Why do we need tutors?

Yuri Podkopaev

Deputy Director of the educational institution "New School" for the organization of the learning environment, head of the senior school, teacher of mathematics and computer science, and also curator of the 10th grade. In his role as deputy director, he is responsible for creating a comfortable and effective educational environment that promotes student development. As the head of the senior school, he ensures high standards of instruction and support for senior students. Teaching mathematics and computer science incorporates modern teaching methods and technologies, helping students better absorb the material. The 10th-grade tutor actively participates in the educational process and students' personal development, creating conditions for their successful socialization and preparation for the future. Yuri's posts on educational issues are published on his personal Facebook page. In this article, we present a text in which the author shares his opinion on the role of a teacher in tutoring. A photo from the New School website illustrates the educational initiatives and approaches used at this innovative educational organization. Best teaching practices and modern equipment create a comfortable environment for students. Visual materials help better understand how the New School integrates modern methods and technologies into the educational process. This contributes not only to the development of knowledge but also to the formation of skills necessary for the 21st century. The New School's educational philosophy aims to create an interactive and motivating atmosphere, making learning more effective and engaging.

I read about the ban on tutoring in China. As part of a program to reduce homework, the government decided to ban the hiring of tutors. However, high score requirements for entrance exams to high schools and universities remain in place. This has created the conditions for the development of a shadow market for tutoring services, which has likely become significant. Furthermore, the cost of tutoring has increased due to the risks they assume. Relationships between parents and tutors have also become more strained, due to the strict penalties in place in the country.

This prompted me to reflect on my attitude toward tutoring and decided to record and share my thoughts. Tutoring plays an important role in the educational process, helping students deepen their knowledge and overcome learning difficulties. I believe that quality tutoring can significantly improve academic performance and self-confidence. Therefore, it's important to consider the various aspects of this teaching approach and understand how it can contribute to personal development and academic achievement.

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In several cities in China, private tutoring has been declared illegal. This decision follows changes in the country's educational policy aimed at reducing the burden on students and combating the commercialization of education. The ban on private tutoring has sparked widespread public outcry and debate among parents, teachers, and students. Many believe that such measures will negatively impact the quality of education, while supporters argue that they will help create a more equal playing field for all students. This situation requires careful analysis and discussion, as it affects the future of education in the country.

According to the Constitution, the education system must provide children with all the necessary opportunities to acquire knowledge. However, in reality, no school fully covers all aspects of the educational process. Therefore, it is important to understand what exactly a child receives in school and why they are studying there. It is also necessary to determine which additional elements and resources can improve the quality of education and facilitate student development.

If a tutor gets ahead of a student in a program, this can lead to a loss of interest and ineffective use of lesson time. Students become bored and fail to fully understand the material. When a tutor focuses only on explaining the theoretical part, students lose the need to actively participate in the learning process, ask questions, and take notes, which are essential skills for their development. This approach does not promote the full acquisition of knowledge and can negatively impact academic performance.

Olympiads, practicing covered topics, deepening universal values, and developing specific study skills, as well as preparation for university entrance exams, are essential in the educational process. The goals and objectives of the collaboration should be clearly defined at the initial stage, preferably recorded in writing, at least in messages. This will not only help formulate a clear action plan but also allow for future analysis of progress and results. Discussing goals at the outset of a collaboration promotes more effective learning and helps avoid misunderstandings down the road.

It's important to discuss key rules in advance, such as mandatory homework, proper cancellation policies, and the materials used. Experienced tutors typically strive to clearly define these aspects before lessons begin. This helps set clear expectations and facilitates a more effective learning process.

Achieving a 90+ on the Unified State Exam in mathematics, physics, chemistry, or biology relying solely on classroom instruction or individual study is extremely difficult. While such high achievements are possible, they are the exception, not the rule. Success on exams depends on many factors, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution for achieving high scores. It's important to remember that preparing for the Unified State Exam requires a comprehensive approach that includes additional classes, practice, and testing.

