All schools have been affected by the global pandemic in a variety of ways. So many decisions come up within schools regarding online vs. in-person tutoring and questions about best practices and decisions.

Is your school in the midst of considering your options for online vs in-person tutoring?

One result of the pandemic is that we have leaned on online resources and online education to help support our students through difficult times when our traditional teaching methods and resources were not available.

Schools have come out as shining examples of how online tutoring can be successful, albeit with some challenges. In this article, we are going to highlight some questions that schools might be asking when faced with these decisions.

1. Does online tutoring actually work?
2. What are the safety issues with online tutoring?
3. How can online tutoring be more equitable for students?
4. Is online tutoring really cost effective for schools?
5. What are the benefits of online tutoring?

1. Does online tutoring actually work?

Research can be found that shows that online tutoring does work.  This particular study shows how students’ math skills actually increased for those that participated in the online tutoring program.

When assessing whether online tutoring actually works, one needs to look at how online tutoring is being delivered and the resources that are being used to ensure its effectiveness.

A researcher named Cherie Mazer wrote a paper called Best Practices in Online Tutoring and published her results from studying online tutoring from a US-based tutoring company that focused on maths, English, and science.

In this paper she found that:

• 96% felt that their online tutoring service helped them complete their homework
• 96% felt that their online tutoring service was helping them improve their grades
• 97% felt that their online tutoring service was helping them to be more confident about their schoolwork.

The study goes on to show and prove that the best practices in online tutoring go beyond the actual medium and that good tutors employ the same research-based practices used by in-person tutors. 

The study further found that for students who had access to one-on-one online tutors, it provided convenience, efficiency, and more anonymity. These factors almost could be huge factors driving the adoption of this new form of learning.

2. What are the safety issues with online tutoring?

Safety issues with online tutoring might cross your mind as you navigate the possibilities that could occur. 

Prevention is our number one suggestion. If you can anticipate the potential issues that might happen, you can put systems and protocols in place before they occur.

Screen your tutors

If you are the one hiring tutors make sure that you are screening them properly and ensuring that they pass the same background checks that would be required with in-person tutoring.

If you are using a tutoring service like Oxford tutors then you can rest assured that your tutors have been properly screened and have passed our rigorous and thorough criminal background checks.

Monitor communication

Make sure you are using a platform that allows you to monitor communication. Some applications like Zoom, Skype, and others do not always provide high levels of security.  Schools should thoroughly look into the type of platform that is being considered.

There are always risks associated with online learning. Do the research and understand what the potential risks are so you can mitigate them as much as possible.

3. Use protocols and codes of practice

Schools need to outline the way that online tutoring will be adopted and implemented. It will be important to stick to a code of practice that will ensure students have a regular routine and have an understanding of how the tutoring sessions will be conducted.

Schools should also discuss with tutoring platforms how their code of practice can align with the tutoring platform to ensure success on both ends. Make sure to look at the platform’s policies and discuss their alignment with your own.

3. How can online tutoring be more equitable for students?

It is not a surprise that, even before the pandemic, countries around the world have demonstrated unequal access to education resulting in millions of students being behind grade level.

There exists a need for a cost-effective solution to bridge the gap of inequalities faced by students across the country and in many nations around the world.

Online tutoring allows that bridge because it can be accessible to all students. Students who might not be benefiting from group virtual classes during the pandemic would have access to a more individualized approach to their own unique learning needs and abilities.

Schools have a unique position to bridge inequalities that exist for students who learn differently and need a more customized approach to their learning. Online tutoring gives access to all students to have professional online tutors supporting their learning journey.

4. Is online tutoring really cost-effective for schools?

Schools should do research into online tutoring platforms as to the costs. Due to the fact that online tutoring platforms hire distance and remote teachers, there are no overhead costs and, therefore, generally, you can expect lower fees from tutors. 

Of course, this is not always the case. Some tutoring platforms can be more costly and it depends on the specialization of the tutor and what the needs of the students are.

Online tutoring prices can range anywhere from $25 USD / hour all the way up to $75 USD / hour and higher depending on the tutor, their qualifications and the child’s needs.

Our suggestion is that you do some price shopping and find the best fit for your school needs and budget. 

5. What are the benefits to online tutoring vs. in-person tutoring?

Online tutoring provides a host of benefits to the schools that adopt this model for their students. 

We believe that the following make online tutoring a great opportunity for schools to investigate as you bring in the best programming and services for your student population.

