A good quality tutor can be the difference between a student passing or failing their GCSE’s. But tutoring is not just about having the subject knowledge. 1:1 tutoring requires a certain level of adaptability, enthusiasm and patience, and it therefore takes a special combination of personal qualities to make a positive impact on a student’s academic life. So if you want to make sure that you choose the right tutor for your child, here are seven personal qualities you must look for.
The qualities of a good tutor are:
Adaptability
Patience
Enthusiasm
Ability to provide constructive feedback
Approachability
A good listener
Expertise and passion
1. Adaptability
With 1-1 tutoring, tutors must be able to adapt themselves to every student that they work with, as each student will be different. The tutor’s approach must depend on the student’s needs and the particular challenges he or she experiences. Throughout the sessions, the tutor will have to keep track of the student’s progress and determine whether or not they need to change the approach if it is not working.
2. Patience
As mentioned above, every student is different, and some children require more patience than others. Since schools have larger classes, everyone is more or less taught at the same pace, whereas tutors need to teach slowly and at a pace that the student is comfortable with - this is one of the main benefits of 1-1 tutoring.
3. Enthusiasm
Another really important quality of a good tutor is enthusiasm. Tutoring sessions should not be like classes at school as the student must be kept attentive to ensure they are absorbing everything they’re being taught. With this in mind, make sure you go for an energetic, motivational tutor, as they will have to inspire active interest so the student remains engaged.
4. Able To Provide Constructive Feedback
Giving helpful, constructive feedback is a serious skill, and one that helps the student grow and improve. A good tutor will analyse the student’s strengths, weaknesses, and point out the areas of improvement.
5. Approachability
One of the most important qualities of a tutor is that they must be approachable. When learning something new, it can be daunting for a student (especially if they are having trouble understanding it), but the student should feel comfortable asking for help.
6. A Good Listener
Tutoring is a mutual relationship, with listening being a very important aspect. Listening comes from a place of sincere interest and commitment, and when someone is actively listening, they are engaged and invested in the conversation. So, ensure you choose a tutor who actively listens to what others have to say rather than one who merely hears them out.
7. Expertise And Passion
Finally, a good tutor not only needs to have a strong understanding of the subject knowledge, but they also need to have the skills to teach it. They must be confident in their knowledge of the subject and be able to explain concepts easily. Good teaching skill is being able to take the subject knowledge and explaining it in such a way that the student understands it.
How We Can Help
At GCSE Masterclass, we use only the very best teachers. All our staff are fully qualified, experienced teachers who have a proven track record of high quality teaching and excellent results within their GCSE classes.
Contact us to find out more about how we can quickly improve your child’s confidence, grades and future.
Written by Kate, for GCSE Masterclass.