Tips on choosing the right one to help children get through online distance learning this school year

Finding a tutor for our children can be a very daunting task. We are entrusting their future in the hands of an outsider or even a stranger who will, with hope and eventually, become our good friend. Aside from our immediate family members and household staff, tutors are also our partners in helping raise our children.

This school year’s online distance learning modules add to the difficulty level of what we are all up against. The best tutors of last school year might not be the best candidates for our current situation, which is why we all have to change our views and concepts of what education should be in this crisis. A whole lot of patience, flexibility, and adaptability, coupled with adjustments on the expectations, are also needed to get all of us through this new way of learning.

With over 19 years of tutoring experience and a mom to nine-year-old son, Manila Bulletin Lifestyle interviews 38-year-old mom Ma. Heide Bernabe on her insights on online distance learning and how to find and choose the right tutor for your children.

Now that everything’s online, what challenges are tutors, moms, and children facing?

It will be adapting to the online platforms and the use of technology in general. This is because as tutors, we are so used to having personal interactions during lessons. We find it easier to convey our ideas and explain in detail as well. We can also personally see the body language and facial expressions of the students, which give us the idea if indeed they know their lesson. We can get as creative as we can when it comes to exercises or activities because there aren't any limitations since you study physically with your student. But online, there are so many limitations. It's a challenge to convey your ideas and to explain since you only share a video with your student. You can't even guess what he/she is doing aside from listening to you during the lesson and it's hard to tell if he/she is bored already or not. Certain activities or exercises can't be done because your student is not physically with you. As for moms, the challenge comes in times of technical difficulties. They would need to have basic knowledge in troubleshooting should the need arise. For the children, especially those who are not so familiar with the use of computers and the apps, it can get frustrating as well. Also, a lot of Filipino kids normally associate computers to "having fun or a hobby or leisure activity," so there's a need to transition them into its educational and more serious purpose. Plus, given the fact that our internet connection in the country is not that stable and fast, and will soon be overloaded as well, we expect a lot of downtime and disconnection issues, which could result in everyone losing their patience and getting frustrated.

There are different types of tutors. Can you share the many available options?

There are tutors who are independent contractors, meaning they offer their services on their own without being connected to any school or company. They teach subjects based on their specialization. There are others who offer all subjects. There are also groups or tutoring centers that offer their services from their pool of tutors who have assigned subjects to teach. There are packages offered like two plus one, meaning you enroll in two subjects and you get one free, while there may be others that offer two academic classes and one special or elective class.

Most classes are done one-on-one, but there are those who offer small group classes with a ratio of one tutor and two to three kids. This is more common among preschool kids who enjoy having the company of others, even just on video.

Rates depend on several factors. One would be the level of expertise of tutors, meaning those who have undergone training or who have more experience may charge more. Another factor is the difficulty of the subject, so more complex subjects cost more than the simple and easy ones. Last to consider is also the location. In the provinces, rates may not be as high as they charge in Metro Manila. As an estimate, the hourly rate may be as low as P120 per hour or as high as P300 to 500 per hour. Subjects taught can range from the basic academic subjects in school and supplementals like public speaking, Singaporean math, etc. There are also classes for art, music, and even sports.

How do we look for tutors?

If I were to hire a tutor for my son, I would go for tutor-moms (like me) and those from around my area or community who are independent contractors. Not only do tutor-moms know how to handle kids and have the creative skills to keep them focused on the lesson, but also it's a great opportunity to provide them with the extra means to earn, especially in these difficult times. There are also a lot of experienced and highly skilled tutors who opt to be independent contractors because they can set their own rates and choose their own schedule. As for tutoring centers, although I can't really give names specifically since I haven't tried any, the advantage they have is mostly in their resources and accountability. Since they're a company, they may have all the materials, videos, and even their own platforms. There is also a system in place. Also, should you have any issues or problems, whether with the tutor or the system, you know that the company is accountable for them and they'll resolve them for you. You can also look from within your circle first, close kins, distant relatives, friends, colleagues and their former teachers.

For family members as tutors, someone much older than the child can work better compared to someone who is only five to eight years older. Not only because of experience and knowledge, but also the child may not feel so comfortable studying with someone whose age can be that of his playmate. In looking for tutors, it's not as challenging as it was in the past since social media platforms like Facebook can do a lot. Try searching for groups and pages with keywords like online classes or online tutors for Filipino kids, etc. Inquire about their programs or packages online. There may also be Facebook groups in the residential area where you live. You may also find independent contractors posting their services there or you may even create your own post that you're in search of a highly qualified tutor. Also try posting on your own personal social media accounts that you need recommendations for a great online tutor. That way, you'll be able to get honest feedback or reviews from friends recommending or referring the tutor.

Can you share tips on choosing the best tutor/s for your children?

1. Passion for teaching.
The tutor must not only see this as an income opportunity but as a fulfilling and meaningful task. They must give their best delivering the lessons and making sure the child is learning and enjoying the process at the same time. The mindset should be that, at the end of the day, the child gets to learn something he can keep.

2. Genuine concern and love for kids.
A tutor who truly cares for the child understands that every day may not be sunshine in their classes. There are days that can be bad or even worse, but tutors with genuine concern can see beyond that and choose to listen and comfort. They will go the extra mile to keep the child happy about learning and they exert effort to keep the relationship friendly and loving at all times.

3. Pocketful (or a bagful) of patience.
Due to limitations and uncertain issues that may arise during the class, it's really best if these tutors have with them tons and tons of patience. They shouldn't show (in their face or voice) the child that they are on the edge of losing their patience as this wouldn't be of any help to their classes. Kids will be more likely to test their patience further should they sense the frustration from their tutor.

4. Flexible and creative.
At school, the kids already expect their teachers to be stiff and strict, so it will make a difference if their tutor is more flexible. The tutor must easily adapt to the ever changing situations and circumstances in class. They shouldn't get stuck with a pattern or style that they're used to. They have to adjust depending on each child's needs and circumstances. There would be days that they need to be good actors or performers just so the kids can remain focused on the lesson. Their creativity should not run dry as they need to always come up with something interesting to do in the class.

5. Good command of the English language
Aside from the fact that I'm an ESL tutor and trainer, I see this as something essential, because English is the medium of instruction in the class. It really makes a difference if the tutor can speak fluently and confidently as this can make the kids fascinated with their tutor. It would also be of great help to the child if their tutors speak English fluently as they're used to it in school with their teachers or at home with their family.