One of the best things about finding a tutor in Vancouver (or anywhere else in the Lower Mainland) is that there are so many to choose from; however, at the same time, one of the hardest things about choosing a tutor in Vancouver is that there are so many. In that case, how do you find a tutor that’s best for you?
When you type “Vancouver Tutors” into Google, you’ll find thousands of links; some to large or small tutoring companies and some to individual tutoring ads on sites like Craigslist. It’s easy to become overwhelmed with these results. Even if a friend or family member suggests a tutor, there is still some doubt that that person will be the best fit.
Here are some things to think about when deciding on a tutor:
- Experience/Reputation: How much experience does/do the tutor(s) have? It is important to know his or her qualifications. How long has he or she been teaching? How good is his or her reputation? Often a good tutor will place the service over the paycheque. If a tutor seems overly interested in the tuition fee, then he or she may not have the student’s best interest in mind. A tutor with a good reputation is essentially trying to be good enough to make his or her presence unnecessary.
- Price: How much are you willing to pay? Often, but not always, a tutor’s fee indicates the quality of tutor. If the price is above $30 per hour, you’re likely getting someone that has more experience. The tutors who charge between $15 and $25 are usually ones that are just getting started who may not really have that much confidence. If you decide to go with a large tutoring company, then it is important to remember that it will often be more expensive. A smaller tutoring company will be less, but still be in a higher range over an individual starting out. Sometimes picking a tutor in the middle range is the safest because you can count on the fact the company or individual is reputable and he or she is confident in his or her skills.
- Home Tutoring vs. Institution: Many people enjoy the convenience of home tutoring because the student feels very comfortable and you don’t have to leave home! It is also harder to forget school materials when the student’s already home. Overall, it is a lot easier. However, some prefer to go to an institute because there may be less distractions.
- Type of Tutoring: It is really important to understand the type of student to understand the type of tutoring that is necessary. Some students prefer one on one classes because their confidence is low or they need more attention. Some prefer classes because of the interaction. One on one tutoring benefits students who really need to catch up or who really want to get ahead. That way they get to ask all of the necessary questions, and the tutor can target any specific issues. Some larger tutoring companies only provide classroom environments or give out worksheets; that may not be the best situation for a struggling or exceeding student. In all, if a student wants/needs a tutor it is for support, not just extra work.
- Credentials: Often, people assume that a certified teacher is the best to have as a tutor. That assumtion is not quite the case. Teachers are great at teaching large classes, but they are not always the best for one on one tutoring. Keep in mind that the student needs a tutor because he or she is having trouble following the teacher’s instruction style at school. Thus, you don’t always need to find a certified teacher to bea tutor. A person with a good post-secondary record or a bachelor’s degree could be enough. Remember that no matter how many degrees or diplomas a person has, he or she may not necessarily be a great teacher. That’s where the experience and reputation part come in.
Overall, considering the five criteria above helps when trying to pick a tutor in Vancouver. Essentially, the problem is not FINDING a tutor, it is PICKING the right one. After picking a tutor, you should know after the first couple classes if it is the right fit. If he or she passes the initial couple classes, watch how attentive he or she is in observing progress. Pay attention to whether or not there are results. Some subjects, like English, take a bit longer to see results, but overall the student should be showing some better understanding. Most importantly, ask the student if he or she feels comfortable with the tutor. If you are the student, as the same questions to yourself. Keeping all of this in mind will help you know if you have the right tutor helping you.
Get a hold of a Think Out Here for any questions or concerns.
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