The challenges we face, as a nation, with regard to the education and well-being of our youth are no secret.
As a teacher, I’m fully aware of the learners “falling through the cracks”, the learners who are not achieving optimal results, and even more significantly; learners in need of more than just academic support. Nonetheless, the purpose of this article is not to discuss or criticise established educational standards. But rather to offer an antidote to those parents concerned about the efficiency of their child’s learning: tutoring.
The most important lesson I have learned as a teacher is that individualised planning and attention is a universal need. Learners at every level of academic performance benefit from a subject expert. Who can adapt learning experiences based on the learner’s current, personal needs. This poses great difficulty in a classroom environment. The odds of a learner getting this personalised guidance decrease, as classroom sizes grow. The impact of individualised attention on academic performance has been well documented.
Opportunities for individualised attention at Edify
At Edify I have had the opportunity to do something that was not possible in a traditional classroom environment: make the learning experience a dialogue. When a learner tells me that they are struggling with a topic, I always start with: “Okay, let’s chat about it. How do you understand this topic? Do you see it as useful to know? How would you explain this to someone that knows nothing about it?”. In doing this, the learner is instantly assessed and gaps in past learning are identified. It also becomes clear when the problem is confidence or anxiety rather than competence. The learning experience is a multi-faceted process, and it is only with the individualised attention that a teacher can incorporate as many of these facets as possible.
Adapting the lesson’s pace
Tutoring also provides an opportunity to adapt the speed of learning when needed. Learning is optimized by differentiating instructional methods and learning activities based on each learner’s current needs. As a tutor, I can slow down and practice skills if a learner is struggling or needs a boost in confidence. For a learner who is performing well, I can provide challenging problem-solving activities to deepen comprehension of concepts. Different learning styles complement different personalities, therefore tutors can enhance the classroom experience by making it more personal and inclusive.
Planning for the individual student
Tutoring helps me as a teacher get to know learners on deeper levels. I am not just planning lessons, managing a classroom and grading papers. Thinking about every learner’s individual needs in terms of motivation, confidence and self-esteem is now an everyday activity for me at Edify. There is time and space to consider the emotional experience of learning. I can address diverse learning styles and make every learner as excited about learning as I am.
Beyond the teaching
But more importantly, I can build relationships that are more than just instructional. Growing up is tough, but a tutor is often a safe space and confidante when a learner has no one else to run to. Every teacher can write a book of all the stories of learners getting their act together and reaching their goals, just because there was a friend or role model who cared sincerely and showed real interest in the child’s learning and well-being.
Tutoring supplements classroom instruction because of these reasons. It may sound like a cliche, but after seven years of working with young learners, I am fully convinced that every child can achieve their goals. This requires a network of dedicated and competent instructors and support. Passing Grade 12 requires the learner to develop skills beyond academics: discipline, critical thinking, independence, time management, etc. I believe these skills develop most effectively in an environment of trust and personal attention.
At Edify, we have qualified and dedicated subject experts who can play this role in your child’s development. We emphasise relationship-building with our learners and have their personal goals as our top priority.