The child refuses the help of the tutor – what to do?
It is difficult to imagine getting an education in England for foreigners without additional classes in at least two main subjects – English and mathematics. This is especially true when preparing for admission to private schools in the UK or leading British universities. And if the issue of motivation is not so acute with older students, children usually need close attention from parents and teachers.
The English refer to the word “tutor” of the teacher-mentor, who accompanies the child in the process of learning. Education in private schools in the UK involves the presence of tutor at a number of stages. As a rule, this specialist helps not only to “tighten up” those subjects and areas in which the student is experiencing difficulties, but also helps to survive the changes associated with learning in a new environment, to adapt to the learning regime, to develop their own personal trajectory of education.
Sometimes children can not get proper motivation from school teachers, formulate for themselves the answer to the question “why do I actually go to school”. A competent thetor gradually helps to go the way in building personal goals and determining landmarks.
But what to do when the child actively resists the participation of tutor in his life. In England, parents together with specialists successfully solve problems in communication with students in this matter. Here are five main reasons why the child objects to the assistant, and most importantly, what parents should do about it.
1. “I can do it myself”
Try to talk to your child when you notice that they are having difficulty with a particular object. The thetor in this situation can give certain skills that will help to overcome these problems, facilitate the learning process. Explain that each student has weaknesses and strengths, it is not shameful to experience learning difficulties, and a specialist will help to cope with the subject in which problems have arisen. The presence of tutor in the student does not indicate serious problems with academic performance. This only shows that a mentor is needed to help with a particular subject until the child can understand it without external assistance.
2. “The thetor can’t help me”
Help with learning
Often, children who do not shine with success in school, learning is associated with negative emotions. Such a child is abstracted from the material taught in the classroom, upset because of the weakness of their skills and knowledge, which leads to a decrease in self-esteem. It certainly reduces motivation.
The main task of tutor is to facilitate the child’s learning process, to motivate him to take new heights. To quickly show the result, even if it will be a local victory. Sometimes it means choosing an individual, non-traditional way of education. The thetor can find out what methods work best with your child, what method is optimal for him and it will be instantly evaluated by a young student.
3. “I don’t want to talk about school at all”
Choose with your child a certain time to talk about his school days. Giving him control over the topic of conversation will help to better express personal feelings and experiences. You can invite your child to a meeting with the thetor in order to simply communicate on common topics. Sometimes specialists arrange meetings in an informal setting (in the car of parents, in cafes, on a walk in the park). As soon as children see that this is not another strict teacher, and a kind and open to contact person, they change their opinion.
4. “To study again after you come from school?”
To go to school
It is logical that after school, the child wants to change the type of activity and environment. An experienced teacher is called to catch the student’s condition, to understand how and when to change the type of activity, to rest. Sometimes it is necessary to focus on the body language of children, on their behavior. In some schools in England, tutors are even allowed to attend classes and communicate with teachers. Thanks to this, the specialist can read in detail the school schedule, assess the level of load of subjects to organically fit their program into the learning process.
5. “I’m afraid that the tutor will be attached to me”
Try to explain to your child that you have done a serious research and hired someone who is trustworthy. In your opinion, it will help to facilitate learning. As practice shows, meeting-acquaintance before the start of tutor work is an important stage on the way to success. Talk in an informal setting, get to know each other better, then the child will feel noticeably more comfortable.
More often tell your child that you are proud of him and his success. Keep the conversation in a positive way, lower the edifying tone. This will contribute to the positive behavior of your child, and then you will be able to gradually begin to solve the problem.
The most important thing is not to forget to keep your own positive attitude and optimism, because your condition is easy to read your child. Learning problems can be disturbing, exhausting, frightening. Try to relieve this tension through positive joint activities. Play board games, together do cooking, creativity, some other things that fascinate your child. If he refuses tutor, stay calm, take a little pause. Then try to explain to the child that it will bring only positive moments in his training and help in the future.
For advice from Mercury Education on recruiting a qualified teacher in England in the preparation spree to the best English schools or to improve your current level of knowledge, contact through the feedback form or call.