard syllabus. In addition, teachers must reconsider the strategic planning within the learning and teaching style to improve the classroom assessment (PBD) in the following levels such as first stage of primary school, final examination for the fourth and fifth grades (PAT), UPSR, PT3, SPM and other school examinations.
15. Does the teacher have to complete the teaching course when the school resumes?
No. Teachers should use their discretion to decide based on their priorities and student’s learning abilities. Teachers are encouraged to apply the minimum standard syllabus after returning to school. Choose the key topics in the curriculum and evaluation standard document (DSKP) and use modularity for teaching.
16. Should teachers be concerned about the possibility of insufficient teaching time when school resumes?
There is no need to be concerned or worried as long as teachers follow and apply the minimum standard syllabus for teaching.
17. Can I focus my teaching materials on key topics that are frequently tested in the examination; especially on the subjects covered in UPSR, PT3 and SPM?
Yes. The learning and teaching materials can be modified and designed according to the minimum standard syllabus.
“Teachers should not be concerned for students preparing for public examinations as long as they following the minimum adequate syllabus provided.”
18. Will the extension of the MCO affect students’ learning performance?
No. Teachers must ensure that everything is taught according to the minimum standard syllabus.
19. Is it fair or
reasonable for all students to study according to the minimum standard syllabus
regardless of their ability level?
No. The minimum standard syllabus does not marginalise the students
according to their level of abilities. The topics selected and subjects covered
are considered the minimum requirements for students to learn effectively.
20. How can teachers
help students of different levels to improve their understanding of the learning
content?
Teachers can prepare effective teaching aids and use the minimum
standard syllabus for teaching key topics to enable students to develop a better
understanding on the teaching content.
21. Based on the movement
control order, do teachers need to be concerned for those students preparing
for exams for UPSR, PT3 and SPM?
This should not be a cause for concern. The minimum standard
syllabus will help teachers overcome this problem. School Improvement
Specialist Trainers (SISC+) will be ready to assist teachers to understand this
method and prepare students for teaching.
22. The Malay Literature
is an important subject of the Primary Six Assessment Test (UPSR). How should
the Mandarin teachers of SJK(C) and SJK(T) ensure that the students can prepare
for the subject?
Teachers can prepare targeted Chinese language exercises for
such primary school students according to the minimum standard syllabus. They
can also ask the school’s improvement specialist trainer (SISC +) for assistance
and guidance online. In addition, teachers can provide appropriate and
customised learning materials suitable for students of all levels of ability.
23. How does a
Mandarin teacher in the secondary school distribute exercises without placing
additional pressure on the students?
SPM Mandarin teachers can organise to allow students to practice
writing by focusing on paragraphs. For example, the first homework focuses on
the opening remarks of the first paragraph, the second homework focuses on the
content, and the third homework is writing the conclusion. This makes it easier
for teachers to review and manage students’ work.
24. The ‘kerja
kursus” reports of PT3 and SPM students is also affected. Does the report need to be completed within the specified time
or will it be postponed?
At the moment, we are still awaiting for the
latest instruction from the Ministry of Education. At this stage, teachers can
only guide according to the existing methods.
25. Will the
school’s mid-year examination dates and schedule be maintained?
This is depending on the school’s instructions.
26. What are
the topics covered by teachers for the mid-year examinations?
The scope of the subjects and topics prepared
should be according to the lessons taught previously while taking into
consideration the challenges faced during the movement control order.
27. Is it necessary for
the school’s members (Ahli Panitia) to take responsibility for the strategic
plan (Perancangan Strategik) to continue implementing the originally planned
project?
The Ministry of Education allows teachers to modify the course dates listed in the strategy plan according to the situation. If the course requires to be cancelled due to time constraints, you must provide valid reasons.
Malaysia’s Prime Minister had announced the prolonged Movement Controlled Order (MCO) for another 14 days until 14 April. At the same time, Singapore has announced additional measures to curb COVID-19 that is to ban all large gatherings and suspending all centre-based tuition and enrichment classes. Given that having face-to-face classes is the livelihood for most of us who run learning centres, we definitely feel a great negative impact to our business.
One of the major discussion topics is definitely focused on Online Teaching & e-Learning.
All centre operators agreed that there is a need to shift from offline to online teaching and learning. This is following the current market trend where schools are utilising online platforms to make up for daily lessons during this lockdown period. Some online sources also encourage parents and teachers to use online platforms to ensure their children don’t miss out on their studies and school work.
Having said this, it is important to note that all learning centre operators must urgently take action to switch their offline content to online.There are already many existing online platforms that provides content for students to learn from. As a result, parents may freeze or withdraw their children from your centre and substitute the classes with an online provider. Therefore, we should pivot fast and switch to online as soon as possible. Focus on those parents who are ready to engage in online learning and maximise our effort there.
