Difference Between a Tutor and a Teacher 

Many don’t know the difference between a tutor and a teacher, which means that many are missing their opportunity to aid their child in improving academically, or simply achieving to their fullest potential. 

Role of a Teacher 

The role of a teacher depends on the school’s schedule, the classroom sizing, and even the obedience of the children in the sense of timings. Sometimes, though, this can limit the time spent with each student, especially as the average class size in the UK is approximately 20-30 pupils. Also, the teacher must stick to the national curriculum provided, if they teach at a public school. This means that they only have a set amount of time or lessons to explain one subject before moving to the next, often without review further in the schoolyear, meaning students are neglected to do this themselves, which leads to a lack of motivation. 

Role of a Tutor 

The role of a tutor differs from that of a teacher because they have more time and leverage with one individual student to ensure a personified experience in which will focus on certain topics and subjects the student might struggle with. Essentially, you may get tutors that specify in different topics areas, coming either from online practices, or in-person ones. There’s a variety of different tutors out there of many different ages with different teaching styles, so it’s best to evaluate which might work best for the student before progressing. 

Tutorship Definition 

The term “Tutorship” refers to a private class hosted mainly for one to five students at a time. Oftentimes, the aim is to regulate grades, build confidence in class, or even just to invest in new skills outside of school. For example, you might have hired a professional to help your child learn a musical instrument: this counts as tutoring because it’s a one-to-one session with your child helping them to learn. 

Why Might my Child Need a Tutor 

It’s very common, due to the way the curriculum is set, for your child to be struggling with the pace in which the content is provided, and in turn miss significant knowledge or learning strategies. This happens because there is a set number of lessons teachers have on one part of the curriculum, before shifting focus to something else. To add to this, a student may not be taught the topic in a way that is suitable or legible for their learning. This doesn’t mean that they can’t be academically inclined, just that they learn slightly differently to the way the other students do, which mean they may require tutoring. 

Types of Tutors 

Student Tutor vs Adult Tutor 

In the community of tutoring, you’re likely to find a lot of different sorts of tutors. Some may be students themselves, with substantial knowledge of the topic at hand and will know how to properly delve into the content. Also, student tutors are simpler if you’re prioritising your funds, since they’re likely to charge less as they’re not professionals. However, this might be a bad choice for your child if in the case of they don’t understand the content because of the teaching style, as it’s probable a student tutor was educated the same way your child was, which will ultimately be no help. 

Adult tutors, on the other hand, tend to be retired teachers or educators who might have adjusted for this and have overcome it by teaching the subject matter multiple different ways. However, as mentioned previously, these are going to be more costly than student tutors, starting from around £40 an hour in the UK, depending on location. 

Tutors in Schools 

Some schools will implement tutoring for students who are really struggling, through involvement with their teacher or intervention classes. While these may be useful for some students and could work as a temporary fix, they aren’t guaranteed the most optimal or highest quality help with their studies like they would be with a private tutor, especially if the pupil is repeatedly falling behind. 

However, if you’re busy and can’t afford a private tutor, school tutors may be perfect for your child. These types of tutors are still employed by schools, meaning they have credible expertise.

Private Tutors 

Private tutors are, regularly, the more effective option, long-term. Your child will be in the care of someone who’ll have professional experience with the subject or multitudes of subjects, explaining the content in varied ways to help it resonate with the student. Private tutoring can take place anywhere: from your home to the tutors, public spaces like cafes or libraries, or with an increase in technology you can now find tutors that work completely online, depending on preference.

While school tutors may be less expensive than private tutors, your child will have the opportunity to learn from someone who specialises in that subject, who works within your schedule and can teach your child in a less environmentally exhausting place, at a pace they can relate to. Private tutors will take their time, as they are moving to the speed of the child’s learning, not the pace of a school curriculum.

