Many students use tutors throughout their schooling, in particular for their math and science courses. Whether it’s one or two sessions to help prepare for a big exam, or ongoing sessions to build skills and confidence, tutors and tutoring services can have a tremendous positive impact on a student’s studies. Here are 9 benefits of tutoring:
- Add structure to weekly routine – Simply completing weekly homework and assignments is very important to a student’s success in math and science courses. Having weekly sessions with a tutor can add structure to this process, as students will be motivated to work through some of their assignment in advance of their session so they can ask good questions, and can use the tutor to complete the tougher questions in a problem set that has been assigned.
- Reinforce classroom learning – Often, students do not fully understand what is presented in class. Tutoring sessions provide students with the opportunity to ask clarifying questions, and ensure that they understand the key concepts and skills that are being taught.
- Support with problem solving – The classroom teacher often has time to present key skill and concepts, and work through a few introductory examples, but does not have time to introduce all of the different problem types, or all of the different applications of the techniques that are presented. The tutor can go into greater detail with the student, and work through various example problems to ensure that the student is comfortable with all of the different types of questions that they might be asked.
- Help with study habits and techniques – Tutors can help students by providing them with tips and tricks for how to best study for their quizzes and exams.
- Knowing WHAT to study – Tutors have seen a variety of different quizzes and tests, and have come to know what types of questions will be asked, and what areas teachers will focus on. With this in mind, the tutor can give the student guidance on what to focus on when they are studying, particularly for final exams.
- Go deeper than the course – Some students like to work through more complex problems, or learn more about interesting applications of the math and science that they are learning. Tutors can tailor their lessons to the needs and wants of the student, and at times, go beyond what is taught in the classroom.
- Access to additional questions and examples – If the student has finished all of their assigned questions, and is looking for additional practice, tutors often have access to additional resources that the student can use to find additional questions and problems.
- Get advice from someone that has been there before – One of the great things about tutors is that, likely not too long ago, they were in the students shoes, taking the same courses, struggling with the same concepts, and stressing about the same exams. For a student, sometimes it’s reassuring to hear, “don’t worry, I remember that this was the hardest unit for me when I took this course as well. It’s definitely challenging, but you’ll get through it!”
- Build confidence – This might be the most important benefit of tutoring. Working with a tutor helps a student build up their confidence in their own abilities. A confident student will be more engaged in the classroom, and more successful when they write quizzes and tests, and working with a tutor to reinforce the students learning can help to build that confidence.