Online tutoring is becoming more popular than ever, thanks to the accessibility of online video communication, the need to supplement classroom education in crowded schools, and competitive entry into the top universities in Canada. While tutoring is beneficial for people of any age, early tutoring can have a significant impact on children’s self-esteem, and improve their outcomes for the rest of their school careers, both in terms of their academic performance and positive socialisation.
When you’re looking for a tutor for yourself or for your child, you can answer, “how do I choose an online tutor?” by paying attention to four factors: Your goals, your expectations for your tutor, the technology you want to use, and how flexible you want your schedule to be. Armed with the answers to these four questions, you’ll be able to find an excellent tutor who meets your needs and can even go above and beyond your expectations.
Understanding Your Learning Objectives
Before you begin browsing profiles of online tutors, get clear about what you want to achieve: Are you hoping to improve your grades in a single class? Are you a parent whose child needs help in a number of subjects? Getting clear on why you’re looking for a tutor will be essential to choosing the right person for you. Also ask yourself when you will know the tutoring is working. What’s a realistic percentage for improvement in grades on tests and assignments? Are you hoping to see improved feedback from teachers on report cards about both behaviour and grades? Write down one or multiple outcomes you’re hoping to get, and be sure to share these with potential tutors as you begin the interview process.
Assessing Your Learning Style
In addition to outlining your goals, try to gain some insights into your learning style, or your child’s learning style. Sharing these observations with your potential tutors can help you understand if there’s a good match between your desired mode of learning and the tutor’s teaching methods.
Generally, there are four main learning styles:
- Visual: Visual learners have well-developed imaginations and may be the type to think in pictures. These people process information by attending to a teacher’s body language and facial expressions while they speak. They like demonstrations and descriptions, and written rather than oral instructions. They can be distracted by too much noise or movement in their environment.
- Auditory: These people learn through discussion. Talking through instructions and written information helps them to memorise and focus on their work. They also like a quiet environment for learning, and tend to be introverted.
- Tactile: Tactile learners prefer activities that allow them to use their hands. While listening in class, they may find it helpful to doodle as they listen. Older learners may sketch diagrams in their notes to aid their memory. They like to take things apart to see how they work, and may be particularly talented in art, woodworking, knitting or other handicrafts.
- Kinesthetic: These people learn through physical sensations, including a hands-on approach similar to tactile learners. The difference is that they rarely like to sit still. Exploring their environments keeps them engaged and learning. These people may be particularly good at sports, or love spending time outdoors.
You may fit more than one style, and you may want to try a range of styles with your tutor so that you can enhance your learning, or your child’s learning. Getting clarity on how you expect the lessons to run based on learning styles can help you narrow down your selection of tutors.
Evaluating Tutor Credentials
Now that you have goals in mind, and an understanding of the learning styles that matter to you, it’s time to visualise your tutor: What level of education do they have? Do they have any special skills or training? How many years of experience do you consider adequate?
Parents of young children may be happy to work with a tutor who is a high school student, or a recent graduate of a university. However, if your young child has any special needs or is not the type who likes to sit still, you may want to look for a tutor with lots of experience teaching young children online, or who has special training in working with children, like an early childhood education certification.
If you’re a teen or university student, you may be looking for a tutor with more advanced qualifications, like a master’s degree, or several years of teaching experience. Depending on the level of difficulty of your subject, you can do some research to help you right-size your expectations about their qualifications. You can also ask plenty of questions in the interview to help you judge their capabilities.
At TutorLyft, we thoroughly vet each tutor who works through our platform. Our process includes interviews where we assess a tutor’s communication skills, teaching background, and passion for improving the lives of the students they teach. In addition, all of our tutors have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, and are required to have at least three years of relevant industry experience. We accept only 5% of the tutors who apply to our platform, so you can be sure each TutorLyft tutor you consider is a trusted expert.
OFFSET: To find more info on how to choose the right tutor for you, check out our blog: How Much Does a Tutor Cost Per Hour in Canada?
