Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Top 5 Questions to ask when looking for a tutor

There are many different tutoring services out there and it can be a dizzying adventure trying to pick the right tutor for yourself or your child. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a tutor or a tutoring service.

1. Is there a fee for an assessment or consultation and is it required?
Some services require you to pay upfront for an assessment before they will recommend a package. These fees can range from $50-$200. You may go through the assessment and then find you cannot afford the tutoring services proposed.

2. Do they have customized packages?
Some tutoring services only have standard packages and will not be flexible.

3. Do they use their own curriculum or do thy follow the student's curriculum?

Some tutoring services will introduce the student to a brand new curriculum in addition to the curriculum the student has to absorb at school. If you or your child are struggling, learning a new curriculum rather than focusing on the existing curriculum may not be wise.

4. Do they provide in-home tutoring or center based tutoring?
Some tutoring services are center based only which means one more trip for the student and for the parent/guardian to fit into a busy day's schedule, while other tutor services come to the home or will meet the student at a convenient location.

5. What is the tutor to student ratio?
Some services will have a 4 to 1 student to tutor ratio or higher, while in-home tutoring services can offer a much more desirable and focused one-to-one tutor to student ratio. If you are looking for individualized attention and need a focused learning atmosphere, one-to-one will be much more conducive to improved learning skills and better grades.

No matter what route you go, make sure you do your own homework, and that not only are your child's learning needs being met, but their personality is too. Your student's tutor can make all the difference in the world.

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