Benefits of the One to One tutoring
If you are wondering whether or not your child can benefit from tutoring, consider the following most common reasons tutors are called into homes in the Ottawa area.

Problem-area concentration
Students who fall behind on daily assignments or have problems in particular areas of study often benefit from weekly tutoring sessions.  In these sessions, students can work at their own pace and be taught according to their individual learning style.

Accelerated-area concentration
Students who want to work ahead in specific subjects (often subjects at which they already excel), can use tutors to help them advance.  A student who wishes to improve his/her writing, for example, should be allowed to develop these talents.

Learning disability
Students with disabilities often rely on tutors for extra help outside the classroom. A personalized curriculum can be tailored to the special needs of that student.

Study skills
When exam time comes around, many students experience the sort of anxiety which makes it impossible for them to achieve high grades, even if they have studied for hours.  Study skills are not normally acquired through osmosis; they must be learned.  Tutors can help students learn how to study.

Self image problems
If students are having difficulty in school, they may begin to feel “stupid” and become discouraged which can hinder further learning.  Tutoring usually gives students a boost of confidence and encourages higher learning.
If you do decide that your child may benefit from specialized education, the next step is finding a tutoring service which will meet your child’s needs.  Here are some things to keep in mind as you search through the yellow pages.

Enthusiasm
Look for a service which employs enthusiastic tutors.  The attitude of a professional tutor can influence the way a child responds to the learning process.

Cost
The cost for a one hour tutoring session can vary from $30- $50 per hour.

Mobility
Some services provide in-home tutoring to eliminate student travel time.

Personalized assessment
It is extremely important that a tutoring service conducts an initial assessment for its students.  The assessment process helps the tutor understand a student’s specific needs.  With this knowledge, a tutor can design a learning program that is suited to the individual’s learning style and areas of difficulty.

Time
Remember, the tutoring process is most effective when applied over a substantial period of time. Don’t expect overnight miracles.

Psychological testing
Some tutoring services work with an educational psychologist.  If you feel that your child can benefit from a combination of psychological testing and tutoring, look for a service which provides this option.

User-friendly atmosphere
Try to find a service that emphasizes communication during the tutoring process.  The most effective tutoring services keep parents and day school teachers in close contact with the student’s progress.