How do I know if I need tutoring?
Decide if your student needs help in one area, such as organization, time management, or writing. Strengthening one area can make the whole picture look better.
Maybe you feel that your student's grades aren’t reflective of their innate abilities.
If a student lacks in one or more basic areas, they may begin to feel frustrated and lose confidence; learning, instead of happening naturally, becomes a chore. Parent and student can struggle over homework. As a parent you want to help, but you find that being a parent and being a tutor don't always mix.
A tutor can support your student’s academic success. The results are clear in fuller comprehension, an improved sense of well-being, decreased stress, and better grades.
How do I get started?
Begin with a phone consultation. You describe your student's needs, ask questions, and share concerns. I ask questions, listen to your answers, and offer first impressions. If you decide to proceed, I typically work with your student for three sessions before giving more detailed thoughts. I assess strengths and weaknesses, learning style, and interests. I give you a plan. We talk about goals for tutoring and I make sure that your concerns are being addressed.
How often will you meet with my student?
Typically, I work with a student once a week for an hour. I help with making realistic deadlines. The goal for any student is to be more confident and self-reliant.
How many tutoring sessions will be needed? What kind of progress can I expect?
The length of time, or number of sessions, is variable. Length of tutoring depends on the student’s needs, progress, willingness to complete work, and of course, parental support of the process. Parents often hire me to work for a second, third, or fourth year; they tell me I make life simpler, and that they stop worrying about their student's homework and grades.
What if I need to ask questions?
Parents are free to contact me at any time with questions or concerns. If you want your questions answered thoughtfully and in a timely way, you won't find better service than with my one-person business. That's a promise.
After a few sessions, you'll know if the tutoring is right. You might ask: Is homework becoming less of a struggle? Is work getting done? Is confidence improving? After six weeks, you might ask, are you seeing improvement in grades or test scores?
What can I do to support the process?
Many parents want to stop worrying. As they begin to see results, they find it easier to take a step back and let the process unfold. I’ll work to keep you informed about your child’s progress, but you can expect to see signs of success on your own, too.
Here are a few ways you can be supportive of tutoring: create a quiet space conducive to studying; encourage your child to complete all work assigned by the tutor; and, most important, show appreciation to your child for progress, however big or small, since positive reinforcement motivates your student.
See Tutor's Blog on this site for time-tested study tips.