You’ve decided to get your child a tutor. Great! But what now? With so many tutors available across multiple platforms, the choice can seem overwhelming. Use these guidelines to help sift through the options and find the perfect educator for your child.
Safety First
The first and most important thing to look for is a tutor who has a Working with Children Check (WWCC). Platforms such as Learnmate ensure tutors are vetted and make it easy for you to verify the check. Anyone working or volunteering with people under the age of eighteen in Australia is required to have a valid WWCC, including tutors who only work online, so it is a vital step in your search for a tutor for your child.
Qualifications
The next step is to examine the tutor’s qualifications. Some tutors are qualified teachers looking for extra work, some may be retired teachers, while others may not be teachers at all, but former students who performed well in their selected subjects. Consider what might work best for your child. Younger adults (i.e., not teachers) have likely performed extremely well in their school subjects and have high subject knowledge. They know exactly what to do to get a high score and to ace exams, and they might be able to speak to your child about shared interests, or have common language.
A qualified teacher has trained in the skills on effectively communicating information to your child. They may have multiple ways in which they could teach subject matter based on the needs on the student. They can adapt, think outside the box, and potentially even plan lessons (though this might warrant an extra fee if their planning time sits outside their tuition time). A qualified teacher is likely to be more expensive than someone who is not, due to their skill level.
Different children need different approaches, so have a think about what might work best for your child. Additionally, if your child has a learning disability or special needs, look for a tutor with extra qualifications in this field. Helpfully, you can use Learnmate's additional search filters when looking for a tutor to narrow your search to tutors who have experience with various special needs.
Price
Set a realistic budget range that would work for your family, and then look for tutors within this range. Weigh the price against their qualifications, experience, and expertise. It’s not always true that a more expensive tutor will garner better results, but you may find that more qualified and experienced tutors have more knowledge about how to teach effectively. Qualified teachers, however, are likely to charge more. Consider your family’s priorities and then find a tutor at a price that you would be comfortable paying.
If you have a set budget or a range you are willing to pay, try using Learnmate's advanced search filters to narrow your search to tutors within your desired budget.
Personality
Once you’ve decided on the type of tutor and set a price range, it’s time to start reading profiles! Consider the type of personality and teaching style that would suit your child. Do they need someone quite firm and strict to keep them focused? Do they need someone playful who will keep the learning activities fun? Do they need someone to come in, start the timer, and work start to finish? Or would they work better with someone who spends time chatting and building a relationship before getting into work? Having clarity about your ideal tutoring style will help you to sift through the results with ease.
Online vs In-Person
There’s no right answer here. Online is certainly convenient and can come at a cheaper price, but many young children would prefer learning through someone who they can interact with face-to-face. They might also enjoy learning through more tactile experiences, such as using counters, modelling clay, or lollies, for example, to model division practice. Many tutors offer both services, but if not, filtering for the type of session you require might help you narrow down the candidates.
Check Out Reviews
If your tutor has had other reviews, read what their previous students and families have to say. While looking for a five-star rating is a good first step, the comments can help to give you valuable insights into your potential tutor’s strengths and preferences.
Trial Sessions
Many tutors will offer a free trial session or at least a meeting before tutoring begins. Make use of this! See how the tutor gels with your child. Does your child seem at ease? Is the tutor attempting to build a rapport? Do you feel comfortable in your tutor’s presence? If not, feel free to try someone else. Finding the right tutor is important and you are well within your rights to trial a few if the vibe is not right for you and your child.
How Do I Know if It’s Going Well?
It can be hard to discern if things are going well because not many children like doing homework! But here are some things to look for:
- Are you starting to see improvements in your child’s school subjects?
- Does your child seem more confident in that subject area?
- Does your child show more enjoyment for the subject?
- Does your child seem to look forward to the sessions?
- Is your child engaging positively in the sessions?
- Can you observe a positive rapport between your child and their tutor?
Any of these might be signs that things are working well. If you’re unsure, and speaking to your child doesn’t bring much clarity, it’s OK to try someone else. Your tutor will understand if it’s not a good match, or if you’re looking for something different.
After all, you are paying for this service, so you deserve to be discerning about the outcomes. Best of luck on your search!
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for in a primary school tutor's qualifications?
Look for tutors who have relevant teaching qualifications, experience, and a Working with Children Check (WWCC). Additionally, consider their expertise in the subject areas your child needs help with and any special qualifications for working with children with learning disabilities.
Is online tutoring as effective as in-person tutoring?
Online tutoring can be just as effective as in-person tutoring, especially with the convenience and flexibility it offers. However, the best choice depends on your child's learning style and preferences. Some children may benefit more from face-to-face interaction, while others may thrive in an online setting.
How do I know if my child is making progress with their tutor?
Monitor your child's academic performance, confidence, and attitude towards the subject. Look for improvements in their schoolwork, increased enthusiasm for learning, and a positive rapport with the tutor. Regular communication with the tutor can also provide insights into your child's progress.
This blog was written by Tahnee K, a highly sought after Primary School and VCE tutor for English, Literature, French and Media on Learnmate. Tahnee has over 15+ years experience teaching secondary English as well as special education primary.
You can view Tahnee's profile, including her rave reviews and, subject to her availability, request Tahnee as your tutor here.
