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Choosing a tutor: The ultimate guide

Education Solutions Editorial Team
Updated 11/11/2023 12:00:00 AM

What are my child's strengths?

Sometimes, we can be so preoccupied with fixing a problem quickly and efficiently that we neglect to focus on students’ innate problem-solving capabilities. We recommend looking at your child’s existing strengths first. Including these as part of the learning experience will automatically and organically help address weaknesses, instilling your child with much more confidence.‍

Begin by asking:

  • What are the subjects where your child succeeds with the least struggle, or appears to enjoy the most?
  • If given a choice, does your child prefer to read, to watch, to listen, to physically engage with movement, or some combination of the above?
  • What are their favorite hobbies or pastimes? 
  • When given the choice, what is their favorite way to experience something they like that can be enjoyed multiple ways (If watching a movie, would they prefer to stream it on their own from home, go to the theater with their family but sit alone, go out with a group of friends, etc.?)

Examine your responses to look for any commonalities. Perhaps your child seems to thrive under individualized attention, or loves any subject that includes a creative component where they can express themselves without relying on written text. Some children prefer quiet contemplation, while others love a high degree of interaction.

Don’t assume any blanket guidance in this area to be more pertinent than your own parenting instincts. You know your child better than anyone else, and you want to build upon that knowledge rather than doubt yourself. For example, although many students struggled with remote coursework over the last two years, there are other students who excelled in virtual classrooms. There are no “rules” about which will be best for your child moving forward; if it works, move in that direction. 

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If your child needs tutoring, how do you know how to find the right professional to meet their needs? In the following, we will help you break down the process of finding the right tutor to encourage your child’s love of learning, and help them capitalize on their unique strengths.

First steps in choosing a tutor

No two students, even within the same household or classroom, will have precisely the same needs. Similarly, each child presents a unique set of strengths and personality traits that define their learning style. 

As with any complex problem, don’t put pressure on yourself to find the one true solution off the bat. Allow yourself to determine your child’s needs and unearth candidates on a “warmer/colder” basis, making educated guesses and modifications as you come closer to the best tutor for your child.

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