From the discussion, several notable platforms that can facilitate e-learning were mentioned – Google Classroom, Zoom, Skype, AOneSchools Online Classroom. While content providers mentioned were iLearnAce, Udemy, SmartJen and 学而思. Please note that not all brands mentioned are free of charge to use while some might only incur a fee for a more premium package. AOneSchools is not in any way affiliated to the brands above besides our ownAOneSchools Online Classroom.
Online learning can be used beyond the typical classroom arrangement. Several music centre owners have conducted various classes through Zoom. For example, a Piano lesson provider uploads pre-recorded videos to Youtube for music instrument teaching. Students are required to watch these videos before their online class for a more engaging class. Parents are loving
this initiative as they get to see first-hand what their children have been learning all this time. You can view how does our partner Taekwondo lesson provider – Azzumaar Learning Centre, conduct taekwondo lesson for their student online.
The adoption rate (parents who agreed to online learning) is about 60% to 85% depending on the type of lessons that is provided. However, experience sharing from several centre operators reveal that common friction faced are parents are not as keen to allow their younger children to use a laptop or tablet to learn and they do not believe that e-learning will as effective as offline lessons.
To tackle these issues, you need to address the initial aim of parents sending their children for lessons in the first place – that is to learn and improve on a certain subject or skill. If their children’s learning curve is suddenly disrupted, they might not be able to catch up in the future. Highlight to them the importance of continuing their education even in such difficult time. Besides that, you may suggest parents to sit with their younger children and assist them in the first few online classes and see whether they are able to cope with it. A typical big classroom setting can also be split into smaller groups with shorter sessions.
All parties must recognise that this is now an ad-hoc response towards an emergency outbreak. Both parents and teachers alike have to deal with an entirely different schedule and cope with the adjustment during this period. This is the time where all centres start to come with a plan of unorthodox teaching.
Once centre operators are aware and ready to take their lessons
online, there are a few things to note of:
A proper standard operating procedure (SOP) must be prepared for both parents / students and teachers.
This includes a guideline for parents / students to follow on how to join (log in) the platform that you are using, how they can download the material that you have prepared and how to troubleshoot unforeseen technical issues. Knowing your client’s demographic will help you to gauge better the extend of guideline that you need to prepare.
Teachers must be well trained to manage an online classroom
Teachers must have adequate IT competency to conduct an online lesson. This includes knowing how to troubleshoot basic problems such as lack of audio or video. Teachers must also be well versed enough to manage the classroom. This is different from handling a physical face-to-face class as different challenges will occur. For example, teachers must address a student’s misbehaviour with the correct etiquette and proper action for it to be effective.
Keeping students engaged throughout the session.
It is crucial for teachers to use a wide variety of tools to ensure that students are constantly engaged throughout the entire session such as creating quizzes, watching Youtube videos and etc. These are then carried out in a timely manner, minimising buffer time. One tuition centre owner-operator suggested that an online class should still encompass all three elements of learning (Visual, Audio, Kinaesthetic). To do so, a video call would engage students via visual and audio while having them to raise their hands or fingers to answer a question will trigger the kinaesthetic element.
From our side, AOneSchools has launched our Online Classroom Tool (powered by Heyhi). Within this tool, teachers and instructors can fully maximise the whiteboard function, coupled with unlimited duration of audio + videos, together with the worksheet attachment feature.
As well, you can also manage your learning centre operation works from home, for instance:
Issue e-receipts for payments (paperless)
Send announcements to parents and students
Class scheduling and make-up class arrangement
Take attendance etc.
Parents and students can make payment in their mobile apps. Automate the lesson fee collection & safe guard your cash flow!
In addition, you can get Government subsidy up to 50% of subscription fees (capped at RM 5000/company) on AOneSchools.
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Finally, continue to offer e-Learning to your students. While you might experience some resistance from parents, having some students is clearly better than having no students at all. In the long run if this continues, parents will not have the luxury of choosing not to join online classes as this will be the only option for education.
The education industry will continue to survive as the market is always there. It is just how agile we can be to change our business model and adapt to current time.
Educators are important to society because they help mould young minds, nurture their growth, and inspire their ambitions. Nevertheless, being an educator comes with its challenges.
As an educator, as you go through the process of grooming young ones, you will most likely encounter challenges not just with students but with their parents. These challenging interactions can range from misunderstandings to deeply rooted disagreements about curriculum or disciplinary methods.
Maintaining a positive parent-teacher relationship is vital, not only for the school’s reputation but also to provide a conducive environment for a child’s education.
Just to give you a clue, below are the types of difficult parents you are likely to have difficult times with:
The Overly Critical Parent: These parents seem to find fault in almost everything. Whether it’s teaching methods, grading, or school policies, they’re quick to criticize but slow to appreciate.
The Uninvolved Parent: Contrary to the overly critical parent, the uninvolved parent seems distant and uninterested. They rarely attend parent-teacher meetings and might not be responsive to communication attempts.
The Overprotective Parent: These parents are always anxious about their child’s well-being. They might resist letting their child participate in certain activities or challenge disciplinary decisions.
