Do I really need a tutor?

Question

Are tutors worth the money?

Answer 1

Whether or not you need a tutor depends upon how disciplined you are, how proactive you are, and the subject matter at issue.

If you are a very disciplined student, then you are doing all of the homework assignments, projects, and labs, and turning them in on time. You are reading the textbook and taking notes. You are listening to the lectures, and taking notes. And you are setting aside quality study time before quizzes and tests. YOU do not normally need a tutor. [but see below]. You should do well in class without a tutor.

If you are a proactive student, you identify those portions of the subject matter that confuse you. You either discuss them with your instructor, or go on-line and find videos that explain the topic in terms you can understand. You read supplementary materials that may explain the topic from a different perspective. You arrange a study group with fellow students and discuss the more difficult concepts and issues together. YOU probably would not need a tutor.

However, if the subject matter is very challenging (calculus or combinational theory, for example) and you are already doing all of the above and just cannot wrap your mind around the necessary concepts, you could use a tutor as a guide to show you the easiest path to understanding. If you are not very disciplined, and need a coach to assure that you do and understand your assignments, complete your homework on time, and study adequately for upcoming quizzes and tests, then you could use a tutor. And if you cannot get the individual help you need from your instructor or find appropriate supplemental instructional materials on-line, then you could use a tutor to provide that for you.

Answer 2

To answer your first question: tutors can be very helpful when it comes to reiterating what students are being taught in school, at a language and pace that is more comprehensible and comfortable for the student(s) themselves. Tutors can help students who are struggling with everyday endeavors along the lines of academic discipline, organization and study habits. Tutors often serve as the link among classroom teachers, students and parents when it comes to academic consensus. Students and parents often find it helpful to have a third person/working professional onboard to help the student improve their academic horizons on a regular basis if and when helpful and necessary. After all, tutors are also teachers ourselves with equal academic education and foresight as classroom teachers!

Over time (because it will take time and effort on everybody’s parts), students will show considerable academic growth disciplinarily with a newfound deeper understanding of their learned material at hand thanks to the helpful, effective, support of a tutor and all we have to offer our pupils. Tutors are definitely worth the money for these reasons and many more. Sometimes, students and parents will seek a tutor for one-time-only purposes (studying for tests of all magnitudes, finalizing bigger homework assignments and projects-presentations, completing college applications). And often times, that single form and time slot of professional assistance provided by the tutor proves infinitely more valuable than previously believed by all taking part in the process.

Try out tutoring today! You will not be disappointed.

Answer 3

Hi students: Wow, big question! You are thinking, I have had some problems before with tests and I am not feeling so good about all that. What can I do differently to get that turned around?

a) Get a planner and write in the days and times of your upcoming classes/test.

b) When will you study?????? On the average, most students can do two hours per day. On the planner (yes!) make a date with yourself and schedule that study time.

c) How many days? Very few students want to study seven days a week. How about four or five days? Figure out which days of the week those will be for you and write that in your planner.

d) Have a 'study place' that is free from distractions (TV, computer, cell phone, cat, dog, brothers, sisters, etc.) and make this your place to study. Also, it should not be your bed (that's for sleeping!)

e) Lastly, you already know which sections will be difficult. Now is the time to reach out and find a tutor. Find someone who is good in that specific field. Determine if you are comfortable with that tutor; if not, change and find someone new. Schedule a regular 'check in time' each week for 30 to 60 mins. You think, wow, that is so much money! Consider this, how much money will you spend if you have to retake the class/test? Also, how will your GPA be affected if you get a low grade in this class? Think of it as an investment in your education and yourself.

Final word; set a goal for yourself. How about at the very least, a passing grade. How about higher than than? Don't feel badly if you need some help to accomplish this goal; remember, not everyone is good at everything. We all need some help along the way. Hey, my students help me with computer functions all the time. Later!

Courtney W., MA