What To Look Out For In A Science Tutor?

Science subjects pose a steep learning curve for students. On first encounter, students may find it difficult to picture the concepts taught.  This challenge could be a deal-breaker that will cause students to lose interest in a subject completely even before they truly delve into it.

Faced with such a dilemma, this is when parents seek out science tuition as a means to help their children get back on track.

It is important to select a good science tutor to guide your child as this can make or break the love your child has for the subject. You will be faced with a trial and error situation at first when searching for the right tutor for your child. Nonetheless, you should not settle until you have found a tutor that is truly a good match for your child.

A good tutor is someone who can instil awe and fascination about the subject that is being taught.  Students who are inspired and motivated will be able to take away what they have learned and apply it not only in their immediate exams but also to a range of different daily activities or other disciplines.

Some qualities that a good science tutor should have are:

A passion for teaching

Passion is an important factor in the field of education. Tutors themselves must first be motivated and inspired before being able to do the same with their students.

A tutor’s job revolves around close interaction with students. A passion for working with students is, of course, a necessity in this case. Students are often at a phase of development where they seek advice and guidance from people who are older and more experienced than them. Tutors are often one such source of support, especially when students have academic-related woes. A passionate tutor will go the extra mile to reassure their students.

Tutors must also be passionate about the subject that they are teaching. A tutor who is passionate about a subject will bring to the table more than just knowledge on how to pass a test. The tutor’s love for a subject will translate into the way he or she teaches a subject.

With regards to science subjects, students will no doubt find it difficult to grasp scientific concepts at first. Tutors have a responsibility to bring to life the facts that are written on paper and help their students envision these concepts at work in the real world.

A purposeful and meaningful syllabus

The purpose of learning is most certainly not to regurgitate facts and calculations to answer a question. Although it is important to train students to answer questions according to the exam’s standards, this should not be the sole focus of tuition.

Science tutors should come up with a syllabus that enables students to realise the purpose and meaning of studying science. In doing so, students will come to appreciate science not just as a school subject that they need to pass, but rather a field of knowledge that is limitless and boundless in the world around us and beyond.

Able to keep students engaged and interested

One challenge that tutors may face is the lack of interest from students. Students often shut down when they think a subject is difficult. A good science tutor will have to help a student warm up to the idea of studying science.

Tutors need to help students open up their minds by introducing new concepts to them in a fun and engaging way. A good tutor will be able to maintain their students’ momentum without overwhelming them. Tutors need to know how to pace their lessons and introduce new concepts according to the capabilities of their students.

Understand students’ needs

Each student has a different learning pace and method. For example, some students can easily absorb information just by listening to their tutor’s explanation. Some students will feel confident when they are provided with comprehensive notes to revise. Others need visual stimulation in the form of videos or experiments.

Tutors need to understand and accommodate the needs of their students when coming up with a comprehensive lesson plan. Taking into account all the different ways students learn, tutors need to ensure that they can come up with lessons and materials that can address each and every students’ needs.

Patience is key

Patience is a virtue that all tutors must have when dealing with students. Tutors need to be firm while also leaving room for students to develop their confidence. Students should see tuition as a safe space for learning and expressing themselves. They will of course have different personalities, tutors must have the patience to deal with these personalities and find ways to harness their full potential.

When it comes to weaker students, tutors will need the patience to guide them according to their pace. Tutors need to identify which students require more attention and devise the best way possible to help them catch up.

Strive for improvement

There is always room for improvement in everything we do. Good tutors are aware of this and will continuously improve their teaching methods and their communication skills when interacting with students.

Tutors who keep themselves up to date with advancements on pedagogy and also the science industry will definitely be able to add more value in their lessons.

Another way to strive for improvement is also to gather feedback from students and their parents. A good tutor is open to constructive evaluation from parents regarding their teaching methods. Tutors must also take into account their student’s feedback so as to improve their learning experience.

Why TSA?

The Science Academy tutors are dedicated professionals who have a combined experienced of 20 years. Our science tutors are passionate about introducing our students to the amazing world of science by helping them gain traction in subjects such as general science, physics, chemistry and biology.