Using tutors effectively

Preface

It looks like my last article on studying smartly wasn't as well received, but hey, a promise is a promise, and I promised to talk about using tutors effectively in my next article.

I think it's important to stick to your path, even if you're not necessarily getting upvotes. I'm trying to get back in the habit of writing, so I need to practice as much as possible.

Let's cut through all the BS, talk about how to effectively use tutors, and then break down some pros and cons of tutoring.

Effectively using tutors

Based on my experience, here's what you need to do if you have a tutor (at least, if you want to get something out of it).

1. Study/attempt the homework beforehand

Before each session, try your best to understand the material. If you ask your tutor to explain everything to you from the ground up, you're going to go over a lot of information you might have been able to figure out easily. This translates into lost time during a tutoring session.

2. Bring questions

Make sure you bring your problems and dead ends to the tutor. Have your questions made up for the tutor before the session begins. Organize your questions in terms of priority. This will help you get to your more important questions first, which could take some time to go over, before getting to the less necessary stuff.

3. Confirm your tutoring schedule and stick to it

Your tutor probably has another job. Try not to screw with their schedule too much. Having a set tutoring schedule each week helps you stick to your goals of trying to understand the material in advance, without putting it (and your tutoring session) off.

4. Forecast what you want to know in advance

Depending on your relationship with your tutor, it might be possible for you to send them information about what you specifically want to go over before the session starts. Sending them this information in advance could provide them the opportunity to go over some things on their end before meeting with you.

5. Know when to stop your tutor

It's ok to speak up during a tutoring session. If you feel like you understand the material, it's ok to tell your tutor (or SHOW your tutor) that you get it, and ask to move on. Some tutors REALLY like to drive the point home, which takes time.

6. Know when to stop seeing your tutor ever again

Know in advance what you want a successful tutoring session to feel like. If your tutor consistently misses the mark (we'll talk about that below), then they're probably not worth the money you're spending on them. Everyone has a bad day, but when you're the one paying for a lesson, you should get what you pay for. If your tutor consistently drops the ball, it might be time to tell them that you're moving on.

The signs of an effective tutor

So, that being said, what are some signs of a good tutor?

1. They're on time and they don't ignore you

Nuff said. They're respond

2. They know how to succinctly explain how to figure out your problems

Any tutor worth their salt will be able to SHOW you how to get the solution efficiently, and GUIDE you through it. They won't sit back and talk about how to solve a problem without actually solving it. That's what teachers are for. Tutors cut through all the bullshit and just do it.

3. They have a background in the subject you're asking them to tutor you in

Perhaps they have a degree in the field they're teaching you (make sure you know where their degree is from - sniff out the BS), or perhaps they just took the class you're about to take one semester ago. Either way, you want to make sure you're using a tutor that specifically knows your subject matter. Getting tutored in a Medieval History class? Some history majors don't know shit about that period of time - make sure they at least took a class on it before even agreeing to meet with them.

4. They're organized

Are they babbling about stuff that doesn't pertain to the class? Do they come without scrap paper or the course material they're supposed to cover? That's no good. Tutors should come ready to help guide you. If they don't have a textbook, that's fine, but they better be able to show you that they're comfortable working with your course information.

Tutor pros and cons

Good tutors (above) are an excellent resource for students, and not just those struggling. Let's quickly review some pros and cons of tutoring before we talk about using them effectively.

Pros:

1. They save you time.

Even if you're smart, you'll be able to make your study time more effective with a good tutor.

2. They save you from frustration.

If you're the type that drives themselves up a wall when you can't figure out a problem, a tutor will save you from pulling out your hair.

3. They're more effective than a study group.

Tutors are paid to know the answers. Study groups try to figure out the answer together. They also have a tendency to get sidetracked, depending on your class' culture. Have you ever sat in a study group, and realized after about an hour of talking that you're still no closer to figuring anything out? Maybe it's because you have a bunch of people that are super friendly with each other, and decided to talk about their favorite TV shows instead of the actual subject matter. Conversation is fun. Having to pay to retake another class isn't (congrats if you're reading this in a country that doesn't charge much for education. My student loans salute you).

Cons:

1. They cost money

Tutors cost money. Really effective tutors cost a lot more money. In terms of economics, this is an opportunity cost: "the loss of potential gain from other alternatives when one alternative is chosen." Decide if it's worth it for you. NOTE: some tutors are provided for FREE through your school/college/university study labs. Check for any free resources, first.

2. Using one can be awkward

There is a lot of social stigma about using tutors. You might think that people will think you're using a tutor because you're stupid. Maybe some of those people DO think you're stupid. But you know what, dude? Those people can eat a bag of dicks. The last thing you need to worry about is a bunch of judgmental little shits hating on you because you're trying to get smarter. They're almost as bad as all those jerks who hate on people trying to go to the gym in January for a new year's resolution.

Conclusion

Well then, that's that.

Think I missed anything? Have any additional advice? Maybe a tutoring horror story of your own?

If so, comment down below!

Sources:
For those of you who read through to the end: each of the study-themed pictures are linked to the sources I found them on, which JUST SO HAPPEN to be pretty solid YouTube Lo-fi radio stations.

Why don't you throw one on and get some work done?