After-School Tutoring Programs

After-school tutoring programs or extended-day programs are tailored to enhance a student's educational, social and cognitive skills.
After-School Tutoring Programs
After-school tutoring programs are organized to help students improve their academic skills, and are designed according to their requirements. Studies have shown that these programs have a positive effect on the overall development of the students.

The after-school tutoring programs not only facilitate the students, but also the parents and the whole community. In today's age, when both parents are working, it has become difficult for them to keep a check on the daily activities of their children. Children are prone to high risk-behavior like bad company, drugs, sexual and criminal activities, etc. To avoid such undesirable behavior, it is extremely important that children spend their time after school doing constructive work.

Participation in after-school tutoring programs

Planning is very essential before starting an after-school tutoring program. You can conduct a survey to know whether there is a need for an after-school tutoring program in your community. Such programs can be conducted in schools, community centers or at the parks. However, it is necessary to keep in mind the convenience of the students.

One can recruit a team of educators to undertake the functioning of an after-school tutoring program. Involving school teachers in this program would be beneficial. Parents can also be a part of this venture, as parental participation in a child's education helps in boosting his or her academic performance. Students can also be asked to convey their needs, so that the curriculum formed is student-friendly.

People from various sections of the community can be encouraged to join and work towards the success of these programs. This could lead to the development of a strong bond between the school, family and the community, which is conducive to the growth of the society.

Activities in after-school tutoring programs

The activities for the after-school tutoring program should be well structured. You can concentrate on one subject a day or evenly distribute time to deal with different subjects. A special slot could be allotted to help the children with their homework and topics which are difficult to understand.

Research has found that reading activities conducted at the after-school tutoring programs help in improving the students' reading skills. Reading for pleasure should also be introduced so that the students develop an interest towards it.

Learning need not be restricted to books alone. Difficult topics and concepts could be explained with the help of fun games. Students should be encouraged to think and express their views. It is not necessary that these programs should concentrate only on academics. Extra curricular activities like dancing, painting, drama or some sport can also be included in the program.

The instructors of the after-school tutoring program should be caring and sensitive towards students' issues. Special attention should be given to pupils who are prone to risk-behavior. These instructors should motivate the students and work towards building up their self-confidence.

Funds for after-school tutoring programs

Arranging finance is another crucial element before starting an after-school tutoring program. Firstly, you have to chalk out a detailed plan on what your expenses would be. If this program is part of a school activity, then the school would grant a specific amount from their budget or you can approach a private or a public organization to fund this valuable project. Financial help can also be taken from the government.

Research has proved that after-school tutoring programs have brought about a change, not only in the scores of the students, but also in their personality. Encouraging children to attend an after-school tutoring program relieves the parents from worrying about their daily homework and studies.

After-school tutoring programs provide a positive environment for students to learn and explore new avenues in life. These programs are beneficial as they engage the students in various activities and prevent them from indulging in anti-social behavior or becoming a victim of violence.

By Deepa Kartha
Published: 4/2/2009
 
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