Whichever the case might be, the good news is that there are ways educators can deal with parents that tend to be difficult.
Strategies to Handle Difficult Parents
Follow the 4 strategies below, and you won’t find it difficult to deal with parents in your education centre.
1. Communication Effectively
As an educator, effective communication means listening actively to parents’ concerns before reacting. In most cases, the so-called difficult parents just want to be heard.
Also, under effective communication, the medium of communication could make a difference. A face-to-face meeting tends to be more productive than a phone call or email because it prevents miscommunication and promotes mutual understanding.
Finally, as an education business owner, you need to learn how to stay calm and professional despite aggression from parents. Remember, your role is to educate, and that includes educating parents when needed.
2. Constructive Problem-Solving
If there is any issue on the ground, clarify it! Start by understanding the exact nature of the parent’s concern. Is it about academic performance? Behavior? Social interactions?
In some cases, especially with older students, it might be beneficial to involve the student in the discussion. They can provide valuable insights and clarify misunderstandings. Once the issue is clear, collaborate with the parent to develop an action plan. This not only helps in resolving the concern but also fosters a team approach towards the student’s education.
After providing solutions to the issue, do a follow-up by checking back with the parent to assess if the issue has been resolved or if further interventions are needed.
3. Setting Boundaries and Expectations
It is important and beneficial to establish clear roles from the beginning. As the owner of a learning center, make it known that while parents’ concerns are valued, decisions within the classroom are based on educational expertise and school policies.
Set specific times for parent-teacher conferences and specify the best ways to get in touch, be it through emails, calls, or scheduled appointments. This prevents random disruptions during teaching hours and maintains a sense of professionalism.
Finally, while it’s essential to establish boundaries, it’s equally crucial to stress that the ultimate goal is a collaborative effort to benefit the student’s learning and well-being.
4. Establish Your Authority
Familiarize yourself with the school’s policies and guidelines. When discussing matters with parents, it’s helpful to reference these policies so they understand your actions are aligned with the school’s directives.
Being consistent in rules, grading, and consequences can reduce misunderstandings. When parents see uniformity in your actions, they’re less likely to challenge your authority.
Also, if there are serious issues beyond your control, don’t hesitate to involve school administrators or counselors. Their experience can provide guidance and mediate when necessary.
5. Leveraging Technology for Communication
Technology plays a crucial role in the education sector today, thanks to the education management system. Many schools in Malaysia and around the world now have platforms that allow teachers to upload grades, attendance, and feedback so that parents can log in and stay updated on their child’s progress.
You can employ the services of AOneSchools in Malaysia to build messaging apps designed specifically for teacher-parent communication, ensuring a direct and open line without compromising personal details.
6. Self-Care and Managing Stress
Dealing with difficult parents can be mentally draining. Taking breaks, practicing mindfulness, or engaging in hobbies can help recharge and maintain a balanced perspective.
Sharing experiences with colleagues can provide fresh perspectives, solutions, or, at the very least, a sense of companionship. Consider attending workshops or seminars on communication and conflict resolution. These can provide valuable tools to navigate difficult situations.
If a situation becomes too confrontational or stressful, it’s okay to step back, take a breath, and approach it later with a clear mind.
Conclusion
Being an educator involves juggling numerous responsibilities, and managing relationships with parents is an integral part of the profession.
With proactive strategies like effective communication, setting boundaries, establishing authority, and utilizing technology such as AOneSchools Tuition Centre Management System, educators can facilitate smooth interactions.
However, amidst these interactions, it’s essential not to neglect self-care. After all, a well-balanced educator is better equipped to handle challenges and provide the best educational environment for their students
There is a discourse about offering trial classes, but why?
Although, on the surface, offering a trial to someone can provide valuable insight into the product you’re selling (in this case, your class), it’s not as simple as you might think.
There are numerous factors to consider when deciding whether offering trial classes is beneficial for your learning center, from establishing contact to potentially wasting time.
Stick around as we go over the pros and cons of this topic in the hopes of providing you with the answers you seek!
The Benefits of Trial Classes
When considering the option of trying out a trial class, both the student and the parents see it as a low-risk, high-reward activity and are much more inclined to try out something that will cost them nothing.
A great way to understand if you want to implement trial classes in your case is by understanding what makes them so appealing: building up a connection.
In contrast to signing up from a different source, by engaging in a trial, users will be asked to provide information like their name, surname, and email address. More likely than not, those who provide details will continue to use the platform they signed up for.
This will give you a channel through which you can communicate with those interested but also send notifications that will keep them engaged and informed.
Lastly, giving free trials frees you from making a place for marketing in your budget. Students will explore your platform by themselves, so you won’t need to use your resources to attract them, as your classes will do that.
Attracting New Students
As with every product, buying comes with a lot of uncertainty. By giving a taste of what you’re selling, you are giving a glimpse into all the aspects of a child’s learning, such as subjects and teaching methods.
