This is a very popular question and one that is not always easy to answer. There are so many factors in a student’s academic journey that can bring about the question, “ does my child need a tutor?”
Here are some factors to think about when considering hiring a tutor for your child. Tutoring is not just for the struggling learner. We will break this down into 10 types of students to explore how tutoring can meet the needs of a diverse range of students:
The Struggling Learner
The struggling learners are students who are behind grade level, have difficulty retaining concepts, or show low confidence in certain subjects. These students often benefit from a tutoring program that focuses on remediation, structured practice, and confidence-building.
The Advanced/High-Achiever
Your advanced/ high achieving students are those students who are ahead of their peers, easily grasp new concepts, or excel in standardized testing. Tutoring can challenge them further, provide enrichment, or support advanced programs like AP, IB, or gifted tracks. Our enrichment offerings provide opportunities for these students to stay inspired in learning and give them the boost they need to continue their academic growth.
The Average/On-Grade-Level Student
Your average, on-grade level students are doing okay academically, but may lack study skills, motivation, or consistency. A tutor can help maintain or improve performance, teach time management, and reinforce learning routines. These students that work with a tutor often get a boost in their motivation and see a great growth jump in their grades.
The Student with Learning Differences or Special Needs
These are your subset of students that have been diagnosed with a learning difference such as dyslexia, ADHD, processing disorders, or executive function challenges.
Tutors can provide customized strategies, accommodations, and targeted interventions. These students that implement tutoring have substantial academic growth progress and do extremely well in school with the support of personalized tutoring programs.
The Test-Prep Focused Student
Test prep focused students are students who need support preparing for standardized tests (ISEE, SSAT, SAT, ACT, AP exams). These are often short term test prep programs.
A tutor provides strategic review, test-taking skills, and confidence-building. These test taking strategies are designed to help the student excel in these tests. These strategies can be implemented and used with everyday tests as well.
The Student with Anxiety or Confidence Issues
Many students can fall into this category. They are students who understand the material, but struggle with test anxiety, performance stress, or low confidence. Tutoring not only supports the academic portion of learning, and also provides emotional support, practice under pressure, and coping strategies. These students, who work with a tutor, often feel a reduction in stress, and are able to implement positive coping strategies to thrive in and out of the classroom.
The Highly Motivated or Goal-Oriented Student
Highly motivated or goal-oriented students are those who have a specific goal, like college admissions, sports, or competitions. Tutors help plan long-term strategies, refine skills, and stay accountable. Students who engage in executive function coaching sessions experience a positive and long lasting impact. These tools provided during these tutoring sessions build successful students overall and provide students with skills they can use for life.
The English Language Learner (ELL/ESL Student)
Students who are learning in a second language may need support in comprehension, vocabulary, or writing. Tutoring can offer language support alongside content mastery.
The Remote/Online Learner Needing Structure
Students struggling to adapt to virtual or hybrid learning environments. Tutors provide structure, engagement, and accountability in an online format. Tutors provide students with the tools and strategies they need to thrive while learning in an online environment.
The Student with Low Motivation or Highly Distracted
Students with low motivation, who are easily distracted, may know the material but struggle to stay organized, complete assignments, or follow through consistently. Tutoring can teach executive function skills, organization, and follow-through. These sessions that focus on executive function skills are highly effective for supporting these students in the classroom and in life.
In conclusion, hiring a tutor can be an effective strategy that supports all learners. Take the time to determine the concern or issue your child is having and decide if you feel a tutor can best support your child. We highly recommend that starting early with tutoring gives students the tools they need before frustration sets in.
To learn more about our tutoring programs and how we can support your learner, call us at 215-657-1981.