The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted schooling and learning for children worldwide. According to a UNICEF study, about 70% of children globally fell behind in core reading skills during the pandemic. As students return to classrooms, many are facing challenges both academically and socially.
Tutoring can help children catch up in a manner suitable for their individual needs. This article will explore how tutoring companies can assist your child in recovering lost knowledge and performing well in the post-pandemic era.
How Tutoring Companies Help Students
Tutoring companies provide extra help to students who are struggling in school or want to get ahead. Using a tutoring company offers numerous advantages.
1. Individual Attention
Tutoring companies allow students to get individual attention tailored to their needs. The tutor learns how the student learns best. Then they use teaching methods focused on the student’s style. For example, some students learn well through hands-on activities.
The tutor will use more interactive tools like blocks for math lessons or science experiments. Other students may need more repetition. So the tutor will review material multiple times until it clicks. This personalized approach is more effective than only learning in a large classroom.
2. Confidence Building
Tutoring builds up students’ confidence in subjects they find hard. With a tutor’s guidance, students master concepts step-by-step. Breaking big concepts down makes difficult material less intimidating.
As students understand pieces and connect them, their skills improve. This makes students gain confidence in abilities they thought were weak. Students feel proud of themselves for steadily improving. Their motivation increases when they believe they can succeed.
3. Foundational Skills
Tutoring reinforces foundational skills in reading, writing, and math. Mastering basics like phonics or multiplication in early grades is key. These core skills are the building blocks for tougher materials later on.
A tutor figures out where the gaps are in a student’s foundations. Then they create lessons to fill in those gaps. Fixing weaknesses early prevents students from falling further behind down the road.
Effective Ways to Get Tutoring
There are several types of tutoring companies to meet different needs.
1. One-on-One
One-on-one tutoring provides entirely personalized attention. It is just the tutor and student working together. The tutor designs everything based on how that particular student learns best. Tutoring sessions focus on the student’s specific weak areas or goals.
For example, a tutor may spend an hour on reading comprehension strategies for an upcoming exam. Since it is private, students feel comfortable asking questions without judgment.
2. Small Group
In small group tutoring, a tutor works with 2-4 students together. Students benefit from peer learning in the group setup. They gain new perspectives on concepts by hearing classmates’ ideas.
Group tutoring also costs less per student than private one-on-one tutoring. The tutor gets input on how each student learns and differentiates accordingly. Quieter students may get more encouragement to open up and participate.
3. Online
Online tutoring connects students to tutors using video chat technology. This makes tutoring convenient without needing to go anywhere in person. Online tutoring works best for motivated, focused students who can learn well in a remote setting.
The tutor and student can continue to interact through the screen. Many online platforms allow them to write on a shared whiteboard or hold up learning tools. This enables hands-on learning even in remote settings.
4. In-Person
In-person tutoring happens with the tutor and student in the same physical location. For young students, in-person tutoring allows more hands-on learning with physical tools and manipulatives.
The tutor can provide in-the-moment feedback and correction of mistakes more easily face-to-face. In-person tutoring is also better for students who get distracted or overwhelmed in an online environment. The classroom environment helps some students maintain focus and engagement.
Tutoring companies give students expert guidance adapted to support their success in and out of the classroom. Finding the right tutoring approach can help students excel academically and build self-confidence.
Different Types of Tutoring Companies
There are several types of tutoring companies to match students’ needs. The appropriate tutoring approach depends on the student’s grade level, ability, and learning style. To illustrate the prevalence of the major tutoring company types, here is a breakdown of the estimated market share for each category:
Data Source: Wikipedia
1. Academic Tutoring
These tutoring companies focus on boosting skills in core school subjects. They help students who are struggling in math, reading, writing, science, or social studies. Academic tutoring is common for elementary through high school students.
Sessions work on homework help, test prep, and reviewing concepts. Tutors identify weak areas and fill in gaps. For example, reading tutors may review phonics or vocabulary. Math tutors teach ways to understand fractions and algebra.
2. Test Prep Tutoring
Test prep tutoring gets students ready for important exams like the SATs, ACTs, and AP tests. High school students use these to apply for college. Tutors use real practice tests and tips to boost test performance. This improves students’ scores and college chances.
3. Enrichment Tutoring
Enrichment tutoring helps advanced students who want to go deeper into a subject. For example, students talented in math or science can learn above-grade-level concepts with a tutor. Arts-focused students can build skills in music, theater, or visual arts.
4. Special Needs Tutoring
Specialist tutoring companies work with students who have learning disabilities or differences like ADHD, autism, and dyslexia. The tutoring approach is tailored to each child’s needs and challenges. Tutors have training in learning therapies. Sessions help students with organizational skills, focus, and managing emotions.
5. Language Tutoring
Students learning English as a second language benefit from language tutoring. Tutors specialize in teaching reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills to non-native speakers. This helps students improve their English fluency faster. Some also teach foreign languages like Spanish, French, or Mandarin.
The right tutoring approach depends on a student’s needs and goals. Considering the abundance of tutoring options, parents can discover the ideal fit to support their child’s growth.
How to Choose the Right Tutoring Company
With many tutoring options out there, how do you pick the best fit? Here are some tips:
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Look at the company’s experience. Do they have a strong track record with students similar to yours? Ask for references to learn about real families’ experiences.
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Consider qualifications. Look for tutors with teaching expertise in the needed subjects and grade levels. Make sure they are knowledgeable, and patient, and engage well with children.
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Evaluate the teaching approach. Does their style match your child’s personality and learning needs? Some students do better with a gentle versus firm approach. Others need more hands-on learning methods.
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Assess specializations. If your child requires specific assistance such as test prep or reading improvement, look for a company specializing in that area rather than general tutoring.
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Look at logistics. In-home tutoring is more convenient but pricier. Online tutoring has flexibility but requires self-motivation. Think about location, schedule, group size, and cost.
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Do trial sessions before committing. Observe how your child responds to the tutor’s style in person. Make sure they connect well and look forward to sessions.
Selecting the tutoring approach that best suits your child will maximize their success and confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the average cost of tutoring services?
Tutoring prices vary, ranging from $15 to over $100 per hour, depending on the tutor’s experience and the subjects tutored. On average, expect to pay $30-$60 per hour.
2. How long does it take to see results from tutoring?
Most students see improvement in subject comprehension and grades within a few weeks or months of starting tutoring. However, tutoring is an ongoing process, with continued sessions needed to see lasting gains.
3. What subjects can my child receive tutoring for?
Tutoring is available for all major academic subjects, including math, science, English, history, foreign languages, and more. Tutoring is also offered for standardized test prep (SAT, ACT, etc.), college admissions essays, and other specialized areas.
Conclusion
The pandemic was a big setback for education and caused problems for many students. As academic recovery progresses, tutoring provides targeted assistance tailored to meet children’s specific needs. Whether improving basic skills, closing learning gaps, or getting ready for transitions, tutoring companies offer solutions tailored to your child’s needs.
By selecting the appropriate fit aligned with their goals and learning style, tutoring can equip your child with the skills needed to rebound stronger and thrive in school and life post-pandemic.