As a tutor, I have seen parents in panicked concern, students "freaking out," and other situations that are uncomfortable, but essentially, preventable. Let's take a more specific look into the matter.
Having a long-term tutor has many invaluable benefits:
1. Succeeding Feels Good - This is simple, obvious, and yet easily over-looked. Setting goals, impressing teachers and parents, and achieving respectable grades naturally boost self-esteem. It's a better "Selling-point" to a wary student than the statement, "Getting good grades is essential for success." The student may be eager to rebel and prove you wrong (as some parents know all too well). Bottom line: A consistent tutor helps students do well and feel good about their progress.
2. Preventing Loss of Confidence - It's common for the struggling student to feel inadequate, ashamed, and possibly, "stupid." I once tutored a student who had become very depressed and anxious after doing poorly in school. When discussing her grades, the mother asked me if she thought a psychiatrist would help. I didn't feel like that was my business, but I did say that I have seen the personality of students open and shine once the good grades become consistent. This particular student's transformation was unbelievable. After getting As and Bs on her tests, she became light-hearted, enthusiastic, and noticeably happy. I guess a creative tutor is better than anti-depressants!
3. Students Benefit from One-on-One Attention - This type of interaction is just not possible with the nature of our over-crowded school systems. I have worked with students that require specialized attention. ADD, autism, generalized anxiety, and other possible conditions have led me to students who really need special attention from an engaging tutor. One amazing individual, who has autism, made my day when he said, "I just want to be normal. Working with you makes it easier. Thanks Kevin."
4. No More End-of-Semester Stressful Debacles - Many people have the tendency to wait until their son or daughter displays severe symptoms of academic distress before finding a tutor.
I was once hired to help a senior from failing Chemistry and Economics. There were 5 weeks left in the year and she was facing the possibility of not graduating. Of course, we didn't let that happen. However, throughout, the student was miserably worried and the parents were very concerned. It turned into a rewarding situation. But believe me, it's not worth the stress.
5. A New Perspective - Here's one for the parents! Tutors have the ability to provide insights that no one else may be privy to. I'm 29 and students feel comfortable telling me that which they'd never tell their "old" or "mean" teacher. One 5th grade student accidentally cursed around me, and asked, "Are you going to tell my mom?" I responded, "Look. I don't think it's a good idea to curse, but hey, I'm no tattle tale!" The same day, this fifth grader opened up to me and told me why he was having problems in school. Of course, his mom appreciated the insight, I built trust with the student, and we still regularly work together.
6. Treating a Student as a Unique Individual - Rudolph Steiner, an advocate for better educational practice, once said:
"Love of the child is at the basis of all our educational endeavors, and that
all teaching is done through inner, living experience."
(The New Essential Steiner, Robert McDermott, Lindisfarne Books, 2009, pg. 245)
I think Steiner is wisely suggesting that education needs to be tailored to each student's particular interests, needs, and abilities. Tutors can teach to the unique individual. Learning is different for every person. A long-term tutor is a consistent resource that engages the student and brings life to the learning process. This make learning enjoyable. Ultimately, this is the source that fuels student progress, promotes future success, and reassures parents that their child is on the right track to a bright future.
Okay, it's true! - Unlike a doctor, a tutor generally isn't responsible for heavy life or death situations. However, as mentioned, a tutor can help make the life of a student (and the student's parents) much simpler, more enjoyable, and less stressful.
I hope that all students, tutors, and parents alike are finding this to be the case.
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