Couldn't help but reading all these threads about tutoring, from the computer-based programs to one-on-one tutors. Pretty interesting...And I know this is a student site (sorry guys) but stay with me...
I am a trained primary and secondary teacher. I've taught in America, the UK and here is Australia. I've seen a lot of kids struggle with maths. The truth of that matter is that there is not one method of tutoring that will work for everyone. I keep reading all these postings about how awful this thing is or how bad that thing is, but have most of you actually experienced what you are bagging?
A lot of kids need tutoring these days because the schools can't provide them with the needed help. Even the best teachers struggle to make sure that no students are falling through the cracks. Think about it, 1 teacher to 30 students! As a teacher, I've recommended different forms of tutoring to heaps of students and their parents. I've worked after school with some children, I've recommened private tutors, I've suggested looking at computer-based programs. It depends on what the student needs. For students who are really struggling, yes, I suggest they get something like the Mathemagic Computer Tutor because it will cover everything that the kids have missed in the past. It's very comprehensive, it follows the outline of the curriculum, the kids have access to support, and they can use it 24/7. It does come with a hefty price tag, but what price does one put on a child's education? And it covers all the children in the family until the end of year 12. Value for money, it is pretty good because it's there on a log-term basis. This is a good option for parents who really want to be involved in what their kids are doing.
For students who are doing well, I feel a private tutor is great. It keeps the kids up to speed and makes sure that they don't slip. Sometimes it's good for kids to have an adult there to support them, as long as they can cope with the work without that support there all the time.
Learning centres like Kip McGrath can work for kids as well. It boils down to what works for each family. For working families with big time constraints, in home options are great. Kids can do the work at home and the parents can be involved. Having one-on-one tutoring can boost the kids' confidence.
The reality of it is that most, not all, but most parents are not proactive about getting help for their kids by their own volition. Yes, parents want to help their kids and they consider various options, but very few actually DO anything. This isn't to say that there aren't parents out there who rush to get help, so please don't jump down my throat, but in my experience parents don't act unless something is suggested to them. And if they don't do it right then, then they usually won' do it at all until it's too late.
It comes down to knowing what your options are all about before you trash something. Talk to people who've tried a certain tutoring method. Whether or not it worked for them, does not mean that it wil or won't work for someone else.
Thanks guys. (Sorry this was so long!)
