A Latin tutor provides one-on-one lessons to students on aspects of Latin grammar, translation, and writing. Tutoring is typically reserved for students who require additional assistance outside of class or who wish to learn aspects of the Latin language outside of a more structured course setting. Tutors usually meet with students on a mutually agreed-upon schedule and charge the hour. Sessions can be one-time only, such as for test preparation, or they can be ongoing, as is the case with students who want to gain a thorough understanding of Latin over time.
Individualized instruction is usually the primary goal of any Latin tutor. The majority of tutoring relationships involve only one student. A private tutor can provide intensive, one-on-one instruction as well as tailored study advice. Small groups of students, usually no more than three, are hosted some tutors. These sessions are usually less expensive per person, but they still allow for more personalized instruction than could be provided in a Latin classroom.
There are several reasons why a student might seek Latin tutoring for help with their studies. One of the most common requests is for assistance with an ongoing course. A student who is having difficulty keeping up with a Latin class or who is performing poorly may seek outside assistance. This type of tutoring is frequently designed to correspond to a class’s curriculum. The tutor will work with the student to improve test scores, go over any confusing lessons, and provide additional drills and practice exercises.
In the course of studying for standardized Latin exams, students may also require the assistance of an academic tutor. In many parts of the world, high school students can take placement exams in languages like Latin to demonstrate their aptitude and potentially receive university credit based on their skill level. When a Latin tutor is hired to help a student pass a Latin placement exam, they will usually spend time teaching test strategies as well as working on weaknesses in reading, writing, and translating.
Latin, perhaps more than any other language, is frequently used in translation. Because the majority of antiquity’s major works were originally written in Latin or Greek, knowing written Latin is required for many Classics reading assignments. A Latin tutor who specializes in translation usually prepares students to read and comprehend antiquity’s works in their original form. This usually entails a lot of drills in grammar, as well as lessons in contextual reading and ancient cultural idioms and turns of phrase.
Latin tutoring is almost never done in a group setting. In most cases, study assistance is limited to reading and writing, owing to the fact that Latin is a dead language, with no one using it as their primary mode of communication today. As a result, an online tutor can be just as effective as a live tutor in many cases.
Online Latin tutoring is typically geared toward advanced students, or at the very least students who have some basic Latin knowledge. A Latin tutor who primarily works online can communicate with students in real time and provide feedback on written assignments via email. He or she can also provide instruction via live video chat, simulating the presence of being present in person. Latin students in rural areas or outside of major cities often benefit from online tutoring because it allows them to connect with highly sought-after tutors without incurring the expense or inconvenience of travel.