Top 5 Tutoring Myths
Common myths in tutoring / hiring tutors
Myth #1: Tutors need to be certified teachers.
In a study done by Hay McBer Research into Teacher Effectiveness: A Model of Teacher Effectiveness (Norwich:HM Stationery Office), it was found that “pupil progress outcomes are affected more by a teacher’s skills and professional characteristics than by factors such as their sex, qualifications, or experience.”
We believe that the best tutors are those who are role models for students. They have an impressive list of accomplishments and are great communicators, are passionate, encouraging, warm, patient, and know their stuff. We believe that just having a teaching certificate does not make one good at tutoring. We have a thorough interview process to ensure we hire only the top tutors.
Myth #2: To save money look for the cheapest hourly rate possible.
So many families have wasted money thinking they were getting a good deal. There is no way to know the total cost of tutoring based on the tutor’s hourly rate. When you hire a good tutor you use fewer hours of tutoring. Not only can a tutor who charges more end up being cheaper in the long run, but a good tutor can also can also keep you from wasting your and your child’s precious time. Ineffective tutoring may result in even lower confidence in your child, and this can make the situation much worse than before you hired a tutor.
Myth #3: You should wait until you need serious help before looking into hiring a tutor.
Most students only need up to 1.5 hours of tutoring per week. But, by the time the decision to get a tutor is made, most students are so far behind that it’s impossible to catch up and keep up in just an hour per week of tutorials. Since math and sciences courses are cumulative it’s important to fully understand the current year’s concepts to successfully move forward. If you have waited years to get a tutor, just imagine the amount of catching up the student will need to gain a strong foundation in what has already been covered.
Myth #4: Tutoring will take a lot of time. We are too busy with extracurricular activities.
Hiring a tutor can actually save time so that you can get on with volunteering, sports activities, or whatever else you need to do. Sure, you will need to set aside time for tutoring. Most high achieving students set academic achievement on top of their priority list. Some short-term sacrifices may need to be made to your social life, but think of all the time and frustration you will save by having someone guide you along.
Myth #5: My child only needs a tutor during the school year.
Students lose approximately two months’ worth of learning over the summer. Starting school after a long break creates a slow and difficult adjestment period. Just an hour of tutoring a week during the summer holidays can make a significant difference in how well your child starts their new school year.
