Tutoring Center

Is tutoring best suited for advanced students or those who are struggling?

Most tutoring centers focus on academics but it is essential to understand that there is more to it. Treating the symptoms of learning disability is one thing but getting to the root cause & addressing it is altogether a different one. Because, it is important to note that tutoring is also meant for those who are struggling to understand or comprehend at various levels.

A good tutor can adapt to the learning goals of nearly the whole group or class. The tutoring center should be able to treat and correct the causes that inhibit student learning. Tutoring can be an excellent way to build self-esteem and a desire to learn for students who are prone to struggling in traditional classrooms. Further, their tutor is advised to provide academic support to them and offer them more practice exercises in the areas where the student needs most of them.

Our program is to train & equip the struggling students specifically towards the goal of independent learning. Our goal is to encourage students to become confident and independent learners & forget the struggling days once they had been through.

Skills improve along with students’ attitude. Tutors should remember to challenge students in order to inculcate independent learning experience as compared to their traditional classroom set up where such practice was sadly absent. Tutors can have the flexibility to incorporate a student's personal interests into their school work. Tutors trying to challenge successful students should also make use of unique materials and situations in order to expand their learning abilities.

In both cases, however, student buy-in is a vitally important element to success. If the student is uncomfortable and disinterested, the tutoring sessions will be far less effective. In case of struggling students, expect the tutor to foster enthusiasm by giving them more opportunities to succeed. In case of those students needing to be challenged, capitalize on their personal interests to get them to do that extra work! It definitely works.

What should I do if I am having problem with my tutor?

As tutoring mostly depends on the style of communication, sometimes things can go wrong. If you find yourself in this situation, it is important to address such issues quickly and calmly.

First, be sure of the facts. Overheard conversations --how-much-so-ever near the truth—are a strict no-no. Retellings by students or others all have the possibility for misinterpretation. Before getting upset, make sure you know what is 100 per cent true.

Secondly, explain your concerns. Express your feelings in a way that focuses on your concerns rather than your tutor's actions. For example, "I feel concerned about your reliability because you have cancelled the last 3 sessions we had scheduled," instead of, "You seem terribly unreliable or just unreliable." This can prevent defensive attitudes on either side of the issue. If it is easier for you to address conflict through writing a letter, go ahead; it is also acceptable. Be sure your letter is well organized and clear to prevent further misunderstandings.

Third, be prepared to offer suggestions for a solution, rather than look like serving an ultimatum. Say politely but firmly, "I'd like to re-schedule the sessions you have missed," instead of "If you cancel once again, we're going to find someone else." Ultimatums essentially create power struggles, and won't be productive in resolving your situation.

The last thing to consider is the type of tutor you have. If, for example, your student is having trouble with an adult working in an after-school program, you should address your concerns to the teacher in charge, or the school administrator. Likewise, if your student is attending sessions at a private tutoring center, you are better off addressing your concerns to the supervisor, rather than the tutor him/herself. In case, you have hired a professional to have him come to your home & provide his services, you'll have to confront him personally as your own issues.

Private Tutor

As a student wanting to hire a tutor, what aspects should I be looking for on my tutor's resume?

When you decide on a particular tutor among hundreds of potential resumes remember there are only two things in the ultimate analysis that are non-negotiable.

First, make sure the tutor has significant academic experience in subjects he or she is being hired for. Make sure they are qualified; Beyond a basic degree, an additional degree indicates mastery over study skills while academic rigor and expertise in a particular field are welcome.

Passing a high school calculus class 8 years ago probably does not indicate that the candidate has the skills necessary to effectively tutor your student in calculus. Perhaps, he or she is well prepared to help with algebra or geometry.

Take a few minutes to follow up with a couple references. A face-to-face meeting is always preferable even if the contact is from known sources. Personal testimony is usually a very valuable insight into the effectiveness and work ethic of a potential employee.

There are several factors that make your tutor more effective, but are certainly not necessary. Professional training or certification (such as a teaching credential) indicates more effective practice. All said & done, nothing speaks louder than customer references!

Keep in mind, however, that these factors are just desirable things which may not guarantee success.

One-On-One Tutoring

How does one-on-one tutoring compare to group tutoring?

Group tutoring comes in many shapes and sizes and the effectiveness varies just as much. However, the pricing for these services also varies accordingly.

Large group tutoring usually takes place after school or day-care centers. This setting is great for getting students questions answered, and also very conducive to peer tutoring. A possible drawback of this method is that those students who are not vocal about questions will probably be overlooked, and it is unlikely that the supervisor/tutor will have the ability to provide individual support or challenge for each student.

More often than not individual tutoring takes place at your or student’s home. Both ways, it is an excellent way to get personalized attention and support. But, the cost factor seems to be the biggest drawback to individual tutoring.

Shorter groups engaged in one-on-one tutoring is more effective than one may expect. Skilled tutors can juggle a few kids and engage them in group tutoring at a time so that while one is getting direct teaching, the others are working on practice assignments. Of course, it isn't always practical, but small group tutoring is often the best way to get the benefits. The overall stress is “individual tutoring for collective fees”.

One specific drawback to small group tutoring is that outside of high-priced businesses such as Score! or Sylvan, it may be difficult to find a professional tutor who will work with a few students at a time.

Selecting A Tutor

How can I test my tutor's effectiveness?

There are several measures by which you can determine the effectiveness of your tutor. Assuming that he is appointed on the strength of his resume, the task of evaluating a tutor becomes far easier. Basically, the evaluation of your tutor is done on the basis of his academic competence and his personality match with your student.

Given his competence a face-to-face meeting will suffice to evaluate the tutor. Next, it is recommended that you follow up with his references, including that of his previous employers. At this juncture, it is highly recommended to review his testimonials & other credentials prior to hiring. Once the Tutor is appointed, and as the time progresses there comes a day when the tutor-assessment becomes crucial.

After a few sessions with the Tutor, take some time to listen to your students or what is referred to as the student feedback. Ask them a few open-ended questions, such as "are you following my teachings?” or “do you think if you are making progress in learning?” or, “What have you learned so far?”

If their response is mostly positive or enthusiastic, then it is safe to assume that your relationship with the students has, indeed, been productive. On the other hand, if your students express feelings of dissatisfaction, or something bordering on that, it may as well mean “you better change your teaching style” before the employer shows you the door!

In the end, don’t discount the psychological assessment in relation to the tutor. Students rarely learn from individuals they don't like or mostly tutors who come with ‘don't care attitude’. Likewise, most students are very sensitive to situations like this where their time is being wasted.