A successful academic career requires a lot of hard work. Although some students grasp their coursework without much difficulty, there are plenty who may need some additional help throughout their academic careers. Before falling far behind classmates, those who could benefit from some additional assistance can turn to tutors for help.
Students have plenty of places to look for tutors. School may provide on-campus access to tutoring from fellow students or educators. Students who perhaps didn’t meet certain benchmarks during standardized or placement testing may be assigned tutors for resource engagement during or after school. Private tutoring is another option worthy of consideration. Some tutors work independently or as part of a larger tutoring or test preparatory program. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated California, New York, Texas, and Florida were the states with the highest employment level for tutors as of May 2022.
Families who have decided it is time to call in a tutor can follow these guidelines for finding one who is the right fit.
· Identify the goals of tutoring. It is important to identify where a student needs help. Make an appointment with a teacher or have a college student speak to the professor to determine where they need help. This information can then be conveyed to prospective tutors.
· Ask for recommendations. The school might offer suggestions on tutors, or if a student clicks with a particular teacher, past or present, you can inquire if he or she does private tutoring. Friends or family members also may have information about tutors they recommend.
· Know the learning style. Some students learn best in one-on-one settings. Others may benefit from small group instruction. The learning style will help guide the path chosen for tutoring, as some tutors work individually with students, and others take on small groups.
· Consider your budget. Private tutoring costs money. If money is tight, you may want to consider a free tutoring option if it is offered through school. For example, some colleges provide tutoring services on campus at no cost.
· Be sure to check credentials. Anyone can put up a tutoring advertisement, but not every person is qualified to tutor. If you will be hiring a professional, ask for credentials. Very often tutors are current or former educators, so it’s reasonable to ask about schooling and certification. Also, if a student is struggling with a particular subject, it is best to hire a tutor who specializes in that area of study.
Tutors can help students succeed when extra instruction is needed, and families typically have numerous tutoring options at their disposal.
