Because there are many different types of tutoring and lots of tutors to choose from, parents should research their options fully to find their child's perfect match.
"Don't just rush into a relationship," advises John J. Prelich, Jr., of Corn Associates educational consulting firm in New Jersey. "Shop around and really look into it."
To find the best tutor, you should first talk with your child's teacher and find out what he needs. Many kids require only a little extra attention and homework support. Some students will benefit from learning effective organization and study skills. Students sometimes need re-teaching to fill in the things they missed in previous years. And occasionally, a student requires intensive instruction to build an educational foundation on which future learning can take place. Knowing what your child needs will help guide you toward the right tutor.
After learning what your child needs, it's time to consider your options. Tutoring is no longer limited to a one-hour session in the home of a retired teacher. Here are a few of the most popular choices available:
Private Tutors
Hiring an individual to work with your child is still the most common type of tutoring. A private tutor works one-on-one with your child, usually in your home or hers. Sometimes a tutor will meet your child in a mutually convenient place, such as the school or a library.
One of the biggest benefits of hiring a private tutor is the individualized attention your child will receive. Working face-to-face, the tutor and student develop a strong personal relationship. This relationship helps the tutor understand the child's strengths and weaknesses so he can adapt his lessons accordingly. It gives the child someone to discuss academic difficulties with, without the fear of rejection.
Unfortunately, finding a good tutor can be a challenge. Although many schools keep a list of available tutors, most names on the list are placed there at the tutor's request, not based on their qualifications. You might find a gem on this list, but it will take some digging.
A better way to find a private tutor is by asking your child's teacher if he could recommend someone. There may be another teacher at the school who tutors in the evenings. Or he may know of a parent with expertise in the areas your child needs help. He may also know of tutors who have helped children with similar difficulties in the past.
You can also ask friends or coworkers if they've had any experience with tutors. References from other parents are a good way to narrow your search. But keep in mind that just because a tutor was right for their child doesn't mean he will be right for yours.
Prices for private tutoring are set by the tutors themselves. There is a broad range, depending on the tutor's education, experience and availability, but most families can expect to pay between $10 and $50 per hour. Usually, payment is expected the day of the session. Few private tutors accept credit cards.
Tutoring Centers
An alternative to private tutoring is center-based tutoring. Programs like Sylvan Learning Centers and Kumon Math and Reading Centers offer individualized help to students in a small group setting.
Unlike many private tutors, centers use objective tests to find out each student's strengths and weaknesses. "We accurately identify the skills a student may have missed and design an individualized program specifically for that child," says Victor Peirce, executive director of the Sylvan Learning Centers in mid-Michigan. This program, Peirce adds, can be taught by any of the center's employees, so your child won't miss a session because his tutor is sick.
There are two main concerns with this type of tutoring. One is that families can't choose a specific tutor to work with; the other is that tutors generally work with three to five students at the same time, so their attention will be divided.
A family can expect to pay up to $150 per week for services at a tutoring center, with payments being made weekly or monthly. Most centers accept credit cards for payment, and some offer financing or scholarship programs.
Online Tutors
The internet now offers yet another tutoring option for parents. Online tutoring services offer the benefits of private tutoring without the scheduling constraints. It also makes tutoring seem more like a game, which helps motivate students and encourages them to continue their sessions.
Although online tutoring is growing in popularity, many educators believe the technology leaves much to be desired. "Tutoring is a private relationship," says Prelich. "Personal contact is important." Opponents also cite the fact that communicating through the computer can be difficult, especially for younger children. Additionally, online tutors rarely have contact with the student's classroom teacher, so you miss an important piece of the educational puzzle.
Online tutoring holds many concerns for parents as well. Primarily, there is no way to know who, exactly, is interacting with your child. If you choose this method of tutoring, be sure to get as much information as possible about the person on the other end of the wire.
Online tutoring charges generally range from $20 to $50 per session, usually paid with a credit card.
The Choice Is Yours
Sandy Fleming, a tutor and educational consultant at UniversalClass.com, urges parents to consider all of their options. "No one program fits every child," she says. Do your homework to find the one that will best fit yours.
Lisamarie Sanders is a former early childhood and elementary school teacher, currently raising two preschoolers. She is a freelance writer specializing in family and education articles.