It is time to get a tutor! Whether school isn’t going your way or you need more information than your teacher has time to teach you, you have decided a tutor is the best next step. Each tutor has their own unique approach to tutoring, so how can you make sure that your tutor is the best possible fit for your learning style? Here are a few things to think about as you select a tutor:
- How do you learn?
Tutors have to learn the material they are tutoring at some point, and the way they learn best will be reflected in their teaching style. Therefore, you should consider what types of lessons make the information stick the best in your head. Often, learning styles are split into 3 groups: visual, auditory, and tactile. Can you remember information reliably just by looking at it or hearing someone talk about it? Or do you need to work through the information yourself? Think about your strengths and make sure your tutor plays to them.
Personally, I am more of a tactile learner. I have always had trouble retaining information if I am just shown or lectured on it. I usually need to practice it myself a few times before it sticks in my brain. If I wanted tutoring, I would need my tutor to come up with activities for me to work on.
- What motivates you?
Not many people are entirely unmotivated. Unmotivated to do homework? Of course, but unmotivated to eat, play, or succeed? That is rarer. So think about what gets you motivated to participate. Is it the anticipation of a reward, or is it the fear of a punishment? Is it the fun you have as you participate, or is it the people that you participate with? There are so many different tutoring approaches, you are bound to find someone who can motivate you to succeed in class.
In my case, the joy of participation is my primary motivator. When I am certain of failure, that dread takes all my motivation away, so I would need a tutor that can distract me from any looming failure and keep my focus on fun and progress. If my tutor spent our sessions lecturing me on the consequences of not doing well in school, my grades would have probably gone down afterwards. For others, that accountability may be just what they need.
- Whom do you trust?
No matter the relationship, everyone has the right to feel safe and comfortable with the people around them. The connection between a student and their tutor is no different. As a result, you have the right to select tutors that represent your values and create a safe space for you to learn and grow. We all have preferences, that’s okay! Everyone’s lived experience is different, and you should feel safe to trust your tutor because fear and unease can be barriers to growth. It’s equally as important to respect everyone and celebrate differences as it is to respect and advocate for yourself. I want you to be confident enough to seek out people who will understand you the best, and that includes finding a tutor who supports you and makes you feel happy to learn.
I know that the quality of your education matters to you. If it didn’t, there would be no motivation to find a tutor. We at College Tutors want to make sure you have the best tutor for you, so as you search for your perfect tutor, think carefully about what you need in a tutor. And if you need help, College Tutors will be there for you every step of the way.
