CHOOSING THE RIGHT TUTOR CAN BE AS EASY AS ABC
As the new school year begins, many families are facing the reality that their child could use some extra help in order to be successful this year. While looking on ExpatWoman, Dubizzle, Google and the community boards in Spinney’s, I noticed that there is no shortage of people offering to provide tutoring (tuition) to children in everything from Arabic to English to Math and Science.
Before entrusting your child’s academic future to someone, it is important to ensure that person is the best qualified and will personalize the tutoring to fit your child’s individual needs.
Here are seven easy tips for parents to use when choosing a tutor.
1. Make sure the instructor is licensed or certified. Teachers will need the proper qualifications to assess, diagnose and tutor to a child’s weakness. In Dubai, KHDA approval ensures accountability. You will also avoid the potential legal problems that may come with hiring unlicensed private tutors.
2. Look for an instructor with experience teaching children the same age as your child.
3. Request an assessment. An individualized analysis of a student’s strengths and weaknesses can determine a child’s unique needs and help set goals. Also, insist on progress updates as a child passes through each step of the learning program.
4. Define your goals. Are you trying to keep your child from failing? Are you looking to challenge a child who is already doing well in school? Are you looking to strengthen your child’s foundation by teaching previously missed skills? Be sure your child’s instructor understands your objectives and is skilled enough to meet them.
5. Find an instructor with specific expertise in the subject of your choosing. Just because someone is a math genius, does not mean he is qualified to teach other subjects.
6. Ask the tutor how they will help your child master a specific skill. A good instructor will require that a child learn a specific skill before advancing to the next academic level. Find a teacher who will work with parents and teachers to create an individual program.
7. Ask prospective instructors for references and testimonials from previous employers. Working with a reputable company will provide you the reassurance that your investment of time and finances is well spent.
