The long term impact of a good tutor on your child's academic journey cannot be overstated. Here's what to look out for when making the choice.
We understand that choosing a tutor for your child is an investment, and every investment starts with facts. So, if you're a parent wondering how to find the right tutor, read on. We’ll walk you through the key qualities to look for in a tutor and the common mistakes to avoid, so that you can assess whether a tutor is the perfect fit for your child.
What the right tutor can do
We've written in detail about the benefits of a great tutor beyond the books, and it's true that what separates a good tutor from a great one is lasting impact. An aspect of this that some undervalue is the personality factor. Kids are kids, and they only respect someone as far as they like them. Making sure the 'vibe' is right between a tutor and the student is actually really important -- arguably more important than the academic accolades of the tutor.
This is because one of the best things about tutors is that they provide a safe space for students to address their challenges, working through difficult topics at their own pace without the pressure of a classroom setting. They adapt to a child’s unique learning style, whether it’s visual, auditory, or hands-on (you might like to consider how best your child learns when considering tuition).
Matching teaching style to learning style
One of the great benefits to private tutoring is that you can hand pick the right tutor who teaches in a style that works for your child.
For example, if you know your child doesn't respond well to a firm teaching style, make sure to choose a tutor with a gentler approach. Or if your child thrives on structured lessons and struggles with open-ended tasks, look for a tutor who provides clear plans and step-by-step guidance.
Some children like a very gentle, relaxed approach to outside-of-school support; others find a more structured, disciplined approach most effective. It all really depends, so it's important to consider teaching style alongside the other key qualities to look out for (like reliability, professionalism, communication, subject expertise, experience and passion for teaching).
Common mistakes to avoid
Don't skip the trial lesson. Any tutoring company worth their salt will offer a trial lesson (we most certainly do), and this is crucial. It gives you an opportunity to evaluate the tutor before you commit. When choosing a tutor, pay attention to how your child is engaging in this trial, and how the tutor is explaining concepts and adjusting their methods if needed.
Not setting key goals. A tutor is there to help your child, so make sure they have all the information they need. In the trial lesson, make sure to let the tutor know everything about your child, from their learning style, to their current grades, to their academic weaknesses and goal grade.
Prioritising academic accolades over compatibility. As we've mentioned a few times, a supportive atmosphere is crucial for your child. Of course it's important for the tutor to be knowledgeable, but it's just as important to know that they can impart that knowledge effectively to your child.
Ready to invest in your child’s future?
Choosing the right tutor is one of the most impactful and long-lasting decisions you can make for your child’s education.
At Avalon Education, our unique matching system connects each student with a tutor who we know will bring the perfect teaching style to your child. Whether your child needs application support, help with exam preparation, or guidance to build critical skills, we’re here to help.
Let’s find the perfect tutor for your child’s unique journey together. Get in touch with Avalon Education today!
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