A tutor is essential for students who are eager to learn but may struggle with motivation. A tutor's primary role is to inspire students, guide their efforts, and help develop a passion for learning. A tutor can play a key role in increasing engagement and achieving high academic results.

Working with students who demonstrate a desire to develop and are actively engaged in the process is much more satisfying and effective. Such meetings are not only more productive but also inspiring for all participants. However, some colleagues find interest and drive in working with unmotivated students, which can also be fruitful if approached strategically.

In an ideal educational process, the tutor and teacher work harmoniously, understanding each other's goals and objectives. This interaction prevents competition, which often negatively impacts a student's learning. Instead, the combined efforts of the tutor and teacher promote more effective learning and student development, creating the conditions for successful academic progress.

The school teacher immerses students in the world of science, helps them see the connections between different subjects, and develops their language skills within the curriculum. At the same time, the tutor focuses on preparation for specific exams, practicing assignment formats and typical questions. Thus, the roles of these two teachers may overlap, but each has their own unique goals and teaching methods.

Photo: xalien / Shutterstock

Tutoring can be done individually or in a group, and the choice depends on many factors. It's important to consider not only financial capabilities but also the student's personal preferences. Some teenagers are more serious and interested in group learning, which can facilitate better absorption of material and the sharing of experiences. Therefore, when choosing a lesson format, it's important to consider the student's individual characteristics and learning style.

Choosing a tutor is an important step in the educational process. Students have the opportunity to independently select a tutor based on their preferences, goals, and learning style. This allows for a personalized approach to learning, which can significantly improve the effectiveness of lessons. When choosing a tutor, consider their qualifications, experience, and reviews from other students. It's also helpful to conduct a preliminary interview to assess how comfortable you will be with the chosen specialist. Selecting a tutor independently helps students feel more engaged in the learning process, which in turn leads to better results. A tutor must possess certain qualities to effectively impart knowledge. The question of whether they should be charismatic and modern or classical and demanding is much debated. A charismatic tutor can inspire and engage students, creating a relaxed learning atmosphere. A modern approach allows for the use of current methods and technologies, which can also enhance interest in the subject. On the other hand, a classical tutor, with strict requirements and solid knowledge, can provide the solid foundation and discipline necessary for successful learning. It is important that the tutor be able to adapt their methods to the needs and preferences of the student, combining elements of both approaches. This will ensure maximum learning effectiveness and help achieve the stated goals.

Combining all of these qualities and characteristics in one person is truly possible. Each of us has a unique set of skills and traits that can combine to create a harmonious personality. It is important for a person to strive for development and self-improvement. This requires constant self-improvement, openness to new ideas, and a willingness to adapt to change. A balanced combination of various qualities can lead to the creation of a versatile and successful individual, capable of coping with life's diverse challenges. Thus, the desire to integrate various aspects within oneself can be the key to personal and professional growth.

In-person or distance learning: which to choose?

The choice between in-person and distance learning is becoming increasingly relevant in the modern educational process. In-person classes offer the opportunity for direct communication with the instructor and interaction with classmates, which contributes to the formation of deeper connections and better assimilation of the material. However, distance learning offers flexibility and the opportunity to study at a convenient time and in a comfortable environment. Distance learning also provides access to a variety of online resources and materials, which can significantly broaden your horizons and deepen your knowledge. It is important to consider your personal preferences and learning style when choosing a lesson format. Each of these formats has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice depends on individual goals and circumstances. Ultimately, the main task is to find the most effective way to gain knowledge that will meet your needs. The solution to problems depends on many factors, including the specific situation, request, available resources, and interactions between people. There is no universal answer to this question, as each case is unique and requires an individual approach. Tutoring offers more opportunities for exploration and experimentation compared to choosing a school, while the risks are significantly lower. Tutors offer a personalized approach to learning, which allows you to tailor lessons to the specific needs and level of knowledge of the student. This makes the learning process more effective and efficient. Choosing a tutor provides an opportunity not only to improve academic performance, but also to gain a deeper understanding of the subject, which is especially important in the context of modern educational standards.

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Yuri Podkopaev