Flexibility of time and location

Online tutoring can happen at any time and can occur regardless of location. You can find tutors available at all times of the day in various time zones. Some tutoring platforms even have 24/7 availability. This allows scheduling and location to no longer be an issue.

Your school can work within your students’ schedules to find tutors to support their learning. Last-minute exams, sports practices and a heavy homework load might inhibit in-person tutoring sessions but online tutoring allows those things to no longer be an issue.

Access to qualified experts

The beauty of online tutoring is the access you have to qualified experts in fields that you might not have available on your school campus. Depending on your needs, you can find tutors that have expertise in very specific areas of the curriculum or specific content needs that your students might be struggling with.

The access to qualified experts makes online tutoring a game-changer for schools that need some outside support for their students. 

Personalized and individual programming

Online tutoring allows schools and parents to find tutors that can really personalize the learning for the student. Where in-person tutoring might be able to offer some of the same, online tutoring, as stated above, lets you find tutors that can really specialize in what your students are struggling in.

Schools will want to prioritize online tutoring for their students who are in the most need. Students with diverse backgrounds, needs, and funds will be able to take advantage of 1:1 online tutoring.

Online tutoring is empowering because it allows learners to really take ownership of their own learning. They can browse tutor profiles and make their own decisions on their needs. This really encourages self-confidence and ownership over their learning!

The ability to shop around for prices

With tutoring platforms like oxford tutors  you are able to look at the best pricing package for your students’ needs. There are other platforms as well that allows you to search by price and find tutors within your budget.

Social distancing and safety measures

With the uncertainty of the pandemic, many schools are forced to adopt social distancing guidelines for their teachers and students.  This can be difficult to obtain safely with in-person tutoring due to the nature of working in the same location and space.

Online tutoring provides a solution for schools to safely give students access to qualified tutors in a safe way allowing for rigorous learning with safety measures in place.

Is online tutoring the right fit for your school?

Take some time to discuss and determine if online tutoring is right for your school. Finding a tutoring service can be challenging but if you know what your needs are then you can find some great options to meet those needs.

With the ever-changing demands of education and student needs, online tutoring can solve a lot of concerns and issues that might exist at a school level when it comes to providing the best for your students.

Safety, accessibility, pricing, and equity might be things you are questioning about. 
Learn more about how our expertise in online tutoring can help the students at your school be the best that they can be.

Online Tutoring: Pros

Flexibility

One of the most significant advantages of online tutoring is flexibility. Students can attend tutoring sessions from anywhere, anytime, without worrying about time constraints or location barriers.

• Location: With online tutoring, students can attend tutoring sessions from anywhere, whether they are at home, school, or on vacation.
• Schedule: Online tutoring allows for more flexibility in scheduling sessions since students can book sessions that fit their schedule, even outside traditional school hours.
• Travel time: Online tutoring eliminates the need for travel time to attend in-person sessions, which can save a significant amount of time for students and their parents.
• Access to resources: Online tutoring platforms can provide access to a variety of resources, including pre-recorded sessions, study materials, and online tools, that students can access at their convenience.

CHECK OUR:- ONLINE TUTORING SERVICES

Cost-Effective

It is typically less expensive than in-person tutoring. This exists because online tutors do not have to factor in travel expenses tutoring companies can pass these savings to students.

• Lower Tutoring Fees: Online tutoring is often less expensive than in-person tutoring because online tutors do not have to account for travel expenses.
• No Transportation Costs: Online tutoring eliminates transportation costs for both the tutor and the student, saving them money.
• Access to Free Resources: Online tutoring platforms often offer free resources such as pre-recorded video lessons, study guides, and practice tests that can supplement tutoring sessions, eliminating the need for additional costly materials.
• Flexibility in Session Duration: Online tutoring allows for more flexibility in session duration. Since online sessions can be shorter, students may not need to pay for the full hour-long in-person session. This can save students money over time.

Variety of Tutors

Online tutoring provides a vast pool of tutors, which means students can choose the best fit for their specific needs. This is especially important for students who may require specialized tutoring in areas such as language or mathematics.

• Wide selection: Online tutoring provides access to a larger pool of tutors, which means students can choose from a wider selection of tutors with different backgrounds, specializations, and teaching styles.
• Specialized tutors: Online tutoring platforms can connect students with specialized tutors who have expertise in specific subjects or areas, such as foreign languages, music, or test preparation.
• Availability: Online tutoring makes it easier to find available tutors for specific time slots or sessions, especially during peak periods such as exam season.
• Choice: With online tutoring, students can choose the tutor who best fits their learning style, personality, and needs, which can help maximize their learning potential.

