March 23, 2011

Homework Helper or Tutor?

By Stephanie Graham, originally published by Today’s TMJ4 on  3/20/11

When a child struggles with class work, parents often turn to tutors.  But what if your child’s problem is more about staying on top of their studies, and less about understanding them?  It might be time for a Homework Helper.

Nick Tanteri spends his afternoons like many other children, searching for solutions to his homework. But in his case, it’s not his parents watching over his shoulder.  He has a homework helper.  While tutors generally focus on teaching a particular topic, homework helpers are more like monitors. Tim Levin hires out homework helpers, and says it’s about getting the student motivated and organized.

Levin explains a homework helper is there to ask basic questions:  “Is there an assignment pad?  Have you written down your assignments?  Do you know what’s due tomorrow and do you know what’s due the next week, and how complete are you doing these assignments?”

Some educators are concerned about the trend, worried it takes parents out of the mix, and stops kids from becoming independent learners. But Levin says there are many good reasons parents turn to the service.

“A–they’re dealing with other kids.  B-they’re at work late or maybe, C-they just don’t know how to do it,” Levin suggests.

To read the full story click here.

Filed under: Commercial Providers,Tutoring Practices

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