Tutor Finder: How to Find a Tutor
Don't be afraid to ask when you don't know something; we all need help now and then. There are many myths about tutoring and hiring tutors, which is why I think it's important to clear them up and tell it like it is. Think of this guide as a starting point for finding yourself a tutor.
Should I get a tutor?
How do you know whether you need to find a tutor for yourself or for someone else? Well, it depends. There are a number of factors to consider, mainly:
- What will happen if you don't hire a tutor?
- How effective is tutoring?
- What are the costs of tutoring?
These questions are essential and should be answered before you hire any tutor. First establish the need for tutoring, then gauge how effective it will be, and finally make a rough estimate of how much it will all cost. Plan ahead so you don't fall on your head.
What will happen if you don't hire a tutor?
You can't know for sure, of course, but you can get an idea of how much you need one. If you're close to failing a course and have no idea how to tackle the material, finding a tutor may be critical. In that case, keep your options open and consider intensive tutoring a necessity rather than an option.
On the other hand, you may not be on the verge of failing but still feel inclined to get a tutor. In that case, you need to work out how effective tutoring will be and whether it is worth your time and money. (In the first case, this wasn't much of an issue, since you had few other options.) This brings us to our second point.
How effective is tutoring?
The effectiveness of tutoring depends not only on the tutor but also on the person being tutored. You may prefer to learn in an environment where you are not the only one being taught, such as a normal classroom, or, like many others, you may flourish in a one-on-one session with an experienced tutor. Work out what type of learner you are before you make any decisions. As for tutors, some people are simply better teachers than others, and you will benefit more from their sessions than from someone else's.
Always evaluate a tutor before you decide to hire them. Are they effective? Can they show you tangible results with students they've tutored? If not, perhaps you should move on to someone else. You can also ask their previous or current students whether they would recommend them. There are lots of tutoring services that can help with your search, but make sure you look around before making your final decision.
What are the costs of tutoring?
That obviously depends on:
- The tutor
- The number of hours you want to be tutored
As mentioned above, make sure you know all the options available. The more tutors you compare, the more likely you are to find one who is not only good but also cost-effective. As for the number of hours, that depends on how much help you need.
Getting the most out of tutoring
If you want your tutoring sessions to be as effective as possible, you need to prepare before you meet. Make sure you are already familiar with the terminology, definitions and so on. You do NOT want to spend half your time having the tutor explain things you could have understood on your own. This is a common mistake!
Finally, don't go all in without testing the water first. Try it for a week or two and see if it works out. Once you feel comfortable studying with a tutor, you can decide whether to move on to more regular sessions, for instance one to five times a week (or more, depending on your situation).
In conclusion: to find a tutor, look at all your options, make sure your chosen tutor is up to the job, and evaluate their performance before you commit.