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How to find the right tutor for your child’s 11-plus preparation?

Advice
May 15, 2024

 

A tutor can serve as an invaluable resource to aid your child in preparing for the 11-plus exam. However, finding the right tutor can often be a challenging task. If you’re uncertain about whether your child requires tutoring, it might be beneficial to arrange trial sessions to assess how well your child collaborates with the tutor.

Do I Need a Tutor? 

If you lack extensive experience in managing your child’s education, it may be prudent to enlist the assistance of someone more knowledgeable to enhance their academic performance.

Additionally, you should seek out a tutor who possesses expertise in working with children of similar age groups, enabling them to impart valuable insights into testing procedures and effective examination techniques, such as those needed for the 11-plus exam.

It is imperative to engage a tutor who comprehends the elements contributing to an exceptional test score and how each aspect contributes to achieving this score. Furthermore, they should be well-versed in the best practices for exam preparation.

Understanding Weaknesses – If you are an avid reader of blogs like this one, you are likely aware of the various types of weaknesses that can adversely impact your child’s 11-plus test score. Some of these weaknesses are physical, others psychological, and some are logistical (such as inadequate time to complete a specific section). To assist your child in overcoming these challenges, it is essential to identify and address them effectively.

 

Do I Have Sufficient Time for a Thorough Tutor Search?

While identifying a proficient tutor can be a daunting task, it is by no means insurmountable. The most effective approach involves conducting a comprehensive search for tutors who possess the requisite qualifications and availability.

You should strive to identify a tutor capable of guiding your child towards achieving their educational objectives, whether these goals align with their current needs or extend beyond. A competent tutor should possess extensive experience in catering to students of diverse ages and abilities, allowing them to tailor their teaching methods to each student’s individual skill level and aptitude. This adaptability ensures that children with varying learning preferences, such as those inclined towards mathematics or reading, can benefit from the tutelage of an effective teacher throughout their educational journey.

 

What Key Factors Should I Consider When Selecting an 11 Plus Tutor for My Child?

Qualifications: Your primary consideration should be whether the tutor possesses the necessary qualifications. This can be ascertained by examining their LinkedIn profile, perusing testimonials, and inquiring about their teaching experience and subject-specific training.

Teaching Methods: Once you have verified their qualifications, it is crucial to understand their teaching style and how they intend to facilitate your child’s learning. Some tutors favour a hands-on approach, while others may advocate for online instruction.

Approach: Subsequently, engage in individual discussions with each tutor to gain insight into their educational philosophy before making any decisions.

How Should I Best Initiate Contact and Establish Connections with Tutors? 

After narrowing down potential tutors, it is time to initiate contact. Begin by exploring their websites and social media profiles to gather pertinent information about their background, teaching experience in your locality, and the number of students they instruct annually. Additionally, assess any reviews on their profile pages or within website comment sections.

If a tutor has a substantial track record of teaching numerous students, this bodes well for their expertise. Nevertheless, it is prudent to request references, even from individuals with extensive academic tutoring experience.

Subsequently, before selecting a tutor for your child, pose the following questions:

  1. Are you qualified to provide 11-plus exam instruction?
  2. What teaching methods do you employ?
  3. What post-lesson support is available to students, including homework assignments or specific follow-up requirements?
  4. Are you available on days that align with my child’s schedule?
  5. What is your hourly rate?
  6. Do you have a minimum weekly hour requirement?
  7. Are there any additional costs associated with materials or travel expenses, if applicable?
  8. Finding the ideal tutor for your child’s 11-plus exam can be a challenging endeavour. However, armed with these guidelines, you can approach the process with confidence.

In summary, you now possess the knowledge to:

  1. Determine the appropriate timing for commencing your tutor search.
  2. Identify the critical attributes to seek in a tutor.
  3. Establish contact and connections with tutors, culminating in the selection of the most suitable one for your child’s needs.

By applying these insights, you can make an informed decision that enhances your child’s prospects for success in the 11-plus examination.

Eleven Ace serves as a comprehensive solution for excelling in the 11-plus examination. Eleven Ace is a true expert in the field, exclusively offering 11-plus services delivered by tutors from esteemed universities. These services encompass a range of 11- plus online mock exams, competitive assessments, and section-specific tests. Notably, the services are both cost-effective and support charitable causes. With each correct answer, Eleven Ace contributes to feeding children in collaboration with NGOs such as Mary’s Meals.