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.