Finding the perfect tutor for your child can be an overwhelming task: from differing qualifications, to teaching methods, to online versus in-person - the options may seem endless. In this article, we’re going to look at the most important things to consider when hiring a tutor, to see academic results.
1. Experience
Coming up with a general idea of your child’s needs is crucial before beginning the tutor hunt - whether it’s primary school homework help, or GCSE exam questions, each tutor will have a slightly different skillset (even if they teach the same subject). The amount of time they’ve been tutoring for is also something to consider, depending on whether you’d like someone who has recently sat the relevant exams, or has years of teaching experience behind them.
2. Logistics
While older students may prefer the flexibility of lessons over Zoom, younger students may find it difficult to concentrate when placed before a screen for 45 minutes. However, both methods have their advantages, so make sure to choose what works best for your child - and remember to take into consideration the commute if you opt for in-person lessons!
3. Personality
Most websites provide tutors with a bio page to include a photo and a few lines about themselves, as well as their teaching style. This can be a great way to get a feel for the tutor without any communication. If they check your initial criteria, consider asking for a short ‘taster’ session to see if they click with the student - and if you’re lucky, you might get it for free! Things to look out for may include: enthusiasm for the subject content, patience, and encouraging student independence.
4. Flexibility
Accommodating unexpected circumstances is important as a tutor, so being able to quickly reschedule lessons should be a key factor. Also consider your budget, payment method, and how many days' notice is required to cancel - or you may have to pay the full price, for a lesson that isn’t even attended.
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