Navigation

Tag Archives | tutor

By on February 27, 2017 in Academic Life

Image by sasint, pixabay.com

Tutoring is a widespread profession that spans through generations; however, it has nearly gone extinct now that technology has taken over the lead. With the advent of the internet, online tutoring is gaining momentum. The latest edu tech we now have available can help anyone get a competent tutor in seconds. Teaching a course online used to be difficult, but now, smart devices and fast internet make things a lot easier.

A lot of things have changed in the last 10 years. Technology has improved tremendously, and tutors can use lots of interactive whiteboards and even VOIP services (which allow you to speak online) to deliver high-quality online lessons. Incorporating online resources into a lesson can be extremely useful, and teachers can benefit from them to become excellent tutors. How can edu tech help you find the best tutor? Read on to find out more:

The internet
The internet can be an excellent place to look for a tutor. There are lots of websites where parents and students can find the best candidate for their needs. Tutor.com for example, is a well-thought platform with tutors on a wealth of subjects, from Math and Physics all the way to English Literature and Information Technology. Many tutors have ratings that you can evaluate, and thus decide on the person that best matches with your budget and requirements.

Needless to say, there are lots of other platforms you can try out. Tutorhub.com and universitytutor.com are equally viable resources. If you have a limited budget and can’t afford to spend a lot of money, you can check out online tutorials on YouTube. Lots of teachers offer their services for free in an attempt to build themselves a reputation and stand out from the crowd.

Word of mouth
It might seem old fashioned to look for a tutor with the help of friends and family. Nonetheless, it works. Most people these days use social media, but not all have access to the shares and likes of other people. That being said, you can find a tutor for your child by asking around. Someone may know a very good online tutor you may not have heard of already. The best tutors are teachers or retirees who have references to provide, as well as a portfolio to help prove that their skills and competencies are genuine.

Personal tutoring websites
Making a website is now easier than ever before. Thanks to platforms like WordPress – that provide very cheap domain names and lots of free themes – people can now set up their own tutoring blogs, transformed into their own virtual CV to build a reputation in the online environment. They can add credentials and references, and even presentation videos that allow visitors to get to know the tutor and their teaching methods.

Personal tutoring websites can easily be found online or in the local newspaper. Most tutors realize that the best way prove themselves and their skills is with the help of advanced technology.

Social media
We mentioned that one of the best ways to find a tutor is to check the internet. While Google may offer lots of tutoring websites where you can subscribe and hire someone directly, there’s also a second method: social media. On platforms like Facebook and Twitter, one can easily spot a competent private tutor for their child. Remember to search locally so you can meet with your selected tutor in person. Make sure to perform a background check on your candidate to help you know for sure that you’re hiring someone with genuine skills and competencies.

In many countries around the globe, teachers have very low monthly wages. Since they can’t support their families and live a comfortable lifestyle, they offer their skills and experience in private under the form of tutoring. Thanks to advanced technology and the internet, finding a tutor is now easier than ever before. It’s a win-win situation that make things better, helps those in need, and allows us to understand matters we can’t fully grasp in school.

This article was contributed by guest author Jason Phillips.

By on September 6, 2013 in Tutoring
Image by Tulane Public Relations, flickr

Image by Tulane Public Relations, flickr

What comes to mind when you think of tutors? That nice lady who used to teach you piano lessons at home during middle school? Let’s get rid of the stereotype; a tutor can be anyone who has knowledge or skill in a subject and devotes time towards helping others learn it by offering private lessons. Some people tutor leisurely, while others do it to earn extra income.

