How to choose a tutor?

How do I choose a tutor? Family and friends often ask me this question, particularly at this time of year when returning to the routine of school terms, homework, and the like.

Whether you are an adult looking for tuition for yourself, for fun or travel, or a VCE student wanting support in your oh-so-important final school year, a tutor is an investment in time and money.

If you are committed to your studies, chances are that you will be spending time with your tutor on a regular basis, and I suggest not rushing through the selection process.

sarkozynews.canalblog.com

I would suggest you consider the following questions when selecting a potential tutor, to ensure your investment is best targeted to achieve maximum results (as you will  see, some of the questions directly relate to VCE level. The rest applies to all levels, and can apply to any subject, although I will mostly refer to LOTE - French . . . because that's what I do!):

• What is your knowledge of VCE requirements?
• Have you worked with VCE students in secondary schools? Which schools and for how long?
• What is your level of expertise in the language?
• Are you a native speaker of the language?
• Have you lived in France? If so, for how long?
• Do you live in an area serviced by public transport? VCE students have enough to juggle in their final year without having to travel long distances every week (and the same applies to their parents/carers!).
• Do you talk to students in French only during the lesson? In my view, the whole tutoring lesson needs to be conducted in the target language. This will assist the student to "think" in the language and will very quickly boost their oral comprehension and speech. Remember, at exam time, the student will be expected to sustain a conversation with a French-speaking panel. They will never have met the panel, and as such will not be used to their accent, tone and other language idiosyncracies.
• How will you develop a tutoring program for me/my child? This needs to be done in consultation with the student, and potentially their parent/teacher. A good tutor will evaluate the program regularly based on the student's performance and update it throughout the year.
• Are you available for the full school year? Beware of visitors offering tutoring lessons while holidaying. It would be a shame to part ways before the student had taken their VCE exams, or if you are an adult student, before you have achieved your goals.
• Are you available for phone or Skype tutoring?
• Do you provide assistance in between classes?

I am a bit wary of large tuition companies -  some pay tutors low rates and who would agree to tutor for little? I reserve my judgment of tutors who advertise their services for several subjects. My view is that it's better to get an expert in the field.

Finally, is the tutor someone your child and yourself can relate to, and can they clearly communicate with you on progress? Are they approchable and friendly? Do you "connect"?

Often you will hear of a reputable and reliable tutor from word-of-mouth. Ask your child's teacher or friends if they know of a tutor they would be comfortable referring to you. And keep your eyes and ears open for tutors in your area.

A good tutor will take you or your child out of your comfort zone (gently), and challenge you step-by-step till you reach your goal. After all, if you're not challenged, are you really getting the benefit?
At what the French Tutoring, you get tuition from a native French speaker with many years' experience tutoring adults and school students.

A word on "word-of-mouth":
If you are happy with my services, please tell others. If you are not, please tell ME! My aim is to give you a value-for-money, effective and enjoyable French tutoring experience.