Before I get to a simple “yes” or “no”, let’s first understand a tutor’s role.
Best tutor ever right?
Not quite…
Who should seek out private tutoring?
Private tutors offer expertise in a targeted area. Our job is not to babysit the student and complete their homework assignments. Rather, we strive to find the problem areas and fill in the gaps that are preventing their long-term success.
I see most of my students once a week for an hour or two at a time. That still leaves many more hours in a week where they are completely on their own. How we use our hour together is up to the student, but that choice makes a world of difference when it comes to results.
In my experience, the students that reap the greatest benefits from tutoring are internally motivated to do well. They listen attentively, come to class with questions, and devote time to practicing the concepts we review.
These students understand that knowledge builds upon itself, that they can’t just avoid difficult problems and hope to never see them again.
In short, they are proactive rather than reactive.
Who should seek alternatives?
On the other hand, students that are looking for a quick fix are sure to be disappointed.
Now, there’s nothing wrong with wanting a grade boost or a last-minute refresher before a big exam. If however, there is a perpetual pattern of studying solely for the sake of exams, then we have a problem. This mindset is evident in the student panicking right before test day and displaying a lack of engagement at all other times.
Private tutors don’t have magic pills. We can’t take exams for our students. We provide the tools necessary for them to master a skill, but keeping those tools sharp requires a continual effort.
Conclusion
So, do I believe you should pay for a private tutor? With my background in Consulting, it should come as no surprise that my answer is “it depends”.
If you are motivated to excel, but may not be equipped to do so at the moment, then you are an ideal candidate for private tutoring.
Maybe you had a bad teacher (an unfortunately common phenomenon, especially in math). Or maybe you faced a setback in a critical year, which took a toll on your self-confidence. Whatever your reason, if you are determined to bounce back, then a skilled private tutor can help you get there.
For students that need a bit more push to see the value of education, tutoring may still be a good option, but it’s important to be realistic with your expectations.
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