by Paul Lines

Created on: July 29, 2006   Last Updated: March 15, 2007

Choosing a tutor for either your child's education, or your own further education, is one of the most important decision that you may have to make. It is therefore essential that you pay particular attention to a number of key factors when making that choice.

1) Qualifications. It is essential that the tutor has the necessary national tutoring qualifications and, if appropriate, state qualifications. In addition, if this tutor is being engaged outside of normal education establishments, you should also request references. It is important that references are followed through. If the prospective tutor cannot this information in writing and a form that you can check on, look elsewhere.

2) Experience. A tutor without the level of experience, either in the subject matter or in terms of building relationships with students, should not be engaged. In terms of subject matter you should ascertain whether their knowledge of the subject they are being engaged for is of sufficient depth to enable you to achieve the level of learning and, if appropriate, qualification that you or your child are aiming for. With regard to relationship experience, if this would be the tutors first one to one contract you need to find out from the referees whether they are suitable for the task. If not, you need confirmation of how they performed in previous similar situations.

3) Compatibility. No-one is compatible with everyone. Incompatibility is not necessary a question of blame on one side or the other. However, it is important that you quickly assess the how the relationship between tutor and student is likely to develop. If possible get someone else to also give you their opinion on this element as well. If there is not a compatibility between the two it will make the learning process more difficult.

PLUS 1
Finally, if the tutor is being engaged for a child, please make sure that you check their personal record. In the UK it is possible to check their personal background with the police, to ensure that they are safe to have around your children. This is IMPORTANT.

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