How Tutoring Affects Your Child’s Learning
As a child develops, the brain needs help developing its capacity to learn and remember information. While schools try to teach students many skills that can be transferred across various subjects, such as critical thinking, children are also expected to memorize names, dates, equations, grammar rules and many other things. All children can benefit from additional assistance, whether it be the memorization of multiplication tables or the proper spelling of words on a spelling bee. Even those who are excelling in class could benefit from additional assistance.
Tutors can review materials covered in class. By itself, a review can aid in content retention. However, tutors can further help children learn by having them practice skills taught in class, quiz children with flash cards and assist them in taking mock tests. They can also go over incorrect answers on real tests and graded papers to discuss with the child the teacher’s comments.
In many cases, the benefits that the tutor brings are more emotional. Children sometimes need reassurance that they are smart and capable. Much research has shown that most people who struggle to learn lack a sense of self-efficacy. Once a child believes that he or she cannot successfully complete an assignment, the child will be much less likely to put in the mental effort necessary to master the subject.
Also, many children can get off track when they are supposed to be studying. They stare at the TV or out the window. A trained tutor can help the child concentrate. The tutor might even devise a game that will help the child concentrate and remain motivated.
Tutors can also troubleshoot when a child is struggling with a particular problem. In many circumstances, the reason for why the child is struggling can be unclear until a tutor works with the …
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