There is a growing population of middle-to-upper class parents paying for children as young as four to receive private tutoring. In fact, private tutoring has become a booming educational service business, so much so that private classroom sizes are now rivalling those found in schools, which often defeats the purpose. (My personal recommendation is small tutoring groups of no more than 10 students).

At the core of the demand is that parents want to give their children that extra ‘edge’. That’s understandable. Society has become obsessed with exceptional grades, exams, certificates, diplomas, degrees and ‘perfect children’. For sure, the world is very competitive and everyone has to work hard to get ahead.

Another factor that undoubtedly drives the demand for private tutoring is the nationwide shortage of mathematics and science teachers in particular. The quality of teaching in our schools is also one of the reasons that ‘extras’ are sought.

Statistics show that many children do improve with private tutoring — which begs the question: do the results from our so-called top secondary schools truly represent the quality of those schools, or is it moreso an outcome of persistent parents and top-notch tutors?

HOW PRIVATE TUTORING

The tutor is not your children’s teacher and also not their parent. This allows for a more relaxed atmosphere conducive to learning. Good tutors take the opportunity to offer encouragement and assist in instilling values and boosting morale. Students sometimes prefer to take the advice of their tutors in preference to their parents’. It therefore assists the parent in guiding the student along the path of life.

• Personal attention

With most class sizes in schools exceeding 30 students, a class of 10 or less is quite small in comparison. This allows the tutor to assess each individual student’s needs and address them accordingly.

•Tutors provide a different perspective

There are more than one ways to impart information. The ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach typically found in schools does not work for all students. The tutor has the advantage of being able to use more than one method of teaching, as well spending time to ensure that a concept is grasped.

•Tutoring builds self-confidence and good self-esteem

A good tutor will take the time to know each of his/her students. A safe space for self-expression and learning will be established. Students feel more comfortable asking questions. Additionally, the tutor is supportive even when your child has failed at something. Feelings of good self-esteem and worth will be strengthened.

•Summer learning loss

Tutoring over the summer is a great way to prevent the learning loss which usually occurs during the summer vacation. Tutoring allows them to continue to engage their brains over the summer, ensuring that they do not lose the ground they would have gained over the course of the previous school year.

•Improved study habits and work ethic

Through tutoring, your child is exposed to good study habits and techniques for learning. These skills are essential for academic success.

•CHOOSING A TUTOR

Often the best way to find a tutor is via personal recommendation. The most important factor to consider is whether the tutor can develop a rapport with your child. Class sizes should be small and the environment should be conducive to learning. Do not assume that the tutor is sufficiently qualified to teach a subject. Check credentials to ensure that your tutor is suitably qualified. Ensure that your potential tutor has actual teaching experience. It is also important to find someone who is dedicated to the career of tutoring. It should not just be a second job being used to supplement income.

Dr Karla Hylton is the author of Yes! You Can Help Your Child Achieve Academic Success and Complete Chemistry for Caribbean High Schools. She operates Bio & Chem Tutoring, which specialises in secondary level biology and chemistry. Reach her at (876) 564-1347, biochemtutor100@gmail.com or khylton.com.