If you have considered investing in a tutor for your teenager, with a bit of research you’ve most likely discovered some differing perspectives on the topic. Does your child really need tutoring? Will it benefit them in the long run, or only for short term success? How do you know when it is the right time to invest in a tutor? This can often leave parents feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next.
In this blog, we aim to give you an honest perspective on the most common signs that you can look out for to know whether your teenager needs, and will gain a long-term benefit, from tutoring.
Many parents feel ‘helpless’ with the desire to help their child achieve their best, but the inability to do so. Some parents may also have a teenager who isn’t necessarily openly expressing their need for support. So, how do you know if your teenager may benefit from tutoring? Here are some signs to look out for:
Struggling with completing homework and assignments on time
If your child is consistently completing their homework or assignments at the last possible minute, it may be a sign that they're not fully grasping the material and are thus procrastinating in the lead up to the due date. This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as a lack of understanding of the particular subject matter, or due to a teacher that they simply do not have strong rapport with. Implementing healthy study and time management skills will support your child here, allowing them to consolidate their understanding of the material better, and approach challenges ahead of time.
We often see this as a healthy study loop: the sooner they complete the assessment, the better they feel about themselves, and the more motivated and able they are to make further improvements in their assessment submission.
Low grades and poor academic performance, or hiding marks
We see this as the most obvious sign that your teen needs individual support to enhance their knowledge of the subject at hand. In this case, the student would benefit from a tutor who can identify the specific areas in which they need improvement in. From here, personalised learning plans can be created to cater to their unique learning needs and goals.
Another major sign that your child could benefit from a weekly tutor is if they have hidden any marked assignments from you. Although it might not seem like it, that could be a cry for support. Hiding an academic result often comes from the feeling of shame, which is something that a 1:1 tutor can turn into confidence. Investing in a 1:1 tutor who can build rapport with your teenager will not only benefit them academically, but will also develop their growth mindset.
Lack of motivation and engagement
If your teenager is showing a lack of motivation and engagement in school, it may be a sign that they're struggling with the material or feeling overwhelmed by the workload. It may also mean that they haven't been introduced to simple, easy and effective study habits that will make their academic life easier!
Here, you want to look out for late assessment submissions, a lack of scheduling/awareness of their school calendar, and minimal study time. A 1:1 tutor will not only introduce healthy study habits to your child (one’s that will benefit them throughout their adult life), but will also stand as a form of accountability for them, ensuring they get the work done.
Complaining that their class is “moving too fast”
When a class is moving through topics at a rapid pace, it can create challenges for students academically. If your child mentions this, make sure you listen!
When concepts that require more time and practice for full comprehension are glossed over, students can be left feeling overwhelmed and confused. This is a particular issue for Mathematics, which requires a thorough understanding of the previous topic to move on. This fast-paced environment may hinder their ability to grasp foundational knowledge, leading to gaps in understanding that can accumulate over time. Consequently, students may become disengaged, lose confidence in their abilities, and experience difficulty in keeping up with assignments and assessments.
Providing additional support, such as tutoring, can help bridge these gaps, offering students the opportunity to learn at their own pace and fully comprehend the material. Your child can move at their own pace with their tutor, and develop effective strategies to ensure that when they are feeling lost in class, they are confident that their tutor will fill those gaps later in the week.
Not feeling challenged enough at school
When we see a teenager displaying disengagement, boredom and disinterest in school subjects, we assume that they are lacking motivation and self-discipline. However, in some cases, students can find themselves disengaged in class due to being too advanced for the current curriculum. In this case, you may notice that your child achieves average-high marks and can demonstrate thorough verbal understanding of the content, but is not stimulated or showing an interest in school.
When a student is not challenged enough, they can become bored and disinterested in the material being taught. This disengagement can hinder their academic growth and potential.
A 1:1 tutor can provide an environment where your child is intellectually stimulated and can explore subjects in greater depth. This personalised approach can reignite their passion for learning, foster their intellectual curiosity, and help them reach their full potential academically.
If you've noticed any of these signs in your teenager, it may be time to consider tutoring services. If you’re not sure, we provide free phone consultations to hear your story and share with you our professional opinion!
For a free phone consultation, contact Alana today on 0481 180 222 or alana@a2tutors.com.au.
Remember, investing in your child's education is an investment in their future!
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