How We Work
Introduction and Assessment
Our process begins with a Thinking Caps Academic Coordinator meeting with each family and student in order to gain insight about the student on both academic and personal levels. This introductory interview shapes the framework necessary to formulate study plans that specifically target the student’s needs and goals and to match the student with a tutor. We evaluate each aspect of the academic context, which includes the child’s grades, learning style and current scholastic objectives to formulate and develop an optimal learning environment.
Tutor Match-Up
We know that every student benefits from an individualized learning atmosphere, as each child has a unique character and learning style. To create such a personalized environment, we match students with tutors based on personalities, common interests, academic passions and ambitions. As tutors are selected from top New York universities, we have the opportunity to offer some of the best minds and role models as instructors.
Our tutors, the majority of whom are in the process of continuing their own education as full-time students, can easily relate to the difficulties that are often encountered when learning new concepts and juggling multiple subjects. Who can better understand the feelings of desperation – “it just doesn’t make sense,” “I don’t get it,” or “I will never be able to understand that,” – than someone who has experienced the same challenges and successfully surmounted them? By employing recent graduates and older students to teach and mentor younger students, we foster relationships that are conducive to learning.
Ultimately, our goal is to ensure that a meaningful connection is established between tutor and student.
One-to-One Learning
All lessons are conducted in an environment where the student is most comfortable, usually at home or school. We feel that the most productive learning occurs in a one-to-one atmosphere so that no student becomes lost in the crowd of a classroom. Individualized tutoring ensures that students maintain their concentration throughout the lesson and are given the opportunity to ask the questions that matter to them. The one-to-one lessons enable tutors to constantly monitor the student’s progress and adjust the course of study as necessary.
Academic Progress Consultation
An Academic Coordinator is assigned to every family to serve as a liaison between the parent, tutor, student and school. The function of the Academic Coordinator is to develop customized study strategies and learning plans, consistently monitor the tutoring process by working with the tutor and family, and communicate with the family to discuss the student's needs and progress. The Academic Coordinator creates formal Progress Reports and is always available to answer any questions regarding the program.
Special Needs
Thinking Caps Tutoring works with students with a range of learning differences and offers a referral program to Educational Specialists and Clinical Psychologists.