With that aspect, a lot more students are going to be much more willing to try something new. You can provide them with a feeling of safety and also relieve them of not knowing what to expect.
This will also eliminate those who don’t feel like it’s the best fit for them and increase the number of students who find it suitable to stick with your learning center.
Retaining Students
The benefits of free trial classes don’t apply only to new students, as it’s an active thing that keeps pre-existing ones on your platform.
You can recommend new classes as a way of extending your connection.
In doing that, not only will you give them room to grow, but you are also building a sense of trust and an online community.
Not to mention that those who have used your classes for extended periods will be more trustworthy when signing up for a new one.
Challenges and Considerations
Now consider the other side of the coin.
Giving out trial classes can be a good way to attract new students, but you should be aware of the disadvantages and potential problems that may arise:
1. Cost of the classes: Probably the main thing you want to consider is the cost of the class itself. Varying from subject to subject, but also taking in the factor of creating the platform, it’s not without a risk.
The best way to minimize the problem is to start by lowering prices. Often, both students and parents are discouraged by the cost of applying to a school or a course, so by making it more accessible, you will have a higher chance of swaying them towards your learning center.
Pro tip: Study the background of those who take your classes, as you will get a better understanding when setting up prices.
2. Faculty cost: How you want to deal with this is up to you, but consider options like implementing more online classes or training or mentoring your employees to reduce costs.
3. Scheduling: The importance of a well-crafted schedule is immense. Both parties (students and teachers) can benefit greatly. The main goal when creating a schedule is efficiency. Once a schedule is finished, it should be clear, concise, and effective.
Schools and learning centers struggle from time to time to implement a schedule that is catered to students rather than their material. In that case, students fall behind or their work overlaps with other subjects.
When creating schedules, try to give as much responsibility as possible to students as teachers and give room for extracurricular activities as well as ways outside the schedule to learn.
Strategies to Success
Knowing both the pros and cons, what are your strategies for success when offering trial classes?
1. Showing your unique selling points: When wanting to be ahead of the competition, you want to ask yourself, “What does my learning center have that others don’t?”
Display factors like innovation and various teaching styles. Using, for example, more tech-based learning can show the ability to adapt and keep up with modern times.
When talking about learning methods, understand each type and see what works best for your students.
Besides that, look into hiring experienced teachers and tutors. Not only will they be able to mentor your less experienced teachers, but you will also give the parents assurance that their child is learning from someone they can trust.
2. Welcoming and knowledgeable staff: Having a staff like this will give students a sense of safety and make them more involved in the class. This not only helps them learn more in less time but also relieves pressure from the teachers.
3. Practice transparency and clear communication with parents and students: This is the best way to understand your students. Constantly updating their parents will give them a sense of importance while also helping students with their academic lives. The best way to maintain clear and transparent communication in your learning center is by implementing AOneSchools—a learning center management system that will help you organize and send messages and information.
Measuring Success
No matter how many tips you implement, you need to see if your methods are working. Here are some data points you need to keep an eye on:
Attendance rate. A recent study showed that the current attendance rate is 93.5%.
The conversion rate is the number of students that successfully enroll in your learning center out of the total number of applicants.
ROI (return on investment) is defined as a performance measure used to evaluate the efficiency or profitability of an investment or compare the efficiency of several different investments.
Feedback. General feedback is always welcome. Whether positive or negative, knowing what parents and students are thinking will help you gauge your current situation and future improvements.
Conclusion
In the end, trying something new always comes with risks, and in this case, it is worth it.
Giving free trial classes can be a low-risk, high-reward learning center in the quest to improve your education management system.
In light of that, check out AOneSchools to smooth the enrollment process and boost the enrollment rate!
Choosing the first step in the education of their children can be a stressful and exhausting process for parents. By understanding the parents’ needs, you can both improve and adapt to attract more parents and make them satisfied when choosing your academy.
Parents are extra careful when choosing their child’s first preschool. Safety and security are really important to them when making this choice. Hence, the parents will usually take their time to do a lot of research and check out different options.
By understanding what they are looking for in that process, you can stay ahead of the curve and give those parents the feeling that you are their best option for fulfilling those needs!
Let’s look at five things that parents are looking for when choosing a kindergarten!
1. Curriculum Program
When you’re planning your academic program, it’s important to know exactly what you want your students to achieve at each level.
A common mistake many schools make is sticking too closely to the textbook. What we mean is that you don’t want to solely depend on the program. Adding real-life stories and examples can make the materials more relatable and engaging. When the learning is interactive, the students will also learn better, as research has shown.
Sometimes, when teachers use the same teaching method for everyone, some students might struggle and be left behind. No parents want to see their child in that position, so, by using a variety of teaching methods or addressing these concerns, you can ease parents’ worries.
Pro tip: Parents often feel safer if they see their child’s teacher is an experienced one, especially has a background with different learning and teaching methods. So look for them when hiring!
Nowadays, parents like it when their kids are engaged in activities outside of regular classroom learning. This helps children to grow into better characters. It teaches them soft skills like how to get along with others and makes their bodies and minds stronger.