Improved Learning Experience

Online tutoring can enhance the knowledge experience of students by providing access to resources and technologies not available in a traditional classroom setting. For example, online tutoring platforms offer virtual whiteboards, video conferencing, and interactive tools that can make the learning method more engaging.

• Interactive tools: Online tutoring platforms offer a range of interactive tools such as virtual whiteboards, chat, and video conferencing that can make the learning process more engaging and effective.
• Personalized attention: With online tutoring, students receive more personalized attention from their tutors since they are the only ones in the session. This can help students to better understand complex concepts and improve their performance.
• Access to experts: Online tutoring platforms offer access to a large pool of tutors, which means that students can find experts in a particular subject matter, such as mathematics or science.
• Learning at own pace: Online tutoring allows students to learn at their own pace, without feeling rushed or pressured. This can help students to better understand the material and retain the information for longer periods.

More Control

Online tutoring puts students in more control of their learning process. They can access their session recordings, review them at their convenience, and work at their speed.

• Session recordings: Online tutoring sessions can be recorded, allowing students to review the material covered at their convenience.
• Learning pace: Online tutoring allows students to work at their own pace, which can be especially helpful for students who need more time to understand a concept or who want to move ahead faster.
• Personalized learning: Online tutoring platforms can provide tailored learning experiences for each student, with customized lesson plans and individualized feedback.
• Choice of tutor: With online tutoring, students have access to a wider pool of tutors, allowing them to choose the tutor that is the best fit for their learning style and needs.

Online Tutoring: Cons

Technical Difficulties

Technological difficulties, such as slow internet connections or software glitches, can disrupt online tutoring sessions and hinder the learning cycle.

• Connectivity issues: Online tutoring requires a stable internet connection, and technical difficulties such as poor internet connectivity or server issues can disrupt the session.
• Technical glitches: Technical glitches such as software crashes, audio and video lag, and microphone or webcam problems can also affect the session.
• Distractions: Online tutoring can be more prone to distractions, such as notifications, emails, and other interruptions that can disrupt the focus of the session.
• Lack of physical interaction: Online tutoring can sometimes lack the personal interaction that comes with in-person tutoring, making it harder for some students to build a connection with their tutor or engage in hands-on activities.

Lack of Personal Interaction

Online tutoring can be less personal compared to in-person tutoring. Students may miss out on the body language cues and nonverbal communication that can aid learning.

• Limited nonverbal communication: Online tutoring platforms may limit the ability to communicate nonverbally, making it difficult to read body language and facial expressions.
• Difficulty building rapport: Without face-to-face interaction, students may find it harder to build a rapport with their tutor, which can be important for motivation and engagement.
• Technology issues: Technical issues, such as poor internet connection or malfunctioning equipment, can disrupt the learning experience and cause frustration for both the student and tutor.
• Distractions: Online tutoring may be more susceptible to distractions, such as notifications on a computer or phone, which can disrupt the student's focus and attention during the session.

Distractions

Online tutoring may be prone to distractions from the internet, social media, or other interruptions, which can reduce the effectiveness of the tutoring session.

• Technology issues: Technical issues such as poor internet connectivity, audio or video problems, or software glitches can be a major source of distraction during online tutoring sessions.
• Home environment: The home environment can be full of distractions such as family members, pets, or household noises, which can make it difficult for students to focus during online tutoring sessions.
• Multi-tasking: The temptation to multi-task during online tutoring sessions, such as checking social media or texting friends, can be high and can distract students from learning.
• Lack of accountability: With online tutoring, there is often less accountability for students to show up on time and be fully engaged in the session, which can lead to distractions and a lack of focus.

Limited Hands-on Learning

Online tutoring may not be as effective for subjects that require hands-on learning, such as music or physical education.

• Physical activities: Some subjects require hands-on learning, such as science experiments or music lessons, which may not be possible to replicate online.
• Limited resources: Online tutoring may not have access to certain resources, such as equipment or materials, that are necessary for hands-on learning.
• Technical difficulties: Technical issues, such as slow internet speeds or glitches with the online platform, can disrupt hands-on learning activities and make them less effective.
• Learning style: Some students may have a learning style that is better suited for hands-on learning, which may make online tutoring less effective for them.

In-Person Tutoring: Pros

Personal Interaction

In-person tutoring supplies the possibility for personal interaction between the tutor and the student, which can foster a closer relationship and better learning outcomes.

