How to choose a tutor?

Almost anyone can become a tutor, especially with no regulating body present. This is a fact. So it can be a daunting task for a parent to siphon thorough hundreds or tuition centers/websites to find a tutor for their kid/young adult. Well most legitimate tutors have the content knowledge. So this is not an issue. The crux of the matter is that the tutor must be able to understand the child/student and be able to see though what runs in the mind of the student. How is the student thinking? What concepts has the student formed? The tutor should also be able to redirect the student to form new/enhanced concepts. Better still if the tutor can spark off the desire to learn! The objective of several tutors is not to make the student independent, but rather stay dependent on them (either knowingly or unknowing for obvious reasons!). Well i am not here to judge anyone. The " I tell, you just do!" attitude might help the tutor to help a student get an A grade. But it will neither teach the student to think independently nor have a passion for learning which i would say is probably the most important skill for the 21st century!

So how to choose a tutor for 21st century learning?

I am going to use the same logic that was used for winning an argument (Aristotle). A successful argument must have 3 components according to Aristotle, the great philosopher. The Three Legs of Persuasion by Aristotle are the following:

A. Ethos ( Do you believe the tutor)

1. Is the tutor credible? Can you believe what he/she is telling you?

2. What are his/her qualifications (not just academic but also anything that demonstrates excellence in mentoring/tutoring)?

3. Does the tutor have a proven track record?

4. Can the tutor provide some references for you to check?

B. Logos ( Are you logically convinced that progress is being made)

Well any argument must have logic. In this case all the stake holders have to see logic.

1) Does what the tutor impart have a logical flow?

2) Does the tutor help in making me see a concept more clearly?

3) Am i improving?

4) Does the tutor help to provide feedback on current level of performance and on how to improve further?

C. Pathos (Ability to convince by emotion)

1) Is there a deeper desire to learn the subject?

2) Is there a better appreciation of the subject and its practical applications?

3) Are you feeling more confident and charged?

Some of the above (especially logos and pathos) are hard to tell at the very 1st instance. But nevertheless, stakeholders (parent and student) need to review all 3 elements on a continual basis.

Regards

Dr.Kajen

I specialize in teaching Math and Physics at all levels

Photo credits:

1. https://www.govloop.com/community/blog/i-still-cant-understand-you/

2.https://thembatutors.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/setting-high.jpg

3. https://www.pagalguy.com/articles/logical-reasoning-quiz-14-7140

4. http://findyourbeautifulyou.com/help-me-find-my-purpose/