Academic mentoring vs tutoring: what’s the difference?
So, what is the difference between an academic mentor and tutor?
An academic mentor and a tutor are two different types of educators who provide different types of support to students.
A tutor typically focuses on helping a student improve their performance in a specific subject or skill, usually by providing additional instruction and practice exercises. Tutors are typically experts in a specific subject area and use their knowledge to help students gain a better understanding of the material.
An academic mentor, such as those in our team at Oppidan, take a broader approach to education and provides support and guidance that goes beyond academic performance. Oppidan mentors work with students to help them set goals, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and develop the skills and habits they need to succeed in school and in life. This has proven incredibly valuable for students of different ages tackling challenges like the 11+ Pre-Test or GCSEs.
Oppidan mentors can be valuable resources for students who need help navigating academic and personal challenges, developing leadership skills, and building a network of contacts and resources. Mentors may also provide advice and guidance on topics such as university and school applications, career development, and personal growth.
Overall, while both mentors and tutors can provide valuable support to students, their roles and responsibilities are different. Tutors typically focus on improving academic performance in a specific subject area, while mentors take a more holistic approach to education and provide support and guidance that can help students succeed in all areas of their lives.
Why do we think mentoring is better than tutoring for exams?
When it comes to education, parents both in the UK and internationally are always looking for ways to support their children and help them succeed. This is especially true at key junctures like the 11+, GCSE, UCAS and A-Level. Parents can be frustrated with their child's lack of engagement in school life, lack of confidence, inability to meet deadlines and stay focused and purposeful.
While both academic mentoring and tutoring can be beneficial for exam preparation, naturally we believe mentoring is a better approach for three key reasons.
1.
Academic mentoring can help students develop the skills and habits they need to succeed in the long term, rather than just focusing on achieving short-term goals. That is partly one of our key offerings is the ‘Journey’; we want to make a difference over time not just for next week. Oppidan mentors can help students develop study strategies, time management skills and other habits that can support their success not just in exams, but in their wider development.
2.
Academic mentoring can help students develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter they are studying for during challenges like the 11+, rather than just memorising information for a test. This can help students retain knowledge over the long term and can also help them develop critical thinking skills that are essential for success in many fields. It allows them to thrive way into secondary school and not just for the test itself. Our work with many prep and senior schools in London and further afield helps strengthen our expertise in providing smooth transitions for young people going to secondary school or university.
3.
Finally, academic mentoring can help students build a positive relationship with a mentor who can provide guidance and support throughout their academic career. This relationship can be particularly important for students who may face challenges or obstacles along the way, as a mentor can provide encouragement and help them stay motivated to achieve their goals.
Overall, while tutoring can be valuable for exam preparation, we believe that mentoring may provide a more holistic approach that can support students' long-term academic and personal growth.