Do a simple web search on “private tutor” and you’ll quickly discover it’s an area filled with an overwhelming amount of options. There are countless businesses offering a wide variety of costs and teaching methods, and an equally broad range of guarantees. So how do you narrow it down and find the private tutor who meets your needs? Here is an overview of common tutoring methods to help you choose the best fit for your unique situation:
Types of Private Tutors
A search for private tutors will yield a mix of local freelance educators and large companies with a multitude of tutors for every subject. Some companies require their tutors to be certified educators, while others only require their employees to have knowledge and experience in the subject. Curriculum standards differ as well, with some tutoring services meeting Common Core standards and others focusing on the general subject matter without regard to specific curricular guidelines. There are even private tutors who specialize in test preparation rather than a specific subject.
Methods of Tutoring
The advance of technology has encouraged a wide range of options for private tutoring. Meeting face to face with a local instructor is no longer the only method for individualized instruction. Tutors and students can interact through email and text messaging, or even through video chats. Certain tutoring companies also offer proprietary software that allows the tutor to write on a digital whiteboard, giving the student an individualized classroom experience. Some teaching methods even incorporate artificial intelligence to generate content that adapts to each individual learner.
Another advantage of technology is the ability to teach through videos, mixed-media presentations, and interactive games, rather than the traditional format of lectures, memorization, and repetitive quizzing. There are companies like funtoot, that have created educational games to encourage students to a more immersive, interactive environment. The most advanced games format each question and interaction based on the student’s unique challenges and learning style, providing a completely customized experience. While many educational websites are entirely based on computer algorithms to teach and evaluate, there are some that offer a mix of artificial intelligence and dedicated human instructors. Students spend most of their time working with the digital content, but have the option of contacting an individual tutor for help with difficult topics.
How to Choose
Choosing the perfect private tutor for a student requires careful research. It’s important to take into account the student’s curriculum requirements and unique learning style. It may be important to have a certified educator working under Common Core standards. Face-to-face interaction is necessary for some students, while others learn more through a digital conversation or educational games. The goal is to find the ideal tutoring situation that will allow the student to learn and retain the knowledge required for lifelong success. To know more, visit our website today!
