How it works: augmenting high school learning with tutoring

High school tutoring can be a valuable companion to classroom learning. We look at what to expect from tuition and how any student can benefit.

Let’s start by dispelling a myth: tutoring is not just for students who have fallen behind. In fact, it’s fair to say that a high school tutor can make a difference to a wide variety of students, whatever their academic history, learning style or desired outcomes. 

Tutoring can, of course, be an ideal way to help students stay on top of class content, but it can also be an effective way to revise before exams, a complement to in-class learning, and a great way for students to get more one-on-one time with a teacher.

Let’s look at some of the ways that tutoring can complement the traditional classroom model.

1. Learning beyond the classroom

When considering tutoring, think of it as a way to add value to the classroom environment. With unprecedented upheaval, heavy study loads and busy student lifestyles, having the option to review, revise and solidify learning outside of class can be vital.

Whether you’re looking to give your child a boost before exams, extra flexibility or a leg up, tutoring can be a great partner to the HSC classroom. Consider which elements of a student’s learning can be improved, which classes they’re taking, and their future study and career goals. Choose tutoring which aligns with these.

2. Personalised education

Classrooms can be busy. The curriculum moves on quickly and with an average of nearly 12 students per teacher, not every student gets the attention they need when they need it.

The advantage of tutoring in addition to the classroom environment is clear: students get more time with experienced tutors. Whether it’s Chemistry, Physics or Maths tuition, a tutoring program is tailored to the needs of a student. Additional on-campus or online tuition means the chance for students to ask questions and really understand the study material.

Tutoring doesn’t need to take the place of high school classrooms, but it can be a valuable way to ensure that every student has the chance to fully understand the curriculum and learn in a way that suits them best.

3. Flexibility

How and when a student studies can be a very personal preference. On-campus and online tuition should be approached from a perspective of flexible learning.

For example, Maths Advanced students may prefer to revise each lesson with an experienced high school maths tutor to really solidify their understanding as the curriculum progresses. Others may benefit more from occasional pre-exam revision or holiday courses. Similarly, some students learn best in a physical classroom, while others appreciate the freedom of studying online from their homes outside of school hours.

Regardless of preference, the outcome should be the same: a full understanding of the learning material and excellent preparation for exams and assessments. Approach tuition in an open way, and use the flexibility it affords to help students learn in the way that best suits them. Particularly as we navigate a tough time, being open and flexible with regards to high school tuition will be valuable.

4. Experienced tutors

We trust our high school teachers to be of the highest educational standards, and the same should be true of tutors. If a student needs maths tuition, for example, you’re going to want to engage a high school maths tutor with demonstrated experience.

Great tutors have an understanding of how each student learns best. For tutors teaching exam revision classes, the structure must naturally be different than if it were an introductory course. The benefit of a tutor in addition to a high school teacher is the focused nature of the teaching, and it’s a benefit you’ll see in student results.

A good tip when looking for tutoring is to ask questions: what sort of experience does the tutor have? Will it benefit my child? Will it help them achieve their goals?

Remember: a tutor isn’t a replacement for the classroom, but an experienced tutor should always add value to a student’s education