How do I find the best tutor for my child?
A guide on what to look for in choosing a tutor
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Are resources based on the
N. Z. curriculum / NCEA subjects?
Many tutors use off shore systems that are neither
up-to-date or relevant.
When choosing a tutor ask who developed the system.
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Comparing individual versus small group tuition?
One on one tuition puts a lot of pressure on students,
the tutor is waiting and watching all the time.
When the tutor is working with
up to four students of different skills
it gives time for the student to attempt the problem
while the tutor is helping someone else.
They will see other students working hard
and asking questions.
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Why not do all work on the computer? Isn't it more fun?
Tutoring is expensive and has been sought by parents
to help their child achieve higher levels.
Research shows that a variety of activities,
such as handwriting, bookwork,
keyboard work and discussion,
are extremely important in
establishing better learning.
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Can your tutor extend able students?
An experienced NZ-trained teacher
will design a specific program
that will challenge and motivate very bright students.
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How long should a session last?
One hour or one hour twenty ?
80 minutes allows time to mark homework
and complete up to 6 different activities
depending on the student's capabilities.
It allows time to plan, write and revise.
A 10 minute educational game at the end of the session
allows the student to consolidate their work.
One hour puts too much pressure on the student
& doesn't cover enough subject matter
to enhance their learning.
Committing to a session once a week
helps the student to be serious about
what they want to achieve, and builds reliability.
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Why use a tutor and not an online tutoring system?
Making sure a student is comfortable
with the tutor is paramount
- as a parent you will instantly recognise if this is so,
if not then the tutor is the wrong match.
In person tutoring is flexible, interactive and human.
A tutor can sense if a student is having difficulty
& can instantly help.
It is easy to log out of a computer program,
or skip something that is important to practise,
and so continuity is broken
- a tutor cannot be turned off.
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