Are you thinking about hiring an online tutor? Due to covid lockdowns disrupting normal schooling, you may have noticed a drop in your child’s study progress. If your child has learning disabilities, they may have lost interest in learning. Moreover, you might find your child has untapped potential that hasn’t received support from school to flourish.
Tutoring can be a good solution to these problems as it offers a flexible way for students to receive tailored instructions.
It is unlikely for students to get enough guidance in a group class. However, with so many online tutoring services out there, it can be difficult to know who to trust with your education.
Ask the right questions before making a decision
Hiring an online tutor for your child is a big decision, to make sure you find the perfect fit, it is important to ask questions. In this EDU Blog, we have compiled a list of 7 essential questions to ask before hiring an online tutor.
1. What certifications and experience do you have?
The qualifications of an educator are not just based on their degrees. Even if someone is certified, without experience, they might still have trouble managing the class. A tutor’s previous experience is important. For example, has the tutor helped students prepare for competitions, and if so, how successful were they? It is important to know if the tutor has teaching experience with the subject you need help with.
2. Can you provide references from previous students?
It’s always a good idea to ask a tutor for references from other students before hiring them. This will give you an idea of their teaching style. Also, you will know how helpful they were with their clients. It’s important to take the time to review these references to make a wise decision about whom to hire.
If they don’t have any references from previous students, consider asking questions like, could you give me an example of how you assisted your previous student? What was the result? These questions would do the same work to help you identify if the tutor is a good fit.
3. How do you personalize the learning experience for my child?
Every child learns differently, and a good tutor will recognize that and adjust their methods based on what works best for your child. They should be able to explain their process and give examples of how they’ve helped other students achieve success through personalized teaching.
Personalization is the key to effective tutoring that yields meaningful results. It may seem like a small question, but the right answer could make a huge difference to your child’s academic journey.
4. How do you measure progress and success?
It is important to ask questions about how they measure the progress. This allows you to set expectations and goals for your child’s learning journey. You might ask how they assess your child’s strengths and weaknesses, how they track progress over time, and what specific benchmarks they use to determine success.
By asking these questions, you can make an informed decision about whether a particular tutor is the right fit for your child’s needs.
5. How do you work with reluctant students?
Another key question to ask is how they work with reluctant students. Reluctant students may be struggling with motivation towards learning. And to be honest, It is possible for any students to miss deadlines because of distractions. A good tutor should have experience with this type of student and be able to help them stay focused.
6. How will you deal with my child's learning barriers?
This question is particularly important. Some children may have challenges with certain subjects. As parents, you want to know if the tutor has effective methods to help overcome those barriers. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, you will find out if the tutor truly knows your child’s learning needs.
7. Can we have a trial period?
This question allows you and your child to get a sense of the tutor’s teaching style and see if it’s a good fit. It also gives the tutor an opportunity to understand your child’s needs and tailor their approach accordingly. A trial period can be a valuable step in ensuring a good tutoring experience for your child.
How to hire an online tutor
To hire an online tutor, there are several important things to consider. The first step is to know what subject you need help with. Once identified needs, you can begin to search for online tutors who specialize in that area.
Find a platform with good credit and read reviews and ratings of potential tutors. This can give you an idea of their teaching style, experience, and whether they are a good fit.
In addition, it’s important to ask about their availability and schedule. It’s best to set clear expectations from the start to avoid any confusion later.
Also, don’t forget to discuss payment and fees with your tutor. Ensure that you agree on the terms of payment before beginning your lessons. Once everything is finalized, you can begin your online tutoring and kick-start a journey of success!
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