Why I am Starting a Tutoring Business

Are you stressed about your performance in school? Are there concepts in a particular class that you can't seem to grasp? Is there an upcoming test that you are struggling to study for?

These questions are concerns of many students, but tutoring can assist them in numerous ways.

My Experience with Tutoring

Throughout my years of schooling, I have become fascinated with the process of learning new concepts and acquiring knowledge. A quality education paired with a strong understanding of important topics is essential for success in any desired career path. While I have been challenged by my teachers and professors, I am appreciative of their efforts to prepare me for my future endeavors. Although I enjoy school, I have stumbled across obstacles along the way.

Some concepts taught in class did not resonate with me as well as others. Being a logical thinker, I have always been a stronger student in math and science. It was challenging for me to channel my creative side, so the Spanish courses I took in college were a struggle for me. I decided to work with a tutor, and it was a great way to bolster my classroom learning. I was able to build a strong relationship with my tutor as well as receive personalized assistance. Because of our sessions, I was able to pass my class with an A!

This is why I want to start a tutoring business. I will be able to help students better understand material that is difficult for them as well as inspire them to reach their goals. Tutoring is effective, and I have experienced that first hand. I want to share my love for learning and knowledge with others because of the impact tutoring has had on my educational experience.

The Effectiveness of Tutoring

Data collected from research and studies reveal how tutoring can significantly impact the academic success of students. Over the course of fifty-two studies, tutored students outperformed non-tutored students at a rate of nearly ninety percent (“Infographic: The Impact of Expert Tutoring on Academic Achievement"). This can be observed in the higher passing rates typical of tutored students in science, business, and english classes that range anywhere from nine to thirty-one percent (“Infographic: The Impact of Expert Tutoring on Academic Achievement"). Because of the positive results tutoring can have on a student’s education, it is crucial for students to utilize this service.

Reasons Behind my Business

There are numerous aspects of tutoring that can help students be successful in their educational journey. Statistics show that eighty-two percent of tutored college students re-enroll from the fall to spring semesters versus an institutional average of only seventy percent, which is approximately a one-fifth difference (“Infographic: The Impact of Expert Tutoring on Academic Achievement"). Through my tutoring business, I aim to focus on the following areas to help students meet their academic and career goals.

Tailoring Sessions to Meet Individual Needs

Because there are so many factors that affect the learning needs of students, it is important that all tutoring sessions are unique. The students should be able to ask specific questions and focus on topics that they find most challenging. Below is a list of characteristics and traits that I will analyze in order to develop effective lesson plans for each student.

• Left Brain or Right Brain- Most people find a certain side of their brain to be dominant over the other. Left-brained individuals engage in a logical and analytical way of thinking, and right-brained individuals tend to be more artistic and creative. This can make learning material that is centered around the weaker side of the brain more challenging. Being able to translate material in a way that hones in on a student’s strengths will help them grasp concepts clearer.

• Learning Style- Each person has a unique combination of different methods in which they learn best. The most common learning styles include visual, auditory, verbal, and kinesthetic. Gathering this information about students will allow me to form lessons centered around their preferences. This can help them learn harder concepts more effectively.

• Proper Pacing- Each student learns at their own pace, making it crucial to understand how fast topics should be covered. Some students find it beneficial to learn at a slower pace while others prefer moving quickly through material. Finding the balance desired by each student is important for tutoring to be effective.

Encouraging Collaboration

My student tutoring program will work to build strong and lasting relationships in those who utilize this service. Having one-on-one interactions with a tutor will not only help students learn, but it will provide them with a friend as well. This aspect of tutoring will create a safe haven for students to feel comfortable asking questions without being judged. Group tutoring sessions can also work to facilitate stronger connections between students of the same course. They will begin to realize the power of learning and helping one another, strengthening their teamwork abilities. As a result, a strong community will develop from students who are excited to learn and share their knowledge.

Teaching Effective Study Habits

There are many different study techniques that students can utilize to strengthen their knowledge on certain topics. It is my goal to help students explore numerous methods of learning in order to discover what works best for them. The following list highlights some basic tools students can utilize.

• Creating flashcards

• Utilizing graphic organizers and flow charts to arrange content

• Reading notes aloud

• Solving practice problems

• Developing mnemonic devices to help with memorization

• Making hands-on review games

Fostering Confidence in Students

Studies have shown that tutoring can raise test scores by twelve percentage points (“Infographic: The Impact of Expert Tutoring on Academic Achievement"). As students begin to see these increases, they will become more confident in their skills. This boost in self-esteem will show them that they have the ability to perform well in challenging courses. As a result, students will continue to push themselves to strive for excellence when obstacles arise. It is my hope that the lasting effects tutoring will have on students will show them they can accomplish anything they set their mind to, both academically and professionally.

This video highlights some of the benefits associated with tutoring.

My Overarching Goal

Through my business, I hope to serve and give to students in the same way my tutor did for me. Not only was I able to grow academically through this experience, but I was able to see my confidence flourish as well. Noticing the changes tutoring made in my life fuels me with a desire to impact other students in these same ways. I want to equip students with the knowledge they will need to be successful as well as grow their appreciation for learning. By generating a fun environment to learn and grow, young professionals will be able to accomplish their goals while enjoying the journey.

Works Cited

“Infographic: The Impact of Expert Tutoring on Academic Achievement.” College Express, 8 Oct. 2019, https://www.collegexpress.com/articles-and-advice/majors-and-academics/blog/infographic-impact-expert-tutoring-academic-achievement/.

“Top Five Benefits of One-on-One Tutoring.” YouTube, 5 Dec. 2018, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7V7Wm9SYnE.