Research has shown that repetition and practice reinforces understanding and is essential to long-term retention and memory. Homework is an essential complement to tutoring, because it gives the student the opportunity to revisit concepts and skills, cementing and fixing them for life. The student will require the support of the parent or guardian in their homework, not to provide answers, but to remind and guide them in their thinking.

Homework typically involves the student providing a verbal or written explanation of what was learned in session. The act of explaining the lessons to the parent or guardian in clear, precise language forces the student to engage in a deeper understanding of the concepts. Along the way, the student builds confidence and academic self-esteem.

During this explanatory process, the parent or guardian is encouraged to:

• Actively listen to and frequently repeat what the student is saying to ensure understanding
• Offer praise
• Refrain from offering alternate explanations
• Ask clarifying questions to ensure that student’s intent is understood
• Review the session notes to ensure that no work or concept was skipped
• Ensure that this review occurs minimum once per week, or as often as every day if required to ensure that the student can demonstrate clear, precise language

Likewise, the student is expected to:

• Proactively seek out time with the parent or guardian for these sessions
• Respond to parent or guardian’s questions and offer alternate explanations when asked
• Undertake the practice of reviewing concepts in clear, precise language.

Longer term projects

The Tutor often assigns daily homework to supplement school and the tutoring session. These assignments include, but are not limited to:

• Daily flash card review with parent or guardian
• Study Guide creation
• Daily debrief of what was done in each class at school
• Teaching math lesson to members of the family