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Personalised Learning Experience

Every child learns differently, and a tutor can tailor their teaching approach to match your child’s unique learning style. In a classroom with numerous students, it’s challenging for teachers to cater to individual needs. A tutor, on the other hand, can identify your child’s strengths and weaknesses, adapting lessons to suit their pace and preferences. This personalised approach not only enhances understanding but also fosters a positive attitude towards learning.

Targeted Support for Challenging Subjects

Certain subjects may pose challenges for your child, leading to frustration and a decline in confidence. Hiring a tutor allows your child to receive targeted support in specific subjects or topics where they may be struggling. Whether it’s mastering complex mathematical concepts, improving language skills, or delving into the intricacies of science, a tutor can break down difficult concepts, provide additional practice, and offer alternative perspectives, fostering a deeper understanding of challenging subjects.

Building Confidence and Study Skills

Beyond academic knowledge, tutors play a pivotal role in developing essential study skills and boosting a child’s confidence. By working closely with a tutor, students learn effective study habits, time management, and organisational skills. These skills not only contribute to academic success but also prepare children for the challenges they will face in higher education and beyond. As a child becomes more confident in their abilities, they are more likely to actively engage in the learning process and take on academic challenges with enthusiasm.

Fostering a Love for Learning

Tutors have the ability to make learning enjoyable by incorporating interactive and engaging teaching methods. By tailoring lessons to align with a child’s interests, a tutor can ignite a passion for learning that extends beyond the classroom. This enthusiasm not only positively impacts academic performance but also sets the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. Tutors can introduce creative approaches to subjects, making learning a dynamic and rewarding experience for your child.

Individualised Attention in a Safe Environment

In a one-on-one tutoring setting, children feel more comfortable asking questions and seeking clarification on areas where they may feel uncertain. This personalised attention creates a safe and supportive environment where a child can openly express their challenges and concerns without the fear of judgment. The tutor-student relationship fosters open communication, allowing the tutor to address specific needs and adapt teaching methods to ensure optimal learning.

Bottom Line

Investing in a tutor for your child is an investment in their education, confidence, and future success. Unlock your child’s full potential with Headway Tutors. Whether you’re looking for targeted subject support, personalised progress tracking, or a comprehensive tutoring approach, our team is ready to meet your child’s needs.

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So here it is… a parents guide to preparing your child for school, 5 tips:

1. Set realistic targets!

We know how tempting it is to set the highest objectives, however, difficult targets can sometimes put unnecessary stress on your child. Be realistic! Going from a C to an A might not always be a reasonable goal. By taking a step-by-step approach, your child will feel closer to achieving his or her targets and will at the same time develop study discipline and habits that are important to achieve top grades.

2. Prep a plan!

Staying on top of things gives you a sense of control which keeps anxiety levels low. By being aware of key dates and exams, you can start your preparations early. This is a fantastic way to keep both yourself and your child safe from surprises and to make home-studying a routine. 

3. It’s bedtime, kids!

Don’t flip the sleeping switch the night before school starts. This would probably mean that you will have to wake them up in the morning, meaning your child has slept too little. By getting back to an early-to-bed schedule the week before school starts, your child will be ready to kickstart their term in the best way. Remember, having to rush your child out of bed creates anxiety and stress for both parents and children. Yes, we´ve all been there…

4. Talk it up!

Going back to school shouldn’t be seen as a chore. Help your child feel excited about it, mention their friends, their new backpacks, whatever! There are many ways to get creative and to motivate your child, so experiment with what works best for you. However, if you can sense that something is not right, ask about it. It’s important that your child is in an emotionally positive state. If they have concerns, discuss it together and identify how it can be addressed.

5. Don’t forget your pen!

It might sound silly but having an empty pencil case on your first day back is an unnecessary annoyance. And remember, you as a parent will get the blame… Let your child choose their own supplies. A fancy pencil might sound like a small thing, but if your child finds enjoyment from that, chances are it will make studying feel a bit less intimidating.  

