Paying for private tuition is a sound investment in a child’s future. All of us have to work within a budget, however. We may have limited funds and also limited amounts of time and energy to devote to private tuition study on top of the demands made by school. These constraints imply a need to choose where private tuition is best applied. 

There is always a personal element in any decision, but some broad guidance helps inform that choice. This blog offers such broad guidance.

What subjects are popular for private tuition at GCSE?

There are a few surprises here. Maths is the most popular due to its importance for future study and careers, and also because it can present students with conceptual challenges, given its sometimes complex and abstract nature. Maths is also a subject where later methods build on mastery of previous steps. This can lead to students feeling overwhelmed as small weaknesses in fundamentals get magnified when more advanced material comes along. 

Down the years, there have been some remarkable mathematical prodigies who have an uncanny ability in Maths and an ability to “see” things other mortals cannot. They are rare exceptions, and even professional mathematicians build their skills, knowledge and mastery through applied effort and repeated practice.

English, like Maths, is a key requirement for getting jobs and for gaining entry to higher education. English can also be challenging for many, who find it difficult to write creatively and engagingly and to explain how and why a text has been written in a certain way to make it more effective for achieving its purposes. 

The ability to communicate effectively using spoken and written English is a very important life skill and a major strength in the modern workplace, where effective and efficient processing of information is essential. As with Maths, the ability to write well and to interpret written texts is skills that can be taught and which get stronger through practice.

As a group, the sciences, Biology, Chemistry and Physics, are also very much in demand.  They are important foundation subjects for science A-levels, prerequisites for university entry into many professionally oriented degree courses, with Medicine, Veterinary Science, Dentistry, Pharmacy and Engineering. A proper understanding of the sciences also requires students to master sometimes complex and abstract material.

How can private tutoring complement classroom learning?

Private tutoring offers personalised learning. The tutor can assess the knowledge base the student has, identify gaps and any weaknesses in understanding.

A bespoke plan can then be crafted to bring the level of the student up to the desired grade level. This can be customised in many ways, including working at the right pace for the student, matching the tuition activities to the student´s preferred learning style, and making the topic relevant by using examples which are close to key interests the student has.

Tutors can also help to develop lifelong learning skills and good study habits. This will also stand students in good stead for the future. Tutors can also create a “safe space” where students can explore their subjects and ask questions without being judged and free from criticism. This can unlock the natural curiosity of non-adult learners. Where there are sticking points, as there usually will be, the tutor can offer encouragement and support to keep trying. 

These processes build resourcefulness and self-confidence in the student and lessen the fear of taking on challenging work. Tutors can also give judicious reinforcement so that key learning is retained. Feedback is also rapid, striking when the iron is hot.   

Online tutoring can offer additional benefits, such as ease of scheduling classes and the avoidance of the need to travel. Sessions can easily be recorded to create a library of resources for revision.

What tools and resources can make online tutoring more effective

Online learning platforms are now rich in the range of media and materials they can use. It is essential to have an interactive environment where the student can be fully engaged in the lesson, including writing and editing answers in real time. Variety can be created by the use of video clips, quizzes, games and simulations. 

Snap quizzes, such as those in Kahoot, can be powerful in checking understanding, reinforcing material and also creating fun in the class. Online grading and diagnostic tools can create a record of work done and improvement.

Conclusion

Online tuition can bring the classroom into your home. Not just any classroom, but a highly personalised classroom boasting a wide range of resources. Powerful targeting is combined with a varied and fun learning experience, delivered efficiently and conveniently.  It can not only be a springboard to success, but also a very enjoyable and fulfilling springboard.