Tutors can earn anywhere from $13-$20 per hour (sometimes more!). You’re likely thinking about better ways to spend that hard-earned money from your part-time job – but you don’t want to sacrifice your education. Like any other student, you love getting things for free – and we’ve got a few ways you can get the same quality lessons without spending a dime. So if you’re having difficulty with that statistics or finance course and the first test is in a few weeks, you’ve read the textbook several times but still don’t get it, don’t fret! Here are some free options for you to explore before you tear your hair out:

  1. The Course Teaching Assistant (a.k.a. the T.A.)

    2. Your professor probably doesn’t have sufficient time to explain the material individually with each student taking the class – but that’s why the T.A. was invented. A T.A. could be a graduate student taking a masters or PhD program in your subject, or an undergrad student who got an excellent grade in the same course who is willing to teach others. Teaching Assistants are highly under-used by students, and completely free of charge. Your prof will gladly provide the Teaching Assistant’s contact information if it’s not already on the course outline. Keep in mind, they tend to help professors grade assignments – so they’re a good place to get tips when learning the material.

  2. Study groups

    3. Do you tend to browse through Facebook while in class? Make it productive! Do a search for a study group in your course. If you can’t find one, speak to the people sitting around you to see if they’d be interested in forming a study group. You’ll be amazed how many times people will have the same idea but were too shy to suggest it.

  3. YouTube

    4. If you’re shy or not into group study, you still have options, one of which is YouTube. Every minute, 100 hours of video are uploaded to YouTube (seriously – check out the stats), and most certainly you’ll find a video – or a dozen – about your course or even the particular chapter you’re struggling with. One big advantage is you can pause and rewind the video as many times as needed. Don’t restrict yourself to YouTube either; a general Google search for videos on your subject will provide you with more results if you can’t find what you’re looking for.

  4. Clubs and Societies

    5. If your internet is down, or you don’t have the T.A.’s email address, or you don’t want to speak to that guy who sits beside you in class, chances are there is a club or a society in your school filled with people who are passionate about the course or subject you need help with. Don’t be afraid to talk to them and ask questions.

Remember that tutoring is not the only option. If you’re willing to explore, you’ll be able to find ways to help you succeed in your course.

By on August 14, 2013 in Academic Life
Image by Ohfoohy, Flickr

Image by Ohfoohy, Flickr

With the volume and speed at which information is given to you during university, you can often times feel completely lost. No matter how many times you look over your textbook or your notes, a concept just doesn’t seem to stick. Instead of ignoring it and hoping that it doesn’t appear on your exam, it’s time for you to ask for help. There are plenty of people and resources out there that can help. When you want to ace that course, think about starting here:

Online Resources

If you can’t follow what your prof is saying during the lecture, being taught the material from a different angle may be just what you need to succeed. With the ability to pause, rewind, and fast forward videos and podcasts, those who like learning things slowly have the opportunity to really let the information sink in. Try these:

Professors and TAs

They’re the ones who teach the course and give out the assignments and exams, so it only makes sense to contact them for help. This does not mean bombarding them the night before an assignment is due to answer all of your questions; it means attending office hours and going to every tutorial. You don’t want your prof to think of you as “the procrastinator” and they definitely won’t appreciate staying up late to answer questions you should have asked several days ago.

Students Who Have Taken the Course

Getting help from a student who has taken the course with the same prof may be the best place to get help. Sometimes, they can even be more helpful than a prof or a TA. A student who has been through the experience will know tips and tricks to understand course content and how to do well in the exam. There might be certain things these students picked up on that the professor liked seeing in assignments and essays. Definitely ask these people for help! If you feel like you’re really struggling, consider paying for a student tutor who will assist you throughout the term.

If your school has a Students Offering Support (SOS) chapter, take full advantage. SOS offers Exam-AID sessions run by students, for students. For a small donation of $20, you are given access to an Exam-AID session usually taught by a student who has taken the course. Sessions cover the entire course and come with notes made by the student instructor. This great organization puts all proceeds from Exam-AID sessions toward development programs in Latin America. Whether you attend their Exam-AID sessions as a way to cram or as a refresher, you can rest assured your money is going to a great cause.

Students Currently Taking the Course

They may not have the expertise and knowledge that professors or previous students have, but they may be struggling in class just like you. You’re all in the same boat, so help each other out! Consider starting a study group and meet once a week to discuss questions, readings, assignments, etc. It’s also a great way to make some friends in class.