These are all parked under the term extracurricular activities. They can be all sorts of things like playing sports, reading books, playing board games, doing arts and crafts, celebrating festivals, or helping out in the community (you can find more examples here).
If you add some of these fun activities to your program, more parents will be interested in what you offer.
2. Learning Environment
The environment plays a big role when talking about learning and parent decisions. Often, if the environment is not optimum, children will be closed off and won’t learn much, and parents will be discouraged from choosing that academy.
So what is considered a good environment for them?
Active listening: Not only will they be more engaged, but you will also avoid filling up your board or dictating constantly, which can become tedious quickly.
Tracking progress: Most parents love seeing their kid’s progress. Showing the learning progress in a fun and natural way will not only encourage the child but also make parents happy and proud.
Giving a sense of safety: Kids spend a lot of time in school, away from home, which can be tiring and demotivating. Help them feel safe and comfortable, as this will improve both their learning and morale once they return home.
Friendly approach: Constant rules can be discouraging for kids. Instead, cultivating an open-minded culture where the students are allowed to make mistakes helps to build confidence and a friendly environment.
3. Near or Far?
The location of a kindergarten is super important for parents. It’s all about making their life easier and safer for the kids. Parents like kindergartens that are close to home or work. Why? Because it means less time stuck in traffic and they can easily fit into their daily routines. Besides, in case of emergencies, they can get to the kindergarten promptly.
Plus, local kindergartens are awesome for kids as they get to hang out and make friends with their neighbors. It also helps the community bond, creating a more enjoyable childhood experience.
So, how can you make sure the parents find you? We recommend using the internet, especially local SEO. It helps you to be easily discoverable by the parents nearby your area. It’s like a treasure map for parents looking for kindergartens nearby. If they search ‘kindergarten near me’, your name would likely pop up on the front page. That’s crucial because most folks (59%) only check out the first page of results in a recent study.
So look into local and general SEO, as it can be a cost-effective tool in a competitive market.
4. Value of Money
When parents choose a kindergarten for their kids, most of them are willing to spend money, but they want to make sure they’re getting good value.
They will look at various factors to ensure it’s worth the cost. This includes the teachers’ quality, the size of classes, how inclusive the school is, safety measures, after-school activities, and the review from other parents. Also, it’s crucial to maintain transparency about all expenses to build trust with the parents.
In short, parents aim to strike a balance between tuition fees and the quality of education their child receives. This should be the same for the academy. Different parents have different spending power, hence, understanding the financial background of your target audience and tailoring your offerings to them will make your effort of searching for new students more efficient.
5. Parent Communication
As parents are usually more concerned about their child in early childhood, they wish to be involved closely in their child’s growing process. Hence, they favor academy centres that provide timely and regular updates on their child.
Besides, communicating is also critical in maintaining a healthy relationship with parents. Both in person and online, by constantly updating and informing parents about school-related news, the progress of their child, or anything in between, you give them a sense of involvement. Which in turn, boosts parents’ satisfaction and keeps them sticking with your school.
More than ever, it’s important to keep your communication channel up to date with the trends. An estimated ¾ of parents use technology to be informed about their children as most parents nowadays are so used to getting on the internet and using digital devices.
6. Parent FAQ
Here’s a list of some frequently asked questions (FAQs) from parents. This will help you get ready:
What is the daily schedule and routine?
What is the fee structure?
Is there a trial session or an open day?
What is the policy for sick days and absences?
What is the teacher-to-student ratio in a class?
What are the qualifications of the teachers and staff?
What are the safety and security measures in place?
How does the school handle discipline and behavior?
What is the school’s approach to parental involvement?
Final Thoughts
Parents don’t make their preschool choices lightly, so understanding their decision-making process is crucial for staying competitive.
Parents’ needs change with each new generation, so staying current with their expectations is vital. Besides addressing their concerns, consider incorporating technology, like a kindergarten management system, to streamline your center’s operations. Technology is increasingly common today, so adopting it early can give you an edge over your competition.
This not only simplifies your workload but also presents your center as modern and up-to-date. If you’re looking for the best kindergarten management system, explore AOneSchools!
School marketing has always been difficult, but in today’s digital age, it may be at its most competitive.
As new generations become more familiar with how to use the internet to find answers to their questions, the most important tool for making your school more appealing is to constantly monitor and update your digital marketing.
If you’re interested in ways to help your school attract new students through digital marketing, here are some tips that can achieve that!
Know Your Audience
In many cases, marketing (not just school-related) is solved by throwing more money at it and hoping for the best. What is frequently overlooked, or at least not thoroughly examined, is who your target audience is.
According to one survey, in general, marketing professionals looking to attract more clients know only about 40% of their target audience’s information (such as name, gender, and age, as mentioned in the study). The key to achieving your goal is to gather as much information as possible and to be as close to people interested in your school as possible. This will help you narrow down where you want to spend your time.
