Assessments can be very important when working with a tutor, because they help to identify the student’s strengths and weaknesses in a particular subject or skill. The tutor can then use this information to create a customized learning plan that addresses the student’s specific needs and goals.
I always provide a free assessment when I work with families. I don’t charge for this service because I want to learn about the child. Once I know what they are asking for support with, I create an assessment or find one that aligns to the child’s state learning goals. I then find a time to meet with the family to complete the assessment. Then I do the assessment and provide the family with feedback when I am done.
Here are some reasons why assessments can be important when working with a tutor:
- Identify knowledge gaps: Assessments can help to identify areas where the student may be struggling or have gaps in their knowledge. This can allow the tutor to focus on these areas and provide targeted support.
- Set goals: Assessments can help both the tutor and the student to set specific goals for what they want to achieve through tutoring. By identifying areas of weakness, they can work together to set measurable goals and track progress over time.
- Measure progress: Regular assessments can help to measure progress and determine if the student is making sufficient progress towards their goals. This can provide important feedback for the tutor and student and help them adjust their approach if needed.
- Adapt teaching methods: Assessments can also help the tutor to adapt their teaching methods to the student’s learning style and preferences. By understanding how the student learns best, the tutor can provide more effective support and help the student to achieve their goals.
Overall, assessments can be a valuable tool for tutors and students alike. By providing important information about the student’s strengths and weaknesses, assessments can help to create a customized learning plan and ensure that the tutoring experience is as effective as possible.
If you are working with a tutor and they have never mentioned an initial assessment or how they are assessing progress as they go, be sure to ask some questions. Assessment doesn’t necessarily mean an actual test either.
Many times I ask the child to show me how to do some sort of a task. I like to call these my “exit tickets.” Sometimes they can show me the correct way to do some sort of a task, like adding fractions with unlike denominators. If they cannot do the problem without support, I know that they are not proficient at it and we need to revisit the task during our next visit. If they can do several problems without support, I feel confident that we can build on that skill and continue to move forward.
I encourage you, as the parent, to ask about this if you are not sitting in on the tutoring sessions or getting feedback from the tutor.
If this information is helpful, be sure to share it with others. If you are looking for an elementary math tutor for your preschool through sixth grade child, let me know. I will offer your family a free assessment, provide you with feedback, and provide you with an initial learning plan as we move forward. If I discover that I am not the right person for your child, I will help you in your search to find a tutor that can support your child. My goal is to support both the learner and the family as we move your child forward with confidence.
For more information about Tutoring with Sheryl be sure to visit the following:
https://midwesttutor.com/home-2
https://linktr.ee/sheryluehling
Tutoring with Sheryl 