“Mommy! I don’t understand how to solve this Math problem!”
“Mommy! I don’t understand how to do this Afrikaans homework!”
“MOMMY! MOMMY! MOMMY!”
These moaning phrases are sure to come up for any parent when their little darlings have to attempt the gruelling task of homework every day. Parents might think that tutoring only takes a huge bite out of their budget each month and that teachers aren’t doing their jobs efficiently. And it might not be an unreasonable reaction considering the degree of school fees and all the extra costs relating to books, study material and additional essentials.
The reality of the matter is however, slightly different. When it comes to tutoring, it doesn’t mean that teachers are lazy and not equipping learners well enough to go about their tasks, some learners just benefit so much more having a little one-on-one help and here’s why:
- Tutoring offers more individualised, systematic and structured learning experience.
- It provides greater congruence between teacher and learner.
- It improves academic performance and personal growth.
- Tutoring improves attitude towards a certain subject area. (especially Math)
- It generates stronger effects than other individualised teaching strategies.
- It motivates self-paces and self-directed learning.
- Extra lessons provide intensive practice for students who need it.
- It improves self-esteem.
Once you have considered all the benefits for your child, the important part comes when choosing the right tutor! And trust me, this can be a more daunting task than any question or Math problem you could ever encounter as a parent. Knowing more about each potential tutor’s background and approach to teaching can help you narrow down the choices. Here are questions to ask before you hire a tutor for your child:
- VERY IMPORTANT! How long have you been tutoring? – You never want to be in a position where your 12-year-old knows more about the English language than your tutor.
- What are you qualifications, certifications or credentials? – Parents: if someone prides themselves in being an Afrikaans tutor, watching kykNET and reading the Huisgenoot does NOT give them the credentials to promote themselves as a rocket scientist when it comes to the language
- Do you have expertise in the content area my child is studying? – The Singapore Math syllabus is not going to go down well when your tutor is more interested in when Jan van Riebeeck sailed his ship to the Cape.
- Have you worked with kids or adults with learning or attention issues similar to my child’s before? – It’s all fine and well if you have an expert in the field you require, but it will be of no use to you or your child if your tutor can’t convey a message and explain the work extensively to a point where your child can really understand and apply the methods being taught. It is also not very productive or legal if your child or your tutor lands up being thrown down a flight of stairs…
- What kind of results I expect to see and what happens if my child doesn’t make progress? – Be very clear from the beginning. At a going rate of at least R200 per hour, it is expected that your child makes progress and gets better results. If there is no improvement two months in, the chances are that you would probably do a better job yourself tutoring with some flash cards.
You can still make the final call, but whether you need a tutor for a long term period, or just to help get your child through a tough exam, it is definitely worth considering. We all get by with a little help from our friends and tutors and this can also greatly improve the relationship between the teacher and your child. Where there is understanding, there is harmony and good results will be very soon to follow!
