How to Choose a Good Tutor 1

Observation 1: Is the teacher's speech professional?

No matter how high a teacher's academic qualifications or how rich their experience, it is recommended to request a trial class or an interview. Even if you have to pay for the trial class, it is worthwhile.

Regardless of how you find a private tutor, during the initial phone contact before formal classes begin, first pay attention to whether this teacher shows concern about your child's current learning status. Do they ask some questions, such as: How is your child performing academically at school? What is the school and class like? Has he ever attended tutoring sessions? What do you think his main issues are currently? Have there been similar problems in the past? What are the child’s own thoughts? Based on your observation, which is better - the student’s understanding ability or memory? Is the student introverted or shy, and does he interact well with classmates?

Furthermore, a responsible teacher might also ask additional questions, such as: Where has the school curriculum reached currently? Which version of the textbook is being used? Are there any supplementary materials or practice exercises? If so, what kind of supplementary materials?

If the teacher doesn’t raise any of these questions, you may need to question their professionalism. Asking these questions aims to allow the teacher to make an initial assessment before the first meeting, enabling them to easily grasp the student's state when they first meet, and avoid wasting the student’s time and the parent’s money.

An experienced teacher may likely judge possible problems students might face based on their experience and provide preliminary ideas for parents' reference.

Of course, even if a teacher speaks professionally, has high academic qualifications, and extensive experience, that doesn't necessarily mean they can teach effectively. Only after a trial class can one truly understand.

Observation 2: Is the teacher's attitude serious?

The punctuality of the teacher regarding class times can reveal how much they care about this job.

It takes a considerable amount of time to fully understand a person's inner qualities and capabilities. However, we can initially judge their dedication through some external conditions.

First, you can observe whether the teacher is punctual for classes, whether they are late or leave early, whether their clothing is casual, whether they take personal leave due to matters like mid-term or final exams, school activities, or dates, whether they maintain a teaching pace within a reasonable schedule, whether they add extra classes just before exams, and whether they occasionally inform you about the student's current situation.

These are all indicators of how seriously the teacher views this tutoring job. If the teacher doesn't show an appropriate attitude, they are unlikely to perform well in any work.

Punctuality in attending classes indicates that the teacher values this job.

A teacher who dresses appropriately is reminding themselves: this is a job that should be taken seriously.

Not taking leave due to personal matters demonstrates responsibility towards students, serving as a good example for them.

Always paying attention to the progress of lessons, and arranging extra classes in advance if falling behind the expected pace, avoids burdening the student excessively, making it easier for them to absorb the material.

Good communication between teachers and parents prevents unnecessary anxiety for parents who might otherwise be unaware of their child's learning status.

Additionally, if the teacher has a sunny and cheerful personality, it will positively influence the student. A teacher who actively and positively views things will indirectly pass on positive thinking to the student.

During the course of teaching, aside from academic content, to ensure smooth and stress-free lessons, teachers usually chat with students at appropriate times. This could include sharing interesting or thought-provoking stories, discussing events happening at school or in the student's life, or talking about life challenges. When students and teachers maintain good communication, an optimistic and positive teacher not only helps resolve the student's doubts but also prevents them from falling into negative emotions. Furthermore, such a teacher can help the student face life more proactively. On the contrary, a pessimistic teacher would find it hard to provide such assistance.

Stay tuned for "How to Choose a Good Tutor (Part Two)."

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