As the semester progresses, so does your child’s workload. Whether they are in kindergarten grade learning basic math for the first time, or a junior preparing for their college exams, providing the proper support in and out of school is essential for their academic success.
Tutoring is one of the most helpful resources regardless of the student’s age. Besides improving the child’s overall academic performance, it offers an individualized learning environment outside the classroom, helps increase good study habits, encourages a higher level of thinking, and promotes independence. But what should you look out for when choosing the best fit tutor for your child?
Before you start searching for a tutor, check with your child’s school to see what academic support they offer! Many schools have before, during, or after school tutoring services. Getting a tutor directly from your child’s school can be very beneficial because the tutor likely already aligns with the school’s teaching style and is knowledgeable about the content being taught.
Here are five Schola-approved tips for selecting the right tutor this semester:
1. Understands Your Goals
Are you looking to help your child pass a test? Make progress in a specific subject? Or maybe have extra time to review and practice the content learned in school? Regardless of what your goals are, discussing them from the get-go with both your child and the tutor will be essential to working towards that common goal. Keep in mind that learning objectives are different for every student, so communication and feedback will help everyone stay on the right track.
Quick tip: Short-term results are great but remember always to aim to place learning above performance. By achieving learning goals, your child will start to understand ideas better, transferring them to real-life situations and subsequently improving their performance. Finding a tutor who is willing to work with you, receive feedback, and work towards that common goal is vital for your child’s academic success.
2. Has the Right Credentials
Research and focus on what matters most to you! Choosing the tutor that meets your criteria is important for a trusting relationship, whether it’s other parents’ references, previous professional experience, academic expertise, or teaching approach. Remember to also look for a tutor that matches your child’s personality and has the approach you are looking for. For example, does the tutor ask follow-up questions when your child provides a good answer and helps the student practice how to manage their mistakes? Remember that an encouraging attitude always goes a long way, and can even teach your child skills they can use when the tutor is not there to support them.
Quick Tip: By making your child part of the process of picking a tutor, you will be reassuring that their opinion is valuable and that they are in charge of their own education.
3. Fits Your Schedule
As parents, we know that our schedules can get hectic, so sticking to an itinerary is crucial to get everything done. Life is complicated enough as is, so getting extra academic help for your child outside of school shouldn’t have to be. When searching, be upfront about your expectations and schedule so both of you can make an informed decision on whether they are a good fit for your family and you are a good fit for them. Keep in mind that consistency is key for academic development, confidence enhancement, and lifelong learning.
Quick Tip: Can’t find a time that fits into your schedule? Consider online tutoring! It will help your child experience on-to-one learning and consistency regardless of time restraints and responsibilities.
4. Matches Your Child’s Learning Style
Does your child respond better to visual, auditory, reading and writing, or kinesthetic learning? By choosing a tutor that has the proper toolbox to match your child’s unique learning style, you will be encouraging effective learning. Ask your child questions about their experience with the tutor and don’t be afraid to ask them to tweak the approaches that are not fully working for the student.
Quick Tip: Ask the tutor for periodic reports to help you better monitor your child’s learning experience and progress.
5. Supports & Challenges the Student
An ideal tutor does not only teach material to the student but actively involves them in the learning process. Find a tutor that provides the right amount of support and guidance to help increase your child’s confidence in themselves while also inspiring and challenging them to become lifelong learners. Don’t forget that parents have an essential role in every student’s learning journey, so ask the tutor about ways in which you can support your child’s learning at home. Working as a team with teachers and tutors will enrich your child’s learning experience and ensure that education and discovery go beyond the classroom.
Finding the right tutor can be a positive turning point for your child’s education and future professional endeavors. But remember, tutoring is just one of the many tools that can help support your child. At Schola, we know that students learn differently, and that’s why we aim to help families all over the country find the right school and resources that work for their children’s unique needs and interests so they can develop and thrive in all aspects of life. Need help identifying other free opportunities and resources provided by schools in your areas? We’re happy to lend a hand! Complete your ScholaMatch™ and find the schools that provide the support you are looking for in just minutes and focus on what matters most to your family.
Recent Comments