Academic Tutoring

The typical perception of a tutor assumes a deficiency on the part of a student. A subject may prove difficult to comprehend or apply, and the tutor works to close this gap of understanding. This represents only a partial view of what a great tutor can accomplish, however. One of the pitfalls of a classroom environment is a lack of direct instruction. Teachers must work to teach an entire class, and opportunities to work with an individual student can prove limited.

Most people benefit immensely from one-on-one instruction. Questions can get answered immediately to resolve points of confusion, without the pressure of other pupils to place demands on the teacher’s time. Every student has the capability to succeed in school. Learning differences or a lack of understanding do not represent obstacles so much as signs that point toward the pathway of learning. Superior tutors work to grasp the nature of the student’s struggles, then adapt their approach accordingly. In many cases, this can prove as simple as emphasizing a subject’s fundamentals to establish a firm foundation for future growth.

Another benefit of a personal tutor comes from the nature of the relationship with the student. Over time, bonds will strengthen and familiarity grow, until there no longer exists a dichotomy between student and teacher. For many students, what stands in the way of learning is not a lack of ability, but a disconnect between them and the instructor. We learn better from people we trust. The reality of many school environments creates an unhealthy power dynamic between teachers and students. Many professional educators work less to teach than they do to maintain control of the classroom. Often, it is the brightest young people who struggle most in this environment, as they chafe at restrictions and a lack of mutual respect.

As a personal tutor, I work first and foremost to create a strong relationship with my students. I seek to understand the nature of their needs, whether these are a lack of comprehension, an overload of work, or simply no motivation. Once established, I work to engage my students to break down whatever mental blockades exist that prevent a joyous experience of learning. Though I specialize in writing instruction, English, social studies, and Theory of Knowledge, I can work confidently within any high school subject. As a result of my services, students often achieve success not only within a targeted area, but in school in general. My overall goal as a academic tutor is not to resolve one or two issues, but to foster a love of learning that can propel students to success in high school and beyond.