How do you know when you found “the one” (Tutor) LOL

[PetriMom]

Hi everyone. When looking for online tutors (because covid) how do you know that you’ve found the best tutor for yourself and/or children without wasting time or money? If you have any experience please share.

Most tutors will offer a meeting for free so you can ask lots of questions and discuss approaches etc.

I'm a tutor and do a meeting at my office or on zoom with any prospective parents. They are then welcome to book a stand alone lesson before they commit to a block of lessons.

I think tuition is such a personal thing that you really need to just try out a tutor, maybe more than one, before you find someone who suits your child.

Most experienced and successful tutors will be happy to answer all your questions but you should expect to pay them for any lessons. You wouldn't expect any other professional to work for free.

I should add, I'm also a parent who uses tutors for my daughter and this is exactly how I've found our tutors.

Most tutors now offer online tuition, so it's worth asking other parents locally for recommendations or doing a search on local Facebook groups. Both our tutors love within 10 minutes drive but we've stayed online with them as it's very effective and so convenient.

Obviously, have a list of what you are looking for including qualifications, experience etc before you start looking.

Hi @PetriMom,

I agree with rosesinmygarden, the best way to learn if they are a good fit is to take advantage of a free consultation. Most reputable agencies/tutors provide this option so you can ask the right questions and get all the information you need to make a decision. Usually these consultations range from 15-30 minutes. You should also check their website, socials and look for testimonials from other parents if any.

Definitely make use of a free trial lesson. Most tutoring companies will provide this option, get as much information as you can find online first. Look at tutor profiles online to find out more. Check reviews and rates etc. Get recommendations as well, and always ensure that the tutor has a recent dbs check and references to check. Prepare a list of things to check.

This is a list you can use
Experience
Skills and qualities
Goals
Reputation
Lesson availability/prices
Qualifications/degrees
Expectations
Teaching style etc
Homework

I hope this is useful.

I discovered that I was “the one”. Tried various tutors, but they all used the same sorts of resources, and often tried to make it look harder/more mysterious than it was (eg by using books without answers so that they’d then mark things - I then discovered that many 11+ books have answers in the back, and explanations!). Plus of course they didn’t know my child like I did - the gaps, the talents, etc. However, I understand tutoring isn’t for every parent. But: Don’t imagine you CANT do it. It’s the 11+ not a PhD.

Of course, if you’re talking about GCSE/Alevel, then ignore the above!

@Jumpalicious, I’m glad I saw your post. I thinking about tutoring my year 5 son myself but worry that a professional tutor’s knowledge of the trade means they would offer him a more superior service than me.

Do tutors just use the workbooks you can find on Amazon and WHSmith?

@MrsMayJune yes the tutors I used did just use workbooks. I tried a few tutors , among them they used bond, schofield & Simms, an old series of prep school books available on Amazon, also a series called Target Your Maths. However, bar bond, these had no answers with them... the best series for home tutoring/teaching by parents is the CGP series in my view - explanations and answers. I got these from Amazon because of lock down, but they may be available from whs too.

I’m sure if we were not in lock down I’d have continued with the tutor, so this was an interesting experiment! I would say, if your child doesn’t respond to your teaching, do try tutors - they are there to take the stress out! But we didn’t find it stressful at all... plus, as i say, lockdown forced the issue. Good luck!

Hi, I am a very experienced primary teacher and tutor. I have been doing both for 20 years. I think the difference between a parent teaching and an actual teacher is that a) a child is more likely to listen to and engage with someone who isn't the parent and b) teachers know many different methods to teach each concept and to explain problems. This definitely seems to help most in maths.

However, if you are lucky enough to have a child who listens to you and will let you help, that's great- I wish mine would!

On the other hand, the tutors I used were obviously not as engaged/motivated to help as me, the parent. None knew my child as well as me, so wasted time (and my money) on useless things (eg comprehensions that were too easy). We could study when we felt like it, and at our own pace, rather than once a week with the tutor at set time. This was particularly easy during lock down with no school. Also, my maths is pretty hopeless, but it’s gcse standard, so good enough to teach Y6.

Of course, maybe I was just lucky... I was worried to DIY - as if paying someone else would make the difference. I just want to put it out there that (certainly if you are degree level educated) you can teach the 11+...

Thanks @Jumpalicious.

Very informative and really timely for me. I right now considering our strategy for the next 2 years.

Spam off @JonasV