• Face-to-face communication: Person tutoring allows for direct face-to-face communication between the tutor and the student, which can help build a stronger rapport and understanding.
• Non-verbal cues: The person tutoring allows for non-verbal cues, such as body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice, to be more easily communicated, which can enhance the learning experience.
• Real-time feedback: The Somebody tutoring allows for real-time feedback and correction, which can help students immediately understand and correct mistakes.
• Socialization: In-person tutoring can provide a social experience for students, which can be beneficial for their overall well-being and personal growth.

No Technical Difficulties

In-person tutoring eliminates the risk of technical difficulties that can disrupt online tutoring sessions.

• Personal interaction: Person tutoring allows for face-to-face interactions between the student and the tutor, which can be more engaging and conducive to learning.
• Hands-on learning: The person tutoring can facilitate hands-on learning activities that require physical resources or materials.
• Real-time feedback: Person tutoring allows for real-time feedback, which can help students correct mistakes and solidify their understanding of concepts.
• No technical difficulties: The person tutoring eliminates the risk of technical difficulties, such as slow internet speeds or glitches with online platforms, which can disrupt learning activities and make them less effective.

Hands-on Learning

In-person tutoring is more effective for subjects that require hands-on learning, such as music or physical education.

• Physical activities: In-person tutoring allows for hands-on learning experiences, such as science experiments, music lessons, or art projects, that may not be possible to replicate online.
• Interactive learning: In-person tutoring allows for immediate feedback and correction, which can be especially helpful for hands-on learning activities.
• Access to resources: In-person tutoring provides access to resources, such as textbooks, equipment, or materials, that may be necessary for hands-on learning.
• Learning style: Some students may have a learning style that is better suited for hands-on learning, which may make in-person tutoring more effective for them.

Tailored Learning

In-person tutoring permits the tutor to tailor the session to the different conditions of the student, which can be more challenging to do in an online setting.

• Personalized attention: In-person tutoring allows for one-on-one attention and immediate feedback, which can be especially helpful for students who need individualized attention.
• Customized learning: In-person tutoring allows for more flexibility in lesson planning, with tutors able to adapt their teaching style and lesson plans to meet the specific needs of each student.
• Hands-on learning: In-person tutoring allows for hands-on learning activities, such as science experiments or role-playing exercises, that may not be possible online.
• Better communication: In-person tutoring allows for better communication between the tutor and student, as body language and other nonverbal cues can be easier to interpret.

In-Person Tutoring: Cons

Tailored Learning

In-person tutoring may be limited by time and location constraints. This can make it difficult for students who live far away from the tutoring location or have busy schedules.

• Scheduling conflicts: In-person tutoring sessions may be harder to schedule, especially if students have busy schedules or live far from the tutoring location.
• Travel time: In-person tutoring may require travel time to and from the tutoring location, which can be time-consuming and may be difficult for students who don't have transportation.
• Limited options: In-person tutoring may be limited to the tutors who are available in a particular location, which may not provide the best match for a student's needs.
• Distractions: In-person tutoring may be subject to distractions, such as noise or interruptions, that can interfere with the learning process.

Higher Costs

In-person tutoring is typically more expensive than online tutoring due to travel expenses and other associated costs.

• Travel expenses: In-person tutoring may require additional travel expenses for both the tutor and the student, such as transportation and parking fees.
• Higher hourly rates: In-person tutoring often comes with a higher hourly rate compared to online tutoring, due to the additional expenses associated with providing in-person services.
• Limited availability: In-person tutors may have limited availability due to their location and schedule, which can make it difficult to book sessions at convenient times.
• Limited choice: In-person tutoring may have a limited pool of tutors available in a given area, which can limit the student's choice of tutor and make it harder to find the best match for their learning style and needs.

Limited Pool of Tutors

In-person tutoring may have a limited pool of tutors available, which may determine the options available to students.

• Location-dependent: In-person tutoring is limited to tutors who are located in the same geographic area as the student, which can make it difficult to find the right tutor.
• Availability: In-person tutors may have limited availability, especially during peak tutoring times, which can make scheduling sessions more difficult.
• Cost: In-person tutoring may be more expensive than online tutoring, due to factors such as travel costs for the tutor.
• Limited expertise: In-person tutoring may not have access to a wide range of experts in a particular subject, especially in less-populated areas, which can limit the quality of tutoring available.

Limited Access to Resources

In-person tutoring may not provide access to the same class of resources and technologies in public as an online tutoring setting.