We hope these tips have given you a better idea on how to prepare your child for going back to school after the school holidays!

These tips are meant to diminish the stressful elements of going back to school, while making it easier to find sources of enjoyment. 

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5 tips in preparing your child for exams:

Stress management

Having some anxiety before exams is normal, actually, it even helps you perform at your best. Encourage your child. We can only ask for them to do their best. If it does not go well, there are always other opportunities coming. If you believe your child needs extra support, there are plenty of great options to choose from. Relax!

Practice an exam

Normally, you should be able to find practice tests online that give your child some hints about what to expect. This is a terrific way of finding out what your child needs to practice more! Knowing your strengths and weaknesses helps you to more efficiently allocate the time spent revising different subjects. Time is of the essence!

Reward your child

We have all been there, so we know studying before exams is tough. It is a lot of demanding work. As a parent, we need to reward our children when they have done something good. Therefore, reward them for their good work. Let them watch a movie or play their favourite game. Rewarding them for their determination keeps their motivation levels high and they’ll appreciate the treat! Win-win!

Be healthy

Eating healthy and exercising has for long been a winning concept. Children that do will have longer attention spans and will increase their information retention. Additionally, if your child gets a good night’s sleep the night before the exam you can be sure that they will perform at their best. Eat, sleep, revise, repeat!

Hire a tutor

If you feel like you have tried it all and done your best to make your child perform at school, but are concerned that it is not enough, consider hiring a tutor. There are plenty of tutors available that specialize in different subjects and test levels. Find your fit! Finding the tutor that works best for your child can elevate your child’s performance to a new level. There is no ´one size fits it all´, and that is the reason that private tutoring could be a worthwhile investment for you and your child. Keep learning!

These are just a few proven tips that can elevate your child’s learning and while it is no guarantee, it will certainly help! Preparing your child for the exams is important so that both of you can be confident and relaxed before the big day. Good luck!

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Despite the monumental efforts of teachers and schools, some children will need additional support to enable them to progress with the school curriculum.

This support may come in many forms, but Professor Becky Francis, CEO of the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF), believes high-quality tuition is the best way for pupils to catch up what has been missed. The UK government seems to agree, pledging £350m towards a National Tutoring Programme.¹

What is ‘high-quality’ tuition?

The marker of ‘high-quality’ comes from two significant variables: namely, the size of the tuition group and the calibre of the tutor.

Small group tuition is defined as one tutor working with two to five pupils at the same time. Much smaller than a classroom setting, this arrangement provides students with exclusive focus, while benefitting from peer interaction.

Individualised tuition provides one-to-one assistance for a specific learning goal: advancement in a subject, focus on a problem area, intense preparation for an exam. It is a good solution for children who need a challenge, or those who would benefit from less distractions.

High-quality tutors are professional educators – those with a background in teaching and extensive experience in delivering curriculum content.

How effective is tutoring?

Up to five months of additional progress can be made with small group or one-to-one tuition – providing the sessions are consistent. Evidence suggests that regular sessions conducted over a set period of time result in optimum learning progression, in addition to normal teaching.²

In fact, 18% of senior leaders, have advocated tutoring in their own schools.³ That means 1 in 5 headteachers recommend private or small group tuition to children or parents.

Selecting a high-quality tutor

Considering a tutor for your child? Look out for these three indicators of high-quality tuition:

Experience of the tutor: go with a company that vets its tutors carefully, ensuring the best quality of education for your child

1. Personalised service: high-quality tuition means matching the needs of the child to the right tutor, tailoring a bespoke tutoring package, rather than a one-size-fits-all
2. Feedback: the most successful tutoring companies provide consistent feedback, measuring your child’s progress and sharing that with you

Sources

¹ https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/news/300m-national-tutoring-programme-launched/

² Sutton Trust-EEF Teaching and Learning Toolkit

³ https://www.suttontrust.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/PrivateTuition2019-PollingTables.pdf

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