You know your child is struggling academically. Maybe they’re having difficulty with English and language arts. Or perhaps they aren’t a strong test-taker and are anxious about taking a big standardized test like the SAT.
They need some help, but you don’t have the time or feel comfortable with the subject matter. After all, it’s been a while since you did advanced algebra. Like many parents, you may wonder, “Is private tutoring right for my child?”
Whatever the academic challenge, a private tutor can help. Tutors provide individualized or small-group academic instruction and support to help your child master the material and feel confident in the classroom.
But how do you find tutors? More importantly, how do you find a good tutor for your child?
This guide eliminates the guesswork and prepares you to find the best tutor for your child’s needs, goals, and learning style.
What to Look for in Private Tutors
Before you can find a good tutor for your child, you need to assess their needs and set reasonable tutoring goals.
Identify the Learning Struggle
Start by identifying the critical issue: what is your child struggling with in the learning environment? This will help the tutor create the right learning plan and set them up for success.
Possible learning struggles include:
- Skill or subject matter gaps
- Differences in learning style
- Lack of motivation
Understand How Your Child Learns
Not all students learn in the same way. Think about how your child responds to daily instructions. Do they use a chore chart to understand what’s expected of them each day? Do they prefer hearing about instructions or plans for the day?
Some learning styles are:
- Auditory: These learners learn best by listening to instructions and discussions.
- Visual: Visual learners learn by seeing and prefer graphs, charts, picture aids, presentation decks, and lesson outlines.
- Reading/Writing: These learners learn best through reading books and texts and taking notes.
- Kinesthetic: Kinesthetic learners learn by doing and like to touch, feel, and be hands-on. They perform best when they can move and interact with their learning environment.
It’s important to match your child with a tutor who can adapt to the child’s specific learning style and instruct them accordingly.
Know Your Options
Tutoring isn’t a one-size-fits-all arrangement. You have options, and choosing the right one will ensure your child’s success. Tutoring can take place:
- One-on-one to provide targeted, individual support
- In a small group which can be motivating due to the interaction with peers
- In-person
- Via online tutoring services
- In your home
- At a tutoring center
Set Reasonable Expectations
Tutoring has its benefits, and you can expect to see measurable progress in a few months. However, it’s also essential to set reasonable expectations.
Understanding, comprehending, and learning take time, even with the best tutors. It’s crucial to understand that your child may not pick up the material or be ready to knock the SAT out of the park after a few sessions.
How Do I Choose a Tutor for My Child?
Expertise and experience are important qualifications when choosing a tutor. However, less tangible attributes play a significant role in how successful the tutoring is.
Here are some things to keep in mind as you select a tutor.
Communication
You’ve likely heard the phrase “communication is key.” This is especially important when choosing a tutor because they need to communicate effectively to get the concepts across to their students.
Tutors should also have strong communication skills with parents. Parents should clearly understand what is expected during and between sessions and know the overall instructional plan.
Connection
A strong connection between students and tutors can increase their engagement with the content. Once the student is engaged, they have an easier time mastering the subject matter.
Without a genuine connection, the tutor won’t understand your child’s needs, and your child will be uncomfortable with the tutor. When this happens, tutoring is unlikely to achieve your desired goals.
Passion and Empathy
Results are undoubtedly important, but what about the process?
Students can find the learning process frustrating, stressful, and challenging. That’s why tutors need a passion for teaching and empathy as their students experience the peaks and valleys along the way.
- Reading/Writing: These learners learn best via reading books and texts and taking notes.
- Kinesthetic: Kinesthetic learners learn by doing. They are tactile learners who prefer to touch, feel, and be hands-on. They perform best when they can move and interact with their learning environment.
It’s important to match your child with a tutor who can adapt to the child’s specific learning style and instruct accordingly.
Qualifications
You’ll want to review a potential tutor’s qualifications and credentials. Do they have a high school degree? What about a college degree? Did they study education? These are all positives when selecting a tutor.
At the same time, don’t get completely caught up in qualifications. Focusing too much on credentials can get in the way of finding a good personal fit.
Pricing and Accessibility
For many parents, pricing and accessibility are essential factors when selecting a tutor. However, the hourly rate for tutors varies widely, depending on:
- Location
- Subject
- Credentials
- Experience
What Can Parents Do to Ensure a Successful Tutoring Experience?
Tutoring is an investment in your child’s education, and you want to ensure the best possible experience. You can help make this happen by being involved in the tutoring process while allowing the tutor to take the lead in developing an educational plan.
You should also check in with your child’s teacher and tutor for periodic progress reports to ensure they reach their goals.
Emergent Education: Tailored Tutoring Solutions for Every Subject and Every Child
A tutoring company may want you to commit as soon as you sign up. They want to lock in your business by having you book five, 10, or even 20 sessions without ever meeting your tutor.
What if that tutor doesn’t connect with your child? What if you realize a small group setting might be better for your child? Or maybe online tutoring is the way to go?
Give Emergent Education a call. Our tutors have a unique range of styles and skills but share the same approach to education and core values: every one helps all students develop a growth mindset.
Our team will match your child with the tutor best suited to meet their unique learning needs and pair them with a tutor who:
- Is proficient in the subject matter in which your child needs extra help
- Instructs with your child’s ideal learning style in mind
- Has experience tutoring children their age or grade level
We’re confident that once your child feels the sense of connection our tutors bring to the instruction table, they’ll want to continue with Emergent Education.
There’s zero risk. Get started today by scheduling your free first session.
