Are you looking for a Wirral eleven plus tutor for your son or daughter? Or do you simply require high-quality tuition to support, consolidate and enhance your child’s learning in English and/or maths?
There are many factors to consider when choosing the right tutor and this blog sets out some of the reasons why qualified teachers make excellent personal tutors.
Did you know?
Not all tutors are qualified teachers. It is a fact that the tutoring industry is largely unregulated and the term ‘tutor’ can encompass a wide range of individuals. These can range from those with little/no formal training or qualifications, to highly qualified teachers with a wealth of teaching experience.
What are the benefits of a teacher-tutor?
Time spent with a tutor is valuable and it is essential that each session is effectively maximised to move learning forward and ensure excellent value.
Teachers are trained to assess the quality of learning
A qualified teacher will have an in-depth knowledge and understanding of expected levels of attainment, both in relation to entrance exam(s) and national age-related expectations. They will draw on this knowledge to accurately assess students’ individual strengths and areas for development.
A teacher is trained to use Assessment for Learning (AFL). Underlying the AFL approach, is the recognition that every teaching and learning task or activity offers assessment opportunities. It is a means to continuously assess knowledge, inform teaching and provide feedback to improve student learning. AFL will be embedded in a qualified teacher’s everyday practice and they will be adept in its use. They will use this continuous assessment to constantly tweak lesson content to ensure gaps are filled, weak areas are supported and content is covered.
Teachers are trained to plan lessons
Through their training, teachers will have developed the expertise to devise lesson content that is relevant, useful, and aims to prepare for exam success. Teachers are trained to consider the preferred learning style of students and will ensure content and delivery takes account of this. To be effective, a lesson needs to be both engaging and pitched at an appropriate level.
Teachers are subject experts
A qualified teacher will have an in-depth working knowledge of the curriculum and of the skills that students need to perform well. Experienced teachers will have a wide range of tried and tested teaching strategies and they will be adept at knowing which to use and when.
Teachers are accountable
Teachers are accountable as professionals. Teaching has its own framework for professional standards, which all teachers must abide by. A qualified teacher will have been trained to understand the importance of reporting back to the parent/carer accurately and in a timely manner.
They will be used to listening reflectively to feedback of their lessons and will be willing not only to justify their work with a student, but also be prepared to develop and amend their teaching to support student progress if necessary.
Teachers are education and assessment experts
Teachers are trained to support students to become confident, autonomous learners. Based on experience, they will be able to provide invaluable advice about practical ways in which student learning can be consolidated and enhanced in daily life. They will have experience of meeting the needs of a wide range of learners, including those with special educational needs.
For older students, it is essential that they are familiar with examination requirements/techniques and not just subject knowledge. Many teachers are examiners for assessment/examination boards. Equally, all teachers will be used to assessing their class’s work regularly, so will have a thorough understanding of the expected level required to succeed.
Space to Learn
We have set out some of the reasons that we think teachers make excellent tutors.
In choosing a teacher-tutor, we firmly believe that you are likely to get better value for money and a greater ‘return’ in terms of progress during the time your child spends with us in tutoring.
If you would like to work with a Space to Learn Tutor, all of whom are experienced and fully qualified teachers, please get in touch!
What We Do:
11+ preparation, SATs boosters, GCSE, A-Level, Maths and English Curriculum support and Dyslexia screening and support
Teachers’ standards – www.gov.uk/government/publications/teachers-standards
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Admissions Assessment Familiarisation Guide (11plus)