The fourth chapter taken from the Academic Success Formula is written by former franchisee, Margot Bartsch. Throughout the chapter, Margot explores the importance of one-to-one tutoring and how having a mentor can drastically change a student’s outlook towards learning by providing a tailored experience, unique to anything taught in schools. She looks at the benefits of one on one tutoring and why it is so powerful, providing insightful case studies to illustrate her key points.
Why One-to-One Tutoring?
What is a Mentor and Why is Mentoring Key?
How Mentoring Can Make a Difference
Compensates for Learning Differences
Another benefit of one-to-one tutoring is how it’s able to compensate for challenges and learning differences. It’s a known fact that students learn better if the material is presented in a way that aligns with their dominant learning style. For example, learning will be much more effective for a visual learning student, if the information is delivered visually as verbally would be for an auditory learner. In a one-to-one setting, the tutor can easily check if the student is understanding the information, and try a different approach if they’re not absorbing a lesson. Having this personalised attention also means a tutor can take the time to stop, go back, break it down, explain differently or even go back to a previously missed building block.
“My tutor was an amazing person who showed me many different ways to tackle each math problem.” – Kristi, Student
Other Benefits of One-to-One Tutoring
“My son learns more in the one hour of one-to-one than he does in a week of the same subject in class at school.” – Carolynn, Parent
Goal Alignment. There are many students who have specific goals in mind that can’t be met or worked towards in a classroom setting. A one-to-one tutor will set clear goals with every student and communicate with parents and teachers to ensure everyone is on the same page. Goals can range from ‘fill in gaps in foundational knowledge, to achieve a C+’ or ‘increase confidence levels, work on phonic skills and start to enjoy learning’. Using a tutor’s expertise, they can help students achieve their academic goals and beyond.
Materials. In a one-to-one teaching situation, a tutor can work with whatever materials need to be covered or will work best for the student. For some students, they’ll work more efficiently on a computer than a pen and paper, whereas for another they may need to recap a concept they learnt a few years ago. A tutor can adapt the materials used and also choose to present material that works in favour of a student’s strongest learning style.
Targeted Instruction. In most classroom settings, teachers have to teach to the middle of the class, which can result in many students either getting left behind or feeling bored. One-to-one tutoring allows students to be taught at their level of proficiency, giving them the learning time and expertise they deserve. For students with aggressive goals such as getting into a particular university, an expert in their chosen field can be provided to help take their knowledge to the next level. Often unachievable on their own or through school, a tutor who is successful in a subject can inspire, stretch and help high-achieving students achieve more than they could have with just hard work.
Gaps in Learning. It’s not unusual for students to be behind in their studies- sometimes by a few years. A private tutor gives students the opportunity to focus on these issues and takes the time to help fill in the gaps in learning by using material and giving instructions appropriate to their current level.
“My tutor was very helpful in keeping me focused on my weak points and strengthening them.” – Jack, Student
Personalisation – the New Trend in Education
With Forbes magazine listing ‘Personalisation’ as one of the top four trends in education, it’s clear that individualised learning is an area that is going to continue to grow. Not only does one-to-one tutoring allow for the personalisation of support materials, adapted teaching methods and high levels of focus, but has the power to change a student’s motivation, improve their skill set and increase potential success. From the outcomes we have already seen in students, with one-to-one tutoring anything is possible.
“The tutor matching, teaching methods, and adaptation of materials has really worked. There is no comparison between the mass-manufactured approach to education that churns kids through a system vs the customised, individualised and undivided attention he receives with this approach.” – Angela, Parent
How to Find a Mentor For Your Child
The importance of tutoring is clear. From helping children to get to grips with specific subjects to introducing learning materials that inspire learning outside the classroom, a private tutor has so much to offer. In addition to academic help, tutors also provide moral support, becoming another cheerleader for your child’s success and a mentor they can look up to.
At Tutor Doctor, our tutors understand the challenges that students face today and can provide motivation and encouragement where it’s required. Let us match you with the perfect tutor to suit your child’s situation and help them to build confidence and a positive attitude towards learning. Find a location near you to get started with one-to-one tutoring today.
