Locating a Competent English Tutor

Is it possible to find a skilled English tutor simply by researching online? Yes, it is, but there are some things to consider before you hire the first person you locate. There are private tutors who are going to promise you the moon-meaning that they will practically guarantee you will be speaking the language like a native, or attaining solid ‘A’s” in your English class. Can they really do what they claim? In some cases, yes, but not without a lot of hard work, time, and perseverance.

The first thing to consider is what you actually need the tutor to teach. If this person will be tutoring your child, is it because he or she needs help with their reading, spelling, or grammar? Maybe they are having trouble with their vocabulary, or need assistance deciphering the many different forms of wording, and the meaning behind the words. It also depends on the age of your child, the grade he or she is currently in, and how far along the teacher is in the classroom training, and exactly where the child is according to the learning scale.

Qualifications for this type of tutoring are very important. You need to find out if this tutor has a degree in English, or just considers themselves experts in the field. Being able to speak the language fluently does not always qualify them to teach. They may know a lot about the language, speak and write it well, but teaching someone else is another factor altogether. Not only do they have to know the language, they have to be able to understand it, and have the ability to explain each fact to the students they are tutoring. English is quite complicated, and only the most qualified should attempt to teach it.

You are also going to come across certain tutors who have learned English as a second language, and while this is highly commendable, it really may be better to have someone with a command of English that comes naturally to them. There are so many little nuances used in English that it is impossible to know all of the meanings unless you have been speaking the language your entire life. Always ask about this when considering someone for English tutoring before committing yourself to the hire.

Always inquire as to what kind of experience the candidate you are contemplating has. Is it in the educational field? Have they taught classroom English, and if so, what grades? Do they have references that you can easily check, including those from former students they have tutored? This will give you a good idea of how successful he or she was, and speaking with past clients is an excellent way to determine whether the teaching methods they employ are what you are looking for.

The tutor must also be able to communicate in a clear and concise manner that can be easily understood, be patient, and understand that it may take a little time to establish a working relationship with the student. Once they feel comfortable with each other, and find what level of communication works best, lessons can begin in earnest. Remember, the lowest priced tutor isn’t necessarily going to be the one you want. If the price seems too good to be real, it probably means that this particular person is not going to be spending the kind of time necessary to be as thorough as he or she should be. A competent tutor may charge a little more, but in the end, the results will be well worth every penny spent.