Keeping Tutoring in 2020 With Online Tools

Keeping tutoring In 2020 With Online Tools

Tutoring has, like everything else, moved to online platforms and video-calling. This is an exciting time for learning and rather than being less personal, it offers more flexibility, tapping into the pupils’ electronic world and facilitating the use of a plethora of different media. As we all know, there is a wealth of knowledge quite literally at our fingertips in this modern world. Learners however still crave direction and guidance; tutors are able to give this to their pupils; it is quite literally what they are good at.

But, how to find the right tutor? Tutors are just like anyone else in business these days; you’ll find them on social media or by Googling your requirements; word of mouth is a good, reliable way too, so ask your friends! Tutors are experts in their fields, that goes without saying, but many of them have other interests or specialise in working with youngsters with additional support needs such as autism or dyslexia. They are friendly and approachable, so just ask if you have a specific request. This is the ideal time to organise one-to-one tuition. Tutors have availability and can give pupils the boost to their learning that they need prior to the end of term. They can keep in touch with parents with feedback on how things are going, thereby reducing worries and filling both pupils and parents with confidence. Pretty soon, parents will see a new enthusiasm around learning and children will look forward to returning to school.

Parents may be feeling nervous about the associated costs of employing a tutor, but many will offer special rates for online tutoring or be able to accommodate small groups, thus reducing the outlay. With the much-debated topic of possible SQA exam cancellation next year, along with the uncertainty of full- time or part-time, blended schooling for the foreseeable future, the employment of tutors to help children, will be invaluable. Their input will compliment school teaching and therefore lessen the pressure for all involved. By engaging the services of one tutor, the likelihood is that strategies learned will be able to be applied to other subjects, and this along with increased confidence will lead to success across the curriculum for our children.

I have continued to tutor most of my National 5 and Higher pupils during lockdown. It’s giving these youngsters stability, confidence and continuous learning, even though the exams were cancelled. Some are doing it on a 1:1 basis and others in groups. I received some lovely feedback from a Mum recently, “G has enjoyed your sessions during lockdown so much that she says it’s helped her with all the subjects and she’s looking forward to school going back in August. Before you helped her, she was dreading it.”

Most tutors are also able to recommend tutors to help with other subjects too. Please contact me for more information or put a comment below.