• Limited availability: In-person tutoring may not be available in all areas or may have limited availability, which can make it difficult for some students to access it.
• Limited resources: In-person tutoring may not have access to the same range of resources that online tutoring can offer, such as pre-recorded sessions or online tools.
• Travel time: In-person tutoring may require travel time to attend sessions, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient, especially for students who live far away from the tutor.
• Schedule conflicts: In-person tutoring sessions may be more difficult to schedule due to conflicts with other activities or obligations, such as extracurricular activities or work schedules.

Conclusion

Both online tutoring and in-person tutoring have their pros and cons. Choosing between them depends on individual preferences, education styles. and specific requirements. Students should consider their needs, location, and budget when deciding between online tutoring and in-person tutoring. Ultimately, the choice should be based on the student's comfort level, learning style, and preferences.

Online tutoring for your child: the benefits, the issues, and choosing an online tutor

Online tutoring is an increasingly popular choice for students and their families. Although many tutors were operating online before the COVID-19 pandemic, one silver lining has been widespread use of remote learning in education, and therefore a greater choice for parents.

Online tutors now work at all levels to complement school learning, some also provide “home schooling” or specialise in certain subjects. UK-based tutors often specialise in particular subjects at GCSE or A-level. Of course, there are pros and cons of hiring an online tutor, and just like the traditional “in person” approach, choosing the right tutor is an important decision.

I hope to give you the benefit of my experience as a parent and an online tutor, looking at the benefits and potential issues, but also sharing some tips to help you make the right choice for your child.

Online tutoring: the benefits

A different perspective

A one-to-one relationship with an online tutor is different from sitting in a class of 30 pupils. In school, students may be reluctant to ask questions when surrounded by their peers, while their teachers have the difficult job of dividing their attention 30 ways. The most common reason parents contact me is that topics misunderstood or missed during school lessons leave gaps in knowledge that are difficult to fill while the teaching continues at a pace.

As an online tutor, I have the rewarding job of working solely for each child, one-to-one, to target specific areas. A good tutor becomes something like a personal trainer, working on topics your child chooses, sometimes over and over again, which is simply not possible in a school environment. This allows us to try out new approaches – perhaps metaphors that capture tricky scientific concepts. Parents and students usually find that tutoring and school learning complement each other, giving fresh perspectives.

Convenience and flexibility

Online tutoring sessions can be much more convenient for parents than in-person tutoring where appointments depend on schedules, social lives and traffic. With online sessions you no longer have to worry about lifts! Pupils can log on for lessons from different rooms, or houses, during free periods in school – or wherever they are in the world. Online tutors can be flexible too, fitting in more easily around your schedule.

The key to successful GCSEs and A-levels is a consistent homework routine, and tutoring can become a seamless part of this. Logging in for a session from the comfort of your own home can make all the difference to relaxing and hopefully enjoying the sessions. Feeling comfortable is an important part of keeping your child’s wellbeing and outlook the best it can be.

Privacy and wellbeing

Learning in your own surroundings, possibly in your slippers, creates a different mindset from school learning or even compared to in-person tutoring. Online sessions provide privacy for students who might be self-conscious or anxious, or those who have a busy home life.

Sometimes parents worry that an online tutor might not help their child to “open up” in the way in-person tutoring might. I have found the opposite is often true – students are familiar and comfortable with online platforms and communities and may use Skype already, allowing them to feel in control, and therefore more at ease. It’s from this point of safety, respect and understanding that information flows both ways. Wellbeing is being recognised as a crucial aspect of learning, and your child getting the grades they want.

Access to expertise when your child needs it

Preparing to hire an online tutor, rather than an in-person tutor, means you don’t have to restrict your search to those in your local area. Often online tutors specialise in different subjects and qualifications, so with a little research, the choice is yours. There are some tips for hiring a specialist online tutor below. From the tutor’s point of view, we want to establish trust as soon as possible, and also to be as useful as we can be.

Access to resources when you need them

It’s common to share notes, diagrams, and files during an online session. Online platforms like Skype and Zoom allow these files to be accessed from anywhere, especially if your child has a laptop or smartphone. This of course adds to the flexibility of online sessions, if a session needs to move forward by an hour, but also means your child always has help on hand.

I offer my students the chance to send me any troubleshooting questions on science or maths via Skype in between sessions so I can reply and hopefully put their minds at ease before the next session. This is usually popular in the lead up to exams.

Online tutoring: the issues

Online tutoring may not be for everyone

Online tutoring trades personal contact for flexibility – your child won’t be sitting next to the tutor and this may affect your choices. Most students don’t mind either way. The relationship between online tutor and tutee can take longer to establish – and this rapport is crucial (see below). Yet online tutoring also means fewer distractions, making it easier to concentrate on the topic in hand, and to relax and digest the information later.

