For some students, only having their lessons at school is either not enough or becomes boring. These students can consider studying in a group to see if they really understand the material, by explaining it to their peers or by having it explained to them by their peers (we’ve covered this topic in a previous blog which you can read here), having group lessons with a tutor, or having private one-on-one lessons with a tutor.
Having a group lesson with a tutor can be an excellent resource, depending on the tutor and the rest of the class. If there are a lot of students around the same level, doing the same topics in school, this can be a great way to get some more help; however, more often than not, this is not the case. Most group lessons are composed of students around the same age who are doing different sections in their different schools. This doesn’t allow the tutor to have a quick mini lesson before helping each individual student. Instead, the tutor needs to split their time equally between all students to provide help (how much help can a student hope to get in a class of 5, 10, 15 students who are all doing different topics in an hour lesson?). Group tutoring sessions (which are not just completing worksheets) can be a fantastic way to catch up or maybe even get ahead (if listening to what the tutor is discussing with other students who are doing a different topic). Groups sessions are often one of the more economical options out there for private tutoring, and thus are more appealing to students and parents who would like to take action within a budget. Generally, even having group lessons is better than not doing anything while you/your child falls behind or becomes very bored by what they are learning in school.
Helpful Hint
Try to find the style of tutoring that is best for your child. Some students do best with peer tutoring, while others prefer professional.
For a more tailored approach, students and parents can consider having one-on-one lessons with a professional private tutor who is an expert in their field. These tutors are able to help students catch up and fill in holes in their understanding. They can also help students who are bored by what is currently being taught and can encourage students to think more in-depth than is expected in their schooling. Having an interest outside of school that needs a tutor/instructor (music lessons, certain sports like archery or chess, hobbies like falconry, etc.) is an excellent way to encourage children (or adults) in different pursuits. Just because these are not taught in school (possibly) doesn’t mean that it will not supplement a student’s education. For example, archery can be a great way for students to (safely) spend more time outside or just being active. This might even help their gym grades. Another way tutors for different activities can help a student in their schooling is by helping the child (or adult) learn to react with confidence with new situations. If a student has a lot of different extracurricular activities, they will be exposed to a lot of different conditions. For example, approaching a new opponent in a chess match can include a similar set of skills as a student would use to study a new subject. The specific approach a student uses is up to them (some are more reserved until they know more, others decide to just play their own game and see how it goes).
Supplementing a student’s regular schooling, either with group study sessions, group tutoring (with a private tutor) or one-on-one with a private tutor can be an excellent way for students to catch up with their studies, to get ahead or learn a new activity which can greatly affect how they approach new situations. The type of supplementary lessons will depend on the student and their parents. Some students will benefit more from one type of session than others. It can be important to not give up just because one type doesn’t work for you or your child.
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