Private Tutoring – is it for you?
By Alex Scotchbrook, Education Consultant
Did you know that over a quarter of school children have a tutor? Probably not, because most parents prefer to keep it secret. This article therefore examines the common myths of private tutoring to help you make an informed decision for your family. Myth No. 1: “Tutors are for the lower sets” There is no “typical” profile of a tutored child: some are extremely gifted, but because they are bored out of their minds in class, they may fall short of their potential. Equally, many clever children have un-statemented learning difficulties such as dyslexia, where one-to-one attention every week can make a huge difference. A good tutor should find your child’s unique learning style and give them the confidence of knowing how to learn. Myth No. 2: “Tutoring is to get into grammar/private school”. A recent BBC programme filmed a grammar school class, asking how many of them had a tutor for entrance exams. Astonishingly, only 2 children did not raise their hand. So yes, with popular schools often having 5 applicants for every place, tutoring can help get those all-important higher grades. However, parents are well advised to focus on their children having a genuine foundation in education rather than cramming them to pass an entrance test, or they will flounder when they get into the more academic school. Again, look for a tutor who builds their ability, not just their knowledge. Myth No. 3: “8 is too young”. Your child starts to fall behind. They lose confidence and before you know it, you have a full-scale mental block on your hands with all the struggle and heartache that brings. Now they are resistant to new learning, and a vicious circle is set in motion, not by lack of ability, but by lack of confidence. A good tutor doctor reviews will quickly help by filling in the missing foundations, helping your child catch up and even get ahead in just a few months. Leave this problem unchecked till later and you may be in for extensive remedial work: a stitch in time saves nine. Myth No. 4: Tutoring is expensive. With tutoring, you get what you pay for... but many people are surprised to find they can get a high standard of private tutor in their home for under £165 per month. Look for the hallmarks of high quality, as it will cost you less in the long run. Results come faster when (a) your child likes the tutor and gets their 1:1 attention. The tutor should be a good match to your child’s unique learning style, personality and subject needs; (b) the tutor knows how to go back and build the foundations of missed concepts; (c) the tutor can make the process enjoyable using different ways to make your child understand; (d) the tutor must know how to teach as well as thoroughly understand the subject themselves; (e) The tutor’s processes are designed to be stress-free, and based on the current school curriculum. All this will be personal to your child, so what worked for their friend may not be best for you. Many parents lack the time or confidence to do their own tutor doctor reviews uk screening, but you can use a reputable service with a high standard of personal tailoring. At the bare minimum, this should
include vetting tutors face to face and meeting you in your home – otherwise how can they do an effective job finding the right fit? All this will save you time and money in the long run, and ensure your child gets the most from their precious time at school. See testimonials here: http://tutordoctor-surrey.co.uk/testimonials/