Speaking personally, as well as a tutor I’m a qualified personal development coach, and one-to-one sessions sometimes give me the chance to help students more generally with their wellbeing, confidence and outlook. Usually parents and students feel reassured, and more relaxed, having sessions in their own home, with online tutoring fitting neatly into their day.

Online learning requires commitment and discipline

Both tutor and tutee need to be invested in the process – it requires an equal commitment. Similar to homework routines set by schools, students are responsible for work in between online sessions. This is an area where parents can work with the tutor. Helping to remind your child about upcoming sessions, or “checking in” with the tutor to make sure everything is going well.

Online tutoring works best with students who have a clear idea of what they want to get out of each hour, and have a goal in mind – perhaps a target grade in an upcoming test. Often students can supply a list of topics they want to work on in advance, saving time at the beginning of a session.

Online tutoring may be expensive

In a crowded marketplace, it’s usually true that you get what you pay for. With a rise in popularity, online tutoring has seen an increase in competition and prices vary widely. Occasionally, people are less honest about their skills or experience. So, it’s important to consider each tutor’s merits – how they come across, their experience and qualifications – when making a choice (see below). After all, they may be working with your child for months if not years.

Finding an online tutor for you in a crowded marketplace

It can be difficult to know which online tutor from your shortlist is the best fit for you and your child. The best advice is to decide on what you are looking for prior to starting your search. When you’re ready, here are some tips to follow:

Be specific about what you’re looking for

Is your child working towards a GCSE or an A-level? Are there particular topics they need help with? Perhaps they’ve missed some school and need to catch up? Or maybe they’re aiming to continue schooling in between exams.

Make sure you have some ideas about what you want before you start looking for the right tutor. Also make sure it is what your child wants. This may sound obvious. But often students come to tutoring with a clear idea of what they want. They know which topics they are strongest on, and those that need a second look. This level of self-awareness can make all the difference to getting the best results.

Where do I look for an online tutor?

Online tutoring agencies host a wide range of tutors – but don’t restrict yourself to these sites. Some agencies place a tutor’s contact details behind a paywall initially making it harder to have the conversation to inform your decision. Look on Google - again, be specific in your search terms – what subject are you looking for? “Online biology tutor” is more specific than “online tutor”, for example. Many tutors have a social media presence too – so look at Facebook, Instagram etc. Tutors expect you to be looking at multiple options at once so don’t be afraid to “interview” them!

Look for a tutor’s qualifications and experience

As online tutoring has become more popular, the marketplace has grown – but you can use the busy marketplace to your advantage. Firstly, look for a tutor who specialises in your child’s chosen subject. Often these tutors will have the most experience, be most up to date with exam specifications and inspire your trust. Make a shortlist based on qualifications and experience – and keep an eye out for useful complementary skills. For example, I was a cancer research scientist and have a PhD in maths and biology.

I now specialist in A-level biology tutoring, but I also provide academic coaching as I’m a qualified coach. Other tutors may have a background in finance, medicine, drama or languages – this life and career experience can only help.

Look for meaningful reviews

Five-star ratings on Facebook might be easy to mimic, so it’s important to look for opinions and recommendations – ideally from people you know and trust, but also actual heartfelt testimonials from former students and their families. It’s common for a tutor to become an important person in a student’s life – this may be reflected in personal stories, and reviews that feel more personal or resonate with you.Many online tutors also work locally in their own towns and cities, so local reviews on Google are also a good place for research.

Rapport is hugely important

Trust and honesty are important for getting the best out of tutoring for your child, and a good tutor will try to build up this rapport quickly. Great rapport turns sessions from a chore into – well, if not fun, then a least a meaningful chat with someone your child can rely on to help.

Often humor takes the edge off daunting topics, puts students at ease and leads to new ways of thinking about exam questions. From our point of view, we want to get to the point where your child can open up about “not getting” a topic, from there we can work to fill any gaps in their knowledge or work on exam techniques and confidence building.

Meeting prospective online tutors

Online tutors usually offer a free introductory call, giving you the chance to meet them and ask questions. Ask about their approach, their experience, what a typical session looks like. Discuss your child’s current situation with their studies and be honest about their expectations. If your child has any specific requirements, special needs or things the tutor needs to know you can raise these now, or in a separate call. Above all, look for someone who complements their expertise with the right approach and manner for you and your child