What Can Tutoring Do For The Student?

What Can Tutoring do for the Student? When I began tutoring I wasn't sure how much help I would be to struggling students. I knew I had a good education and well developed practical skills but would I be able to connect with these young people and actually help them. I have a nurturing personality and this came through when I helped my husband look after his elderly parents through the last years of their lives. It also comes through when my colleagues need help with a computer program or system that was causing them difficulty, but would it work for a student? It's different when you are faced with a troubled student. They don't know you and they don't trust you. To help them with the stress of having to open up to a stranger about what is causing them difficulty in the classroom I start with a 30 minute get to know you session. I don't charge for this as it is for my benefit as much as the students. I ask them about the subject that is troubling them and what exactly they need help with. I then ask about their hobbies and interests and try to get to know who they are outside of school. This helps me develop an approach to learning that fits their personality. There is no "one size fits all" in tutoring. A good example of this is one of my maths students. I know she likes animals and Disney programs so the last 10 minutes of each session is spent on tailor made word problems that involve her favourite TV characters doing charitable things. She really enjoys these and the session ends on a positive note. It also shows her she matters and that she is making progress. This has boosted her confidence and she is doing better at maths and is becoming more outgoing socially. She is a great kid and I am happy to see her skills improve as well as her confidence. When I am having trouble reaching a student I think back to what it was like for me and try a little harder and it works they eventually let me help them and when they do it's a great feeling and they appreciate it too.

So what can tutoring do for the student? It gives them an ear to listen who understands and is there to help. It builds their confidence and their skill base that they will take with they throughout their education and into the work place. It allows them the room to improve in their own time and without restraints. They can ask questions they might be afraid to in class. There is no pressure from the tutor so they don't suffer the same anxiety that they suffer in the classroom. The family often sees the positive change in the students first and that helps the whole family reduce stress in the home.

Tutoring changes lives.