1st May 2015 4:00
By Blue Tutors
These days it is very common for students to have tutors over the course of a year or more to help them with their studies on a long term basis. Some have tutors throughout year ten and eleven, ensuring that they are supported throughout their GCSEs, and others do the same for A’ level, where tutors prepare them for AS, A2, and even university applications. Yet while long term tutoring is popular, more often than not, parents hire tutors on a much shorter term basis, in the run up to exams, to help with a particular piece of coursework, or explain a difficult topic. This isn’t surprising; long term tutoring is expensive, the majority of school students fare well on their own, and parents may feel that they only need a bit of support here and there.
Tutors are used to fulfilling this role, to being brought in at the last minute and only really seeing their student a handful of times before the coursework is due or exams are approaching. But what students and parents often don’t realise is that there is an enormous difference between short term and long term tutoring. Tutors don’t approach each student in the same way, and nor do they plan their approach in the same way regardless of the time available. In reality, the timescale is one of the first things that tutors want to know as this affects their entire approach to tuition.
If short term exam revision is required, tutors generally take a very systematic approach, ensuring that all subjects are covered to the necessary level, and helping with revision timetables. This kind of short term tuition can be very useful; tutors can quickly assess weaknesses and address problems before their students sit their exams. However, long term tuition can offer a great deal more. Having more time allows tutors to learn more about their students’ requirements, and tailor their approach expertly. It also allows them to build and consolidate understanding in ways that ensure that their students gain an excellent grasp of their subject which goes beyond that which they need to prepare for exams. For this reason, long term tuition is often the best option for those wishing to fully engage with their subjects.