What you need to know about academic tuition

If your child could benefit from some extra assistance with their schoolwork, you may consider getting a tutor. Maths and English are both common tutoring areas, but students are able to seek academic tuition across most of their classes, from science to languages. Here's what you need to know.

Types of academic tuition

• Private tutoring companies: Tutors employed at private tutoring companies are likely to hold professional qualifications and have specialised knowledge of the curriculum in your state. They are used to working with a variety of different students and can offer help with everything from exam preparation to essay writing. While private tutoring sessions can be a great help for your child, they can also become quite expensive, especially if you are booking in multiple sessions a week.
  
• Older students: Students in senior year levels at your child's school or even university students can offer a less expensive alternative to private tutoring services. You may find that older students are able to explain difficult concepts or questions in a way your child understands, having likely studied the same content a few years earlier. Your child may also prefer working with a student, as opposed to another teacher.
  
• School-based tutoring sessions: Some schools or teachers offer after-school, before-school or lunchtime sessions where students are able to seek help with any areas with which they may be struggling. These sessions may take the form of an extra class, where teachers explain things in more depth or provide students with some questions to work through, or may just be a time where students are able to speak with their teachers one-on-one or seek feedback.

What to look for

Tutoring can help children significantly increase their grades, but there are a few important things to look out for when choosing a tutor. It's important to find someone who is the right match for your child you don't want them to be more confused than they were to start with. It's also important that your child learns to work through problems on their own, instead of simply relying on their tutor for an explanation. A good tutor should also be able to help students improve their general study skills, including study and memorisation techniques, essay writing and staying on task. Finally, the tutor should help guide them, but not do the work for them.

Where can I get more information?

Start by talking to friends and family who have used tutoring services, as they will have first-hand experience and objective opinions. You should also talk to the school and your child's teachers to see if they can recommend any tutors and to discuss areas that your child needs to work on. You can also find plenty of information online, using websites such as the Australian Tutoring Association.

Useful links:

• Steps to take if your child is having problems at school