Having some trouble with your studies? Maybe you just can’t seem to set aside enough time to do your homework. A tutor could be the answer.
What is a tutor?
A tutor is someone who helps you study. They don’t do the work for you, but they can give you ideas and advice.
A typical tutor arrangement involves meeting regularly to work on things like:
- specific problems you might be having
- preparing for exams that are coming up
- working together on assignments.
Lots of students get help from tutors. Getting a tutor is not about admitting defeat. It’s about making a commitment to improving your study results.
How a tutor can help
Ways that a tutor can help include:
- improving your understanding of subjects
- giving tips on how to tackle exams
- helping you understand homework and assignments
- explaining unfamiliar concepts
- testing your knowledge of concepts
- sharing their personal experiences.
Tutors usually also have access to valuable resources like study guides and practice exam papers.
How to find a tutor
There are a few different ways to find a tutor:
- Ask a family member or friend (if they know about what you’re studying).
- Find out if senior students at your school offer tutoring services.
- Search online for a tutoring service or directory.
- Ask your teacher or lecturer for a recommendation.
The New South Wales State Government's Office of Fair Trading has a good guide to finding a tutor, which includes a downloadable tip sheet. Some of the information is specific to NSW, but a lot of it is good general advice.
Questions to ask before hiring a tutor
There are a few things you should ask before hiring a tutor.
- How long have they been operating?
- What will the tutoring involve?
- How much will they charge to tutor you?
- What are their qualifications?
- Can any of their current or past students provide a recommendation?
- How will they measure your progress?
- Do they have a current police check record and clearance to work with children? (This is really important if you are under 18.)
Don't forget that you're paying for a tutor's services. If you don't feel like you're getting your money's worth, you can always stop working with them and look for a tutor you feel happier with.