There is no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to choosing the right tutor for your child! There are a gargantuan number of points to consider to make sure you choose the right one for your circumstances and your child’s specific needs.
A first class tutor will give a individualised, bespoke learning programme for your child, something you’ll NEVER achieve in a classroom.
Tutoring helps those who struggle to keep up, as well as challenge those who feel bored and unmotivated at school. But it’s not all about the more obvious, academic issues you need to consider when choosing the right tutor for you. An competent, experienced tutor will boost confidence and build important learning skills for lifelong learning in your child!
Firstly and fundamentally, talk to your son/daughter! This is so important! You need their investment so they’ll be motivated and willing to learn with their tutor. Collaboration between all parties is key here!
Next, ask yourself – why do I think they need a tutor? This could be because they’re coming up to important exams, or because school reports they’re falling behind or perhaps it’s just to build their confidence and encourage them to engage in learning outside of school? You must ask yourself, what are the priorities?
Ask around for recommendations. You can be sure someone out of your friends or family has employed a tutor, or school may be able to recommend someone. This is, by far, the best way to secure someone as they’re tried and tested! A professional tutor will probably have a website and/or Facebook business page; so have a sneaky peak to read their reviews. Be ready though – they may already be fully booked!
Look at a tutor’s track record. Do they have unparalleled success in getting students through exams? Do they have a friendly, but professional approach to put students at ease? Are they good communicators? What about interpersonal skills? Do they have passion and enthusiasm for their subject and their teaching? Are they flexible, accessible and respectful? The list is endless when choosing the right tutor for your circumstances!
Now to the nitty gritty; What about experience? Are they a qualified teacher (with QTS status)? This can make all the difference to the way they approach tutoring and deliver learning. What other relevant qualifications do they have? There are many ‘tutors’ out there; not all are qualified or capable of doing a good job!
Are they an online or face to face tutor? Many tutors offer both methods and you’ll need to work out which is best for you. If the tutor you’ve chosen doesn’t live locally to you, then of course learning will probably be online. Make no mistake though, online tutoring can be as effective and dynamic as face to face teaching, it is by no means inferior. Your son or daughter probably learns digitally already as many schools now use Moodle or similar platform for blended learning and distance learning. Young people are incredibly savvy these days when it comes to technology!
When you’ve found someone, take time to get to know them. Whether you choose online or face to face learning, a tutor should offer a free, no obligation chat about your child’s specific learning needs and goals and to discuss with you the way in which they work. If this isn’t offered, then walk away!
And once you’re all booked in, put together a set of mutual goals with your child and their new tutor and don’t be afraid to ask for a ‘progress report’, maybe at the end of each term. A good tutor will be all too willing to discuss your child’s progress, their strengths and areas for improvement. In fact, they’d welcome it! We like it when parents want to keep up to date with their child’s learning and support them along the journey with you!