Nowadays, both parents and students are very familiar with modern technology, so include them in all strategic planning. Studies show that millennial parents use their phones for slightly more than 4 hours per day. Learn about how they spend their phone time, which social media apps they use, and what their interests are.
How can you learn about that?
There are a plethora of options, including surveys, Google Analytics, and asking questions on social media or your school’s website.
Optimize Your Website
What does optimizing your website actually mean?
Website optimization is the process of using tools, experiments, and strategic planning to improve your website’s visibility and accessibility.
Before taking the first steps toward improving your site, it’s best to know where you are currently. Use many of the free tools to test your current status, like SemRush and Web.com, among many others.
Let’s look at some ways you can improve your website:
Implement UX/UI design: Commonly used as a single term UX( user experience) and UI (user interaction) are both important but separate aspects of a website:
UX design focuses more on the technical aspects, as it considers the experience a user has with the usability of the product, branding, and everything in between, from entering the site to leaving it.
UI design, on the other hand, has a visual role; it focuses on all aspects of user interaction. That includes the colors, animations, and sounds when you click, among other things
Improving page SEO: On-page SEO (or search engine optimization) is the process of increasing your searchability on Google. The higher your rank, the higher the chance that someone will click on your site. The study shows the first search is clicked 27.6% of the time, while the 10th search has a 25.2% decline(2.4%). With students going on Google when searching for a school, it can benefit you greatly.
Improve page speed: The longer the user has to wait, the higher the chance there is that he will leave your page without even entering it. Use sites like Pingdom Website Speed Test to test your speed.
A/B testing: Also known as split testing, is the process of testing your site in real life for the first time. In short, the test considers showing one piece of marketing (A) to one group of audience and the second (B) to the second group of audience. With this, you can see what you need to improve and test it as many times as needed.
Get on Social Media
Social media has seen massive growth in the past decade or so. With its growth, companies saw an opportunity to use it as a marketing tool, so how can it be yours too?
Social media’s strongest aspect is engagement. An estimated 4.89 billion people use social media daily, so by being present on multiple social media platforms at once, you can attract many students.
Every social media platform has its own demographic. Millennials are the majority of people using Instagram, one of the most popular platforms in Malaysia. The other is TikTok, which saw a massive increase in its teen users.
What to Post?
Every platform has its preferred form of content, so you have a number of options to promote your business. For example, on Instagram, which is image-based, you can share pictures of your school or campus, parts of the school like the schoolyard, or even (with permission, of course) students and teachers themselves.
On the other hand, TikTok is filled with short-form content. By being creative, you have the opportunity to pop up on someone’s page in a much more fun way, which can result in increased engagement.
Platforms like Twitter/X or Facebook can be used as information tunnels. You can post school-related news, announcements, reviews from past or current students, and even parents themselves.
Whatever the platform, be sure to use it all to your advantage. Social media has the ability to track data, so always keep checking your likes, shares, and saves when posting something.
Finally, be active. It’s crucial to keep up with modern trends and answer every question and comment.
Pro tip: If your budget allows you, consider collaborating with influencers. This is a proven method for brand promotion and increasing your page visitors. Be extra careful when looking for someone to work with; they must be respectable and professional.
Offer Virtual Tours
Adding on to the previous point, you can make a virtual gallery to showcase your school, learning centre, or academy in the best light that can attract students while also creating a virtual binder of the school’s history.
The gallery can include pictures, videos (walking around the campus, for example), or any other form of visual representation of what you have to offer. By doing this, you can not only stockpile memories and past experiences but also get an up-close and personal look at what you have to offer.
Bonus tip: Focus on people; pictures and videos of happy students and faculty can really go a long way!
Streamline Your Enrollment Process
Enrollment is always stressful, but with just a few changes and additions, you can make sure the process for your students goes smoothly.
The easiest way to start is by digitalizing the process itself. As more and more students apply to schools via the Internet, it relieves their stress.
The best way to digitalize your learning centre is to implement AOneSchools, the number one tuition centre management system in Southeast Asia.
With AOneSchools, your student data will be organized in one place and really straightforward to use. Managing learning centres with this tuition centre management system is a breeze thanks to easy online registration, remote administration, attendance tracking, and much more.
This improved enrollment process will be beneficial for everyone, including students, their parents, your teachers and administrative workers, and you as a business owner.
Final Thoughts
Enrollment is a major part of every school system and can be a stressful process for both the students and the school itself.
But by using some of our tips, you can help boost your student numbers and take out stress for efficiency.
And if you are interested in implementing the tuition centre management system—AOneSchools—contact us and start your free demo!
In today’s fast-paced world, ensuring your child receives the best education is a top priority for parents in Malaysia. As a learning centre, you understand the importance of providing quality education, but capturing the attention of parents can be a challenging task, especially in a country with various options.
The enrollment season in Malaysia is not just a period of academic choices; it’s a season of intense competition. Parents are bombarded with numerous options, often leaving them overwhelmed and uncertain. Many parents express initial interest but ultimately do not enroll their children, making the enrollment process more frustrating for business school owners.
