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Confusion Due to Multiple Choices |
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Congratulations! You’ve decided to sign up for Online Tutoring lessons – a highly effective, convenient, and cost-effective option. The objective may be to help catch up with existing coursework or to obtain support for advanced-level programs such as AP Calculus. |
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Unfortunately, you are probably confused about how to select the best online tutor. Today, there are so many tutoring choices available – home-based, classroom-based, as well as online programs – that being overwhelmed with all this information is only to be expected. |
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Prepare a Checklist of Selection Criteria |
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Because tutoring companies offer varying levels of quality and often have significantly different teaching approaches, understanding the differences between them is essential before you open your wallet to sign up for a service. The best way to make the right decision is to get answers to a few important questions. |
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Comparing Different Online Tutoring Providers |
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- How do they assign you a teacher – an instant connection to the first available tutor or a formal tutor assignment based on your requirements? An instant connection to a tutor can result in the assignment of a tutor inappropriate for your needs.
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- Are you assigned a permanent tutor for the duration of the program or a different tutor every time you log in? A single assigned tutor enables the student to form a rapport with his or her teacher, thus improving learning effectiveness.
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- Do they provide same day homework help? Many homework help sites take 2-3 days to provide help, which can be very frustrating for students seeking support for an urgent assignment.
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- Do they just conduct tutoring classes, or do they follow a carefully designed enrichment program or practice regimen? A practice-based enrichment program has been proven to be highly effective in raising students’ skill levels – with results markedly superior to those from regularly scheduled classes.
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- Do they include a diagnostic test or assessment? Without a diagnostic assessment, a truly effective tutoring program cannot be created.
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- Do they teach concepts or just provide answers to questions? Most online “instant access” firms conduct Q&A sessions – which may not be appropriate for students needed a more structured tutoring program. Make sure you are clear about your objectives for Online Tutoring.
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- Do they hold 1-on-1 sessions or 1-on-3 online sessions (similar to those conducted in tutoring centers)? 1-on-1 tutoring is demonstrably more effective and is therefore the best choice.
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- Do their tutors use their own course materials or instead use free worksheets from other Web sites? Using free materials from other Web sites suggests a lack of investment in program development and limits the extent to which a truly customized learning experience can be created.
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| Comparing Tutoring Centers with Online Tutoring |
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- Do they provide one-on-one instruction, or is the teacher-to-student ratio 1:3 or higher? 1-on-1 tutoring is demonstrably more effective and is therefore the best choice.
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- Do they customize lesson plans and adjust sessions to student needs, or do they use pre-prepared lessons? Customized lesson plans enable students to learn at the pace best suited to their abilities.
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- Do you need to spend time driving to a tutoring center or someone’s home for tutoring lessons? Online Tutoring is extremely convenient and can help today’s busy parents and students claim back time from their packed schedules.
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- Are these services expensive, costing $40 per hour and upwards? Online Tutoring has been shown to be as effective as in-person one-on-one tutoring, yet costs substantially less. Online Tutoring can help you save money and free up funds that enable you to spend on other activities or programs.
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- Do they include a free diagnostic test? Without a diagnostic assessment, a truly effective tutoring program cannot be created. Many tutoring centers charge as much as $150 for an assessment test – before taking even a single class!
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- Do they offer tutoring services at a convenient time? Most tutoring centers are open for limited hours. Online Tutoring firms, on the other hand, offer classes until late at night from the comfort of home – the convenience is simply unbeatable.
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- Do they offer same-day homework help? Tutoring centers generally do not assist students with homework – a source of significant frustration to students facing an urgent assignment.
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