12th February 2014 9:00
By Blue Tutors
Over two thirds of school children in London have used a private tutor at some point in their school careers, and the trend is rapidly expanding over the rest of the country. Tutors used to be a local teacher who is willing to offer extra classes, or more commonly an A level or university student known to the family who helps out on weekends for a bit of extra cash. Nowadays parents have a huge range of tutors to choose from, of all experiences, backgrounds, approaches and price-ranges. Choosing a tutor isn’t just a case of finding someone in your area who knows the subject; parents have very different ideas about what they are looking for in a tutor, and there is usually someone out there who can offer it. Here are some of the most common tutor ‘types’ out there:
The Family Friend:
This is an old favourite, someone who knows the subject and is willing to help with homework or exam prep. This tutor is most likely a friend of the parents, or the son or daughter of a friend who is at university. Often they do not have a great deal of tutoring experience, but the family trusts them and the cost is low.
The Lecturer:
This tutor usually has a very good knowledge of their subject and their preferred teaching method is to talk for long periods during the session. Although most tutoring agencies will advise that discussion is important to maximise students’ learning opportunities, there are plenty of tutors who prefer the sound of their own voice. There are also parents who are comforted by the tutor’s extensive knowledge and feel that a lecturing style provides their child with a traditional education.
The Graduate:
This is a young tutor fresh out of university and looking for work to keep themselves going. They are usually enthusiastic and familiar with subjects and curricula having studied the same courses recently themselves. Being close in age, they are also likely to be able to relate well to their students. Possible downsides are that they are often inexperienced tutors, and can be unreliable if they are tutoring while looking for other work.
The Super Tutor:
A relatively new phenomenon, the super tutor has an impressive academic record and tutors on a full-time basis. These tutors have degrees from top universities and often claim to guarantee top results. Tuition with a super tutor can cost over one hundred pounds an hour, and their services are usually the reserve of the wealthy who want to ensure that their children gain top grades and successful university entrance. Some super tutors even live-in with families over the tuition period, offering round the clock support.
The All-Rounder:
This tutor is knowledgeable, reliable, intelligent and sensible. They know their subjects well, and ensure that they have researched the curriculum they are teaching. They are serious about making a commitment to a student, and will support them as necessary. They will also be prepared to look out for their students’ well-being, and offer advice about revision, university applications and staying healthy during studying. Finding an all-rounder can be difficult, as the price a tutor charges doesn’t always tell parents what they are getting. One might find an all-rounder in several of the other categories mentioned here, and in order to find one, references and word of mouth is key.