This article will cover strategies to help you stand out and capture parents’ attention early in the enrollment season. By addressing common pain points and leveraging data-driven insights, you can ensure that your learning centre becomes the top choice for parents seeking the best education for their children.
Let’s explore how to explore education in Malaysia and convince parents to choose your learning centre.
Understanding Parents’ Perspective
To understand parents’ perspectives, you need to start by empathizing with the concerns and aspirations of parents. Identify their specific needs and expectations in the education of their child. Some likely reasons parents could pull out their kids from your school include the quality of education, fees, curriculum, safety, etc.
If possible, you can conduct surveys to gain insights into parents’ preferences and work on improving whatever aspects you can.
Emphasize the Benefits of Your Program for Their Child
This is a strong point to consider if you want your academy to experience significant growth. Highlight the advantages of your program for their child, showcasing how it aligns with their educational aspirations.
Present compelling success stories and testimonials from satisfied parents and students while providing clear information on the curriculum, teaching methods, and enriching extracurricular activities.
Parents are looking for the best education centre for their kids. The best education centre goes beyond the quality of education. Other important things to point out to parents include an accessible location, a quiet and safer environment conducive to learning, amazing facilities, etc.
Build Your Online Presence
In today’s digital world, whether it is an education business or any other kind of business, you need an online presence to grow your business. The truth is that most adults spend hours going through their phones daily. This can be a good way to reach out to parents and let them know what you’ve got to offer.
How do you build your online presence? Establish a strong digital presence through a user-friendly, informative website; utilize social media platforms to engage with parents and share educational content; implement online advertising and SEO strategies to enhance visibility.
On your website or social media accounts, share positive reviews from other parents, showcase your students’ achievements, display your school environment, show accreditations (if any) that make your learning centre one of the best, and any other thing that will convince parents to choose your learning centre.
Offering Trial Classes or Open Schools
To tell parents and prospective students that you are confident in offering the best education, allow them to experience your teaching methods firsthand. This will eliminate any fears or concerns that may be related to the quality of education being offered at your education centre.
Also, you can host open houses or virtual tours to showcase your facilities and faculty. Provide sample lessons or workshops to demonstrate the quality of education offered. The goal here is to display what you’ve got to capture the minds of parents and potential students.
Affordability and Financial Assistance
Ensure affordability and provide financial assistance options to ease parents’ concerns. Transparently communicate tuition fees, demonstrating competitive pricing. Showcase scholarship programs or financial aid opportunities, underlining your commitment to making quality education accessible.
Offer flexible payment plans to accommodate various financial situations, allowing families to plan according to their means. By addressing financial worries, you not only demonstrate empathy but also reinforce your learning centre’s dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive educational environment. This commitment to affordability can greatly influence parents’ decisions and make your centre a top choice for their child’s education.
Simplify Admission Process
Assuming you’ve convinced parents to enrol in your school, you wouldn’t want to mess things up with a complicated admission process. Streamline the enrollment process with a user-friendly online application system. EdTech companies such as AOneSchool can easily handle the admission process by creating an online enrollment form that is simple and quick to complete.
You should have personnel to respond to parents’ questions both online and offline. In all, if you are looking for a school management system that covers things like a user-friendly online application system, minimizing paperwork and administrative hurdles to make enrollment hassle-free, etc., AOneSchools in Malaysia can handle them for you.
Final Thoughts
Simplifying the admission process emerges as a crucial element in convincing parents to choose your learning centre. By understanding parents’ perspectives, emphasizing program benefits, building a robust online presence, offering trial experiences, addressing affordability concerns, and simplifying admissions, you can set your learning centre apart.
AOneSchools provides a school management system that makes administrative and class operations seamless and exciting. With AOneSchools, no more hassle in fee collection, most administrative processes are automated, class schedules and attendance can be easily managed, and many other educational products are offered by AOneSchool.
Simplifying the process not only reduces stress for parents but also demonstrates your commitment to providing a seamless educational journey for their children. In doing so, you can create a lasting impression and foster trust, ultimately increasing enrollment and establishing your learning centre as the preferred choice for parents seeking the best education in Malaysia.
The start of a new enrollment year is just around the corner, and parents across Malaysia are on the lookout for the best learning centers for their children. For education centers, securing enrollment early is essential. One often-overlooked strategy that can yield remarkable results is engaging with your current students’ parents. They can be your most influential advocates. In this article, we’ll explore five proven methods for harnessing the power of parent engagement to boost student enrollment.
1. Establishing a Parent Ambassador Program
Your school’s most satisfied parents can be your most powerful marketing force. Consider creating a Parent Ambassador Program. Handpick parents who are genuinely engaged with your academy, possess credibility in their communities, have a wide network, and are genuinely passionate about your institution.
