Does your child need a tutor?

It’s every parent’s dream to raise a child who thrives at school, enjoys learning, and has the confidence to try new things. However, with endless assignments and tests – not to mention social pressures – many students need extra support to reach their full potential. If your child is falling behind at school, or if they have specific goals for the year ahead, a tutor could be a wise investment.

Research cited in the Journal of Educational Psychology shows that tutoring has been proven to increase students’ confidence and improve results when used as a supplement to classroom teaching.

This view is supported by Genevieve Murphy, CEO of TutorBright – a company that has delivered targeted 1:1 tutoring to over 3,000 students across Melbourne.

“Every child learns differently, and tutoring provides a safe forum for students to ask questions and learn in their own way. This helps confidence grow, and results in school inevitably follow”, Genevieve says.

“From helping primary school students overcome subject anxiety, to supporting VCE students to achieve a study score, we see consistently inspiring results. It’s amazing how powerful tutoring can be, especially when it’s provided in the comfort of the home.”

Every child needs a champion

No matter how your child is performing at school – or what you’d like to help them achieve – chances are they could benefit from a tutor.

According to data from TutorBright, the top reasons parents and students engage are tutor are to:

·       Improve grades or fill learning gaps

·       Maintain academic excellence

·       Increase confidence

·       Manage anxiety (particularly during the transition from primary to secondary school)

·       Prepare for entry into scholarships or select schools

·       Identify, explore and extend learning around specific areas of interest

·       Develop strong study habits and organisational skills

While most TutorBright students seek assistance for Maths (55%) and English (40%), a tutor provides so much more than academic support.

“There’s a misconception that tutoring is only for students who are struggling, but a tutor can be a positive mentor for children of all ages and abilities”, says Genevieve.

“As adults, most of us have fond memories of a teacher who made a difference in our lives. The same applies to what we do at TutorBright. Our focus is on helping every student perform at their personal best. For some, this might mean excelling academically, while for others it’s more about strengthening social skills so they enjoy their time at school.” 

Parents need support too

It’s not just students who benefit when a professional tutor comes on board. If homework has become stressful for you or your child, or if you’ve noticed that your child has lost confidence, a tutor can help alleviate the pressure – and provide peace of mind.

“Many parents feel confused, overwhelmed and frustrated about how to best support their children.  A tutor provides valuable feedback about a student’s abilities and performance, so parents can stop second guessing themselves”, Genevieve says.

“Plus, a tutor provides a degree of separation between parents and students that is sometimes needed to break through barriers, particularly for teenagers”, she adds.

Danielle, a Melbourne parent who’s used TutorBright’s services since 2017, says tutoring has made a huge difference to her and her son, Lachlan, who’s just starting Year 8. 

“Every week I get feedback about how Lachlan is doing. It’s like a safety net, which gives me confidence. It’s nice to know that I’m giving my son the support he needs to be his best”, Danielle says.

“And the results speak for themselves. Lachlan’s attitude towards maths, and particularly his understanding of algebra, has improved dramatically since he started tutoring. It’s like a lightbulb has come on – and that makes us both feel good.”

Tips for finding the right tutor

When it comes to choosing a tutor, parents are spoilt for choice. From 1:1 in-home tutoring to group and online classes, there are many options available. 

To help you find the perfect tutor – and maximise your child’s chances of success – here are some questions to consider:

·       Does the tutor specialise in your child’s subject of interest?

·       Is the tutoring program personalised?

·       Is tutoring provided 1:1 or in a group setting?

·       Where is the tutoring delivered?

·       Does the tutoring program align with the Australian curriculum?

·       Is the tutor an active member of the Australian Tutoring Association?

·       How are tutors trained and checked?

·       How does the tutor involve parents and provide feedback?

According to Genevieve of TutorBright, the right dynamic between tutor and student makes all the difference.

“Kids learn from people they like, so it’s important to find a tutor your child trusts and enjoys spending time with”, she says.

“At TutorBright, we conduct a comprehensive assessment of each student, including their current capabilities, personality and attitude to learning, before we match them with a tutor. We have a team of over 700 trained tutors, which makes it easy to find the right fit.”

Another tip Genevieve recommends is talking to your children.

“We focus on 1:1 in-home tutoring, as we believe that’s how most students learn best. However, every child is different, so ask your child questions. Would they like to learn at home or in a group setting? Would they feel more comfortable with a male or female tutor? The happier the student is with their tutor, and the more involved they feel in the process, the more they’ll benefit from the experience.” 

BOOK A FREE ASSESSMENT WITH TUTORBRIGHT

Call 1300 698 886 or visit www.tutorbright.com.au/free-assessments to book a free, no-obligation assessment for your child in Melbourne or Geelong. TutorBright specialises in 1:1 in-home tutoring for students of all ages and abilities, including primary school, secondary school, NAPLAN and VCE.