It is often difficult for students to keep up with the Educational program. That’s why when I was a student I took classes with tutors to do my homework.
1. Set clear goals
First of all, decide why your child needs a tutor: to improve the assessment of the subject, to understand a difficult topic, to prepare for the exam, or to learn something new, such as a second foreign language.
A clear goal will help the teacher to create an effective work plan, and you-to assess progress.
2. Talk to your child
You will not be engaged with a tutor, but with your child. And he should be comfortable with the teacher. Be sure to ask with whom the child wants to study: with a man or a woman, with a student or an older teacher, with a soft or strict tutor.
We don’t go to classes all the time: we keep in touch with the tutor and, as soon as some topic causes difficulties, we immediately run to it.
Alex John’s father, 5th grade
3. Evaluate the teacher’s work experience and education
A stack of diplomas and certificates is not always an indicator of quality. Perhaps the tutor studied at the university for a long time, then did not work as a teacher, and took courses in some incomprehensible organization.
Learn about the teacher’s experience and check their documents, but do not overestimate their value and see how the teacher shows himself in the classroom.
4. Compare the age of the teacher and the child
It is pointless for a third-grader to study with a university professor, and a teenager may not take a student tutor seriously. Therefore, it is better to choose tutors like this:
for elementary school students, students or recent graduates of universities are suitable;
for high school – graduates and school teachers;
for high school students — more experienced teachers.
But do not forget about the second point: let the child tell you what age he would like to study with a tutor. Comfort comes first.
5. Compare prices
The cost of a class with a tutor may depend on several parameters:
Experience. Usually, students take little. A lesson with a tutor with a little experience (5-7 years) costs more. For classes with a university professor or a tutor with many years of experience, you will have to pay even more.
Duration of the lesson. A lesson with a tutor can last 45 minutes (like at school class), 60 minutes (an astronomical hour), 90 minutes, or even 2 hours. The longer the lesson, the more expensive it is.
The intensity of the load. For example, if an eleventh-grader turns to a tutor at the beginning of the school year, there is a lot of time for classes, which means that the intensity is average. And if a graduate goes to a tutor a month before the exams, the intensity is much higher. This will increase the price.
Subject. School subjects are evaluated differently. It is most expensive to study English and mathematics. Compare prices for tutoring services in your city. Do not choose the cheapest tutor (the exception is students or novice tutors). Remember: your task is not to save money, but to find a teacher who will help your child master the subject. Ideally, hire a tutor who meets both your needs and your wallet.
6. Choose where the classes will be held
Lessons with a tutor can take place in three scenarios:
With a home visit. This method is more convenient for the child. And it will be easier for you to keep track of how the classes are going. But in this case, tutors can request a large amount. After all, they need to get to you.
Online. A good modern way, but if the child is important for personal contact, there may be problems.
At the tutor’s place. At home or in the workplace (at school or university). This activity is most profitable in terms of cost. To make it convenient for the child, choose a tutor closer to home. The risk of getting lost or too tired on the road is minimal.
7. Meet the tutor in person
Before you send your child to class, meet with the teacher. This is the only way you can create a complete image of the teacher. Please note the following details:
Appearance. The tutor should look neat.
Speech. Timbre, volume, and sharpness all matter.
Interior. If the tutor offers to study at his home — look around. The room should be tidy and bright.
During the first meeting, ask the teacher to tell you about how the lessons will be held. If you didn’t find a tutor through word of mouth, let them show you reviews from previous clients. This way you can find out what success a child can achieve with a tutor. Ask the tutor how his students passed the exams and what universities they entered.
For example, if your child goes to a tutor in physics and wants to enter a technical specialty, the teacher must have students who have entered the universities that the graduate is considering.
Ideally, go to the first lesson with your child to understand how the teacher behaves during work.
8. Arrange for feedback
To get results, it is important to understand how successful the classes are. Ask the teacher to keep you up to date with the progress: let them tell you what the child managed to learn during the lesson and what they will do shortly.
For a tutor, such reporting should be a normal practice. If the tutor refuses, it is better to choose another one.
9. Don’t be afraid to go through the options
It is possible to find the perfect tutor the first time, but it is difficult. The tutor may not like the child or simply not give the result that he promised.
In such a situation, it is better to look for a new tutor: you do not need to be shy or afraid to offend the teacher. Remember: the purpose of the classes is to help your child become more educated and gain new knowledge.
By the way, tutors themselves should not refuse classes. Their task is to find an individual approach to each student.
