Do You Have a Tutor?

Questions about issues in the news for students 13 and older.

Many students use after-school tutors, tutoring centers and private tutors, as well as “homework helpers” or “homework coaches.” Why do you think many students and parents seek the support of tutors? Do you have a tutor or homework helper?
In the article “Like a Monitor More Than a Tutor,” Sarah Maslin Nir examines the trend of students’ receiving help with organization and homework:

If a student finds French grammar or algebra incomprehensible, a tutor in those subjects can help. But if the problem is a child who will not budge from the Xbox, or pens doodles instead of topic sentences, some harried parents with cash to spare have been turning to homework helpers who teach organizational skills and time management, or who sometimes just sit there until the work is finished.

As schools have piled on expectations and as career paths have sucked in both mothers and fathers, this niche industry is catering to “students who are capable of doing the work” but “need someone there who can just be there with them to consistently do the work in a regular manner,” said Mike Wallach, who along with Ms. Kraglievich runs the service Central Park Tutors.

But it has also led some educators to question whether this trend might simply be a subcontracted form of “helicopter parenting,” depriving children of the self-reliance they will need later in life.

Students: Tell us what you think about tutors and homework helpers. Have you had one to help you with schoolwork, time management or organization? Why or why not? If so, do you think it helped you? If not, how do you stay organized and on top of your work?


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http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/11/do-you-have-a-tutor-2/