In this model, parents are like the underlying compact fill upon which concrete is placed for solid construction to take place. This is acknowledged through the importance we place on the "parent participation fee' - a tutoring co-pay intended as buy-in that demonstrates commitment.
Parents are provided feedback and are invited to provide constructive input into the process. In addition to periodic check-ins to see how things are going, a a brief report is made available to check progress and goals at session's end.
Bespoke tutors have the ability to go from subject-to-subject to revise, reteach and expand material to consolidate knowledge. The methodology of online teaching used addresses not only the child's academics but also their mental health. This happens primarily through consistency and building rapport.
The child's needs will be discussed and different plans will be tried to find the one that accomodates their learning style. Contacting the child's teacher is a step that sometimes is necessary especially for summer tutoring or for targeting specific skill gaps.
The children we tutor are called "Climbers" striving to overcome learning deficits to move up on Concrete Steps. Whether moody, equable or cheerful, a climber that shows up will make strides. In a pandemic (even before it) there are good days and bad days. Based on the child's temperament our tutors will calibrate the session: taking appropriate sized steps to encourage participation.
Climbing steps means you take every single step - no skipping - as we strengthen the fundamentals, build skills, and teach strategies along the way.
“Learning is a function of the ratio of the time actually spent on learning to the time needed to learn. The time needed depends on cognitive factors and the quality of instruction, while the time spent depends on the amount of time that is available and the student’s motivation to use it.” (1963). A model of school learning. Teacher College Record, 64, 723–733.