Happy parents are your best advertisement. They can spread the word about your academy like no one else. Encourage your Parent Ambassadors to share their positive experiences and promote your academy within their networks. Their personal endorsements can carry significant weight when potential new parents are making decisions.
2. Launching A Referral Marketing Campaign
Encourage your satisfied students and their parents to share their journeys within your academy. Collect testimonials and share them on your website. During public events, invite them to share their stories in person. Genuine experiences resonate with prospective parents.
Additionally, ask your current parents to provide honest feedback and reviews on various platforms like Google, Facebook, and other relevant sites. These online reviews not only boost your online presence but also influence potential families looking for the right academy.
Consider offering incentives to parents who participate in your referral marketing campaign, such as discounted fees, free workshops, or exclusive freebies. The gesture not only shows appreciation but also encourages active participation.
3. Collect Parent Feedback
Engaged parents are more likely to stay loyal and recommend your academy to others. To build a strong community, involve parents in significant decisions. Regularly seek their feedback, track their level of satisfaction, and implement changes based on their input.
When parents feel heard and see their suggestions being taken seriously, they develop a sense of belonging to your academy. They become stakeholders in their child’s education journey, which often translates into a long-lasting relationship.
4. Embrace Social Media
Today’s parents are active on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. To effectively reach and engage them, establish a robust social media presence. Regularly post informative content, updates, and relevant information.
Consider seeking consent to post pictures of students participating in various activities. Parents are more likely to engage with and share these posts on their own profiles, increasing your academy’s visibility among their social circles.
5. Update Your Communication Tools
In our digital age, most people, including parents, spend a substantial amount of time on their smartphones. It’s essential to adapt to this trend. Consider transitioning your reporting and announcement tools to mobile applications.
With smartphone penetration on the rise, providing parents with an easy-to-use mobile app can enhance communication, making it more convenient for parents to access vital information and stay connected with your academy.
Final Thoughts
Actively engaging with parents can be a game-changer for boosting student enrollment in your academy. By implementing these strategies, you not only enhance parent satisfaction but also increase your academy’s visibility and credibility in the competitive education landscape. Remember, parents are your partners in success, and by involving them actively, you can secure enrollment and set the stage for a successful enrollment year ahead.
There will probably be a time when an education business owner will consider raising tuition fees. This increase in tuition fees could result from inflation, the cost of administration, or a declining economy.
Nevertheless, whichever reason it is for raising tuition fees, knowing the right way to inform the parents is crucial, to prevent being questioned by the parents.
In this article, we will look at five strategies to implement a raise in tuition fees:
5 Tips On How To Inform Parents On A Raise in Tuition Fees
Tip 1: Give Advance Notice
Timing is crucial when informing parents about tuition fee increases. Ideally, parents should be notified at least 3 to 6 months in advance. This provides them with sufficient time to adjust their budgets and make the necessary arrangements.
However, it’s essential not to forget about the notification. Use multiple communication channels to remind parents periodically about the impending changes to ensure that it stays in their minds.
Tip 2: Explain The Reason For The Increase
Transparency is paramount when communicating tuition fee increases. Be honest and open about the reasons behind the decision.
Mention specific factors such as the need to pay staff members competitive wages, invest in staff training and development, or cover rising utility bills. When parents understand the rationale behind the increase, they are more likely to accept it.
Tip 3: Gradual Increases
Rather than imposing a large, one-off fee increase, consider raising tuition fees gradually. Small, incremental increases over time are often better received by parents as they are less burdensome.
This approach allows parents to adapt to changes more easily, reducing the shock of a sudden spike in expenses.
Tip 4: Offer Payment Strategies
To reduce the financial strain on parents, create flexible payment strategies or options. Offer incentives such as discounts for those who pay in advance for the entire term or opt for installment plans. Additionally, consider providing payment options such as credit card and e-wallet payments to enhance convenience and flexibility.
Utilizing a tuition management system can simplify fee payment processes and give parents more control over their payments. It can also provide a platform for parents to select their preferred payment options and monitor their payment schedules.
One of the top EdTech companies in Malaysia that can help with a tuition management system is AOneSchools. Working with AOneSchools will help to provide different payment options and also make for seamless tuition payment.
Tip 5: Be Prepared For Questions
When informing parents about tuition fee increases, expect that they will have questions and concerns. Create an open forum for discussion and be ready to address their queries with empathy and understanding.
Provide clear and comprehensive answers to their questions, and offer solutions where possible. Assure parents that their concerns are valid and that you are committed to supporting them throughout the process.
Final Thoughts
Informing parents about tuition fee increases is a sensitive task that requires careful planning and execution. This is important for maintaining trust and transparency with parents.
By giving advance notice, explaining the reasons behind the increase, implementing gradual raises, offering payment strategies, and being prepared for questions, educational institutions can navigate this process effectively.
Leveraging a tuition management system can streamline the entire process, making it more transparent and convenient for both the learning centre and parents.
Ultimately, the key is to maintain open communication and ensure that parents feel heard and supported during this transitional period
