Savvy Tutoring Explained
Google defines being savvy as possessing “shrewdness and practical knowledge, with the ability to make good judgements.” Any savvy approach to tutoring or coaching will take into account how an adult or child responds to strategies and identify the most engaging learning experiences and skills a student needs to succeed. The Savvy Tutor’s approach is to focus on building skills that will be useful in multiple domains while taking into account long-term outcomes. The Savvy Tutor is process-oriented and can solve student problems in all areas of academia.
What is Savvy Tutoring?
Advising
The Savvy Tutor, and any tutor who is truly savvy in their role, wears multiple hats. This means being an effective content tutor, but also acting as a skilled advisor, advocate, and coach. The Savvy Tutor helps students and families figure out the best courses and school program options for students based on their unique needs, goals, strengths, and preferences. This includes figuring out if and which AP courses are most appropriate, as well as collegiate and vocational options post-high school.
Advocacy
Savvy tutoring also entails communicating with school administrators and attending IEP, 504, and other informal school meetings as needed. High-quality tutors and coaches will be able to articulate students’ needs and goals as well as the most appropriate, evidence-based instructional methods and interventions for students. While not legal specialists, the best tutors will understand how education law impacts their students and how to optimally solve problems that arise, big and small, without going through the court system.
Study Skills Coaching
Savvy tutoring entails teaching students not just content, but coaching them on effective study skills, time management strategies, and resourcefulness. Essentially, how to be an all-around successful student. Sessions can focus on skills such as note-taking, effective study strategies, scheduling and managing time, and how to use available resources. Building students’ confidence is another hallmark of high-quality coaching as students will learn to implement the strategies that enable them to be successful. High quality coaches will also help students build their metacognitions and senses of self-efficacy for success in all academic settings.
Content Instruction
Content instruction, or tutoring, is the most obvious service provided by a tutor. A high-quality content tutor will do just that: provide instruction in their area of expertise, such as reading and writing, or math, or science. Some tutors provide instruction in multiple subjects, while some specialize in a single area or course. The Savvy Tutor can help you or your child improve their reading skills, grades, and confidence levels, among other skills.
Qualities of a Savvy Tutor
Responsive
Being savvy means being responsive to each student’s changing needs. Students need help for different reasons and during different seasons, and being adaptive as students’ needs and goals change is indicative of a high-quality tutor or coach.
Qualified
A savvy and high-quality tutor will be just that: qualified. This entails being a certified teacher with a Master’s degree in Education or a related field.
Engaging
Lessons with a tutor can be fun or boring, and anywhere in between, based on each tutor’s teaching style, lesson plan, and rapport between tutor and student. Sessions with young students should always incorporate fun activities that get learners excited.
Reliable
High quality tutors, like all professionals, will be timely, honest, communicative, and follow-through on stated actions. When you hire a tutor for yourself or your child, you are entrusting them with an important task, and you must therefore trust their character and abilites. It doesn’t matter how technically capable someone may be in regard to teaching a reading class, for example, if they are untrustworthy, frequently late, or otherwise not dependable.
Reflective
The most effective teachers reflect on their experiences, including both successes and areas needing improvement. Tutors who learn from their mistakes as well as their victories and those of their students are generally the savviest and most effective.
Knowledgable
Knowing Common Core Standards and how to implement them and being interested in professional development are important standards for an awesome tutor. The best tutors stay current with the literature and best practices in behavioral science and education, as well as their subject areas.
Who Can Benefit from Savvy Tutoring?
In a nutshell: everyone. Anyone who is seeking to learn a new skill or hone an existing one. Kids who need reading or math instruction to get to grade level and increase confidence. Tutoring can help students of all ages, including those in college and graduate school, improve their communication, thinking, and self-monitoring skills. Students who struggle with work completion or those who want to excel and go the extra mile.
Most of the skills a student learns during tutoring sessions are ultimately life skills and will serve that student thoughout the course of their life, both in school and out.
Struggling Students
Many students can benefit from tutoring at different times and for various reasons. Students who are struggling in school, especially in the lower grades, will likely benefit from tutoring in fundamental skill areas such as reading and literacy. Students struggling with foundational skills such reading and math will see greater gains if provided small group or individualized instruction. Breaking concepts down for students and allowing them to practice at their own pace will greatly increase their chances of mastering those concepts and skills.
Students on Summer Break
In addition to tutoring during the school year, many parents smartly seek out a tutor to maintain or increase learning over the summer. While it is debated how much learning loss occurs over the summer, it is logical that children will make progress if they are engaging in learning activities when not in a formal class setting. A great tutor can teach your child the skills they need for a confident and successful start to the following school year.
Homeschooled Students
Parents who are homeschooling their children may want to hire a dynamic tutor to keep their child excited about the curriculum. It is easy for students to become bored, and a tutor can provide an outside perspective while filling any gaps in a parent’s knowledge.
Students Completing Research & Special Projects
Hiring a tutor may become necessary, or at least helpful, when embarking on a special project or completing a dissertation or clinical research. Students who are working on long-term research projects such as the Regeneron Science Talent Search or completing doctoral healthcare research may benefit from a tutor who can coach them through the research and writing processes. A writing coach can help you review the literature and your work at every step of the way, and provide proofreading, editing, and revision services.
Students Applying to College & Graduate School
Applying to college and graduate school is overwhelming for many students. Hiring a savvy professional who can guide you through any and all aspects of the admission process can alleviate much of the stress of the application process. An excellent tutor can also help you write an effective essay that will get you noticed and leave admissions counselors impressed.
Savvy Reading vs Savvy Tutoring
Savvy Reading is an online reading program for students in grades K-5, according to their company website. This company provides small group and 1:1 reading support in 25 minute sessions via an online platform. Savvy Reading uses their own proprietary curriculum, which may be a problem for struggling learners. Students who are struggling need more adaptive lessons and differentiated curricula and methodology. The Savvy Tutor provides in-person tutoring services for students in Westchester and Greenwich, as well as online sessions for those who live outside of the Metro New York area.
Unlike a prepackaged program, The Savvy Tutor provides highly individualized lessons based on each student’s unique abilities, goals, and interests. A high quality reading tutor will ensure your child not only knows sight words and can decode, but understands the material. Teaching reading comprehension can be a complex task. However, a great reading tutor will provide your child with the comprehension skills they need for research, summarizing, thesis development, and other key literacy skills throughout their academic careers.
How Frequently Should You Meet with Your Tutor?
Frequency of meetings depends on your goals, needs, schedule, and budget. Most students meet with their tutor once per week for an hour. Students may sometimes choose to schedule an additional session or two per week when working on a large project or studying for exams.
How frequently you schedule a session is up to you. Frequency will ultimately be based on your goals and needs, and how quickly you want to make progress. The more frequently you attend sessions, the more quickly you will likely achieve your goals.
It is worth remembering, though, that your success is ultimately up to you. When you are living your life, it will be your choice to follow through on the strategies and skills you are taught. If you are struggling with the follow-through, it is essential to let your tutor know! A savvy and responsive tutor and coach will approach the problem with empathy and creativity. When you communicate your needs, as well as what is working and what is not, you will maximize this professional relationship and build confidence and skills for life!
Contact The Savvy Tutor to find out if tutoring is right for you or your child
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