Benefits of Private Tutoring
Is your child struggling with a particular subject, like French, mathematics, biology or physics? Do they need some help with homework? Here’s how they could benefit from private tutoring.
Contents:
Offering an Individual Approach
In a group of 25, it’s nearly impossible to focus individually on every student’s needs. When a child falls behind, teachers can’t always explain the material again because they have deadlines and a curriculum to follow.
During private lessons, on the other hand, tutors dedicate all their time and effort to a single child. They can go over the material again, explain it in other words and practice on additional exercises while overcoming new challenges. Additionally, the pace of the lessons is also adapted to the student’s own, personal rhythm.
Tutoring is also a relatively flexible option: if your child is struggling with schoolwork in general or with a particular subject, tutoring can be a long-term solution. If they’re having specific difficulties, the tutor can help them when needed, before a test for example.
Tutoring can even be an opportunity for the child to work on their organizational skills and study method. In the case of academically gifted children, for example, tutoring can be a means of further challenging themselves and achieving their full potential.
Relating to Students
Have you ever heard a child say their classmate who’s good at math explained the material better than the teacher, an hour before the test, and it seemed incredibly simple? To be realistic, it’s unlikely that their classmate actually knows more about math. But things always seem easier when they’re explained by someone who speaks the same language, aren’t they?
Most tutors are young university students or graduates. They’re not much older than your child, so they easily relate to their struggles. They coach the student not like a teacher at school, but more like an older sibling. Because of this, they can build a connection based on mutual trust, and encourage the student to be honest about their difficulties at school.
How does My Sherpa make sure their tutors are qualified?
Before they join our team, our tutors are always tested on their knowledge of the subject, as well as on their ability to teach. They’re also received in our offices, where they’re taught about the My Sherpa method. Read more…
Boosting Motivation
Failing a subject, an exam or a test often has demoralizing effects on children. Yet, motivation is a significant factor in academic performance and success. That’s why it’s important for teachers and parents to notice lack of motivation in a student as soon as possible.
If lack of motivation comes from difficulties and past failures, tutoring can help restore the student’s confidence and boost their self-esteem. One-on-one teaching enables the tutor to pay particular attention to a student’s strengths and weaknesses, and find effective ways to offer encouragement and constructive feedback. In the long run, the tutor helps the student achieve their goals.
Teaching in Informal Settings
Private lessons are generally organized in an informal setting, usually at home, where students feel most at ease. This allows for a more laid-back atmosphere, an essential aspect because tutoring sessions often take place after school or on weekends.
Private lessons at home are also an opportunity for the tutor to look at the student’s study habits:
- Do they keep their desk organized?
- Do they make schedules or to-do lists for school?
- Do they sit straight, on a comfortable chair?
- Do they put away all possible distractions?
- What can they do to optimize their study space?
In relaxed settings, students feel more comfortable asking questions, giving answers and making mistakes they can learn from. Private tutoring sessions are also more dynamic and participative than lessons at school.
Eleonora Badalyan