Considering Tutoring Platforms
When parents or students first ask, “How do I choose an online tutor?” they may immediately dive into an internet search and begin looking at profiles. While there’s nothing wrong with this, it’s important to understand whether the sites you’re using to find tutors are credible. You can learn more about the best online tutoring services in our blog, The 6 Best Websites for Online Tutoring in 2023.
Some online tutoring services also use proprietary technology platforms and apps to deliver their services. It’s helpful to understand technology requirements before you sign up, and if there are any additional costs to using these services. Every tutor, regardless of which service they work for, should use reliable, widely-available video communication tools, and be clear up front if they will require their students to download any additional software or apps. They should also be knowledgeable about system requirements for the software, how to guide students through installation, and be up front about the costs associated with using the apps.
Reading Reviews and Testimonials
When you begin researching tutor profiles and creating a list of potential tutors to interview, look for reviews and testimonials to help you answer some of your initial questions. These reviews will also give you a sense of each tutor’s personality, teaching style, and professionalism. If it’s important to you that your tutor is flexible in their scheduling, look for reviews that mention this. If you are an advanced student and need help in a specialist subject, look for mentions of that subject.
Some newer tutors may not have reviews posted publicly, but will likely be willing to share testimonials from clients directly. You may even get the opportunity to speak to a current or past student of theirs and ask your questions. Be respectful of their time and save specific or detailed questions for the tutor themselves. If you’re using a tutoring platform or service, also look for reviews of the overall company to ensure you feel confident in the service they provide.
Analysing Communication and Compatibility
After you’ve narrowed down your list of potential tutors to a small list you’d like to meet, you can start reaching out through emails or their tutoring platform. Pay attention to their style of communication from the first messages, which can give you some early indications of their personality.
Before your first meeting, prepare your list of questions, and any relevant info like recent assignments and tests, report cards and teacher feedback. Be prepared to answer questions about your learning style, or your child’s learning style, and to have some regular dates and times in mind for scheduling sessions. The tutor may also ask about your budget and how long you anticipate needing their services. Also, if you haven’t decided how often you’d like to meet with the tutor, you can rely on them to suggest a suitable cadence.
OFFSET: Did You Know? TutorLyft tutors offer a free phone consultation prior to booking your first session so you can discuss your needs up front, gauge their teaching style, and feel comfortable with your decision to work with them before you commit to booking a session.
Here is a list of potential questions you may want to ask:
- How long have you been tutoring?
- Do you have experience with young children/teenagers/adults/special needs?
- Can you tell me more about your educational background?
- How often are you available?
- Are you available outside of regular tutoring sessions to answer questions or give help with homework by email?
- What kind of online tools do you use to deliver sessions?
- Do you have a cancellation policy?
Assessing Availability and Flexibility
For parents of young children, young adults juggling school and part time work, or anyone with a busy schedule, a flexible schedule for tutoring is a must. If you can’t commit to regular weekly sessions, be up front with your tutor and align your expectations. Some tutors may not accept students who don’t commit to a minimum of weekly or biweekly sessions, so be sure to cast a wide net in your search. If your schedule changes frequently, you may also want to choose a tutor with as flexible a cancellation policy as possible.
When you’re interviewing, be sure to get clear on payment options and the payment schedule. Set your budget ahead of time and stick to it. Remember, tutoring is an investment in the future, so it’s important to be realistic and choose the right tutor for your needs, even if you have to trim your expenses elsewhere.
If you’re trying to decide between tutors, you can also ask about trial sessions. There is no better way to find out if there’s a true personality fit than to be in a session together. A professional tutor will be happy to have a trial with you, and will be eager as you to ensure there’s a mutual fit and comfort in your connection.
Finally, if you’re a parent of a teenager, don’t forget to involve them in the process of selecting a tutor from the beginning. They should review profiles, and even be involved in the interview where appropriate. They will also be able to answer the tutor’s more specific questions about their subject of study and where they struggle.
Most of all, remember that finding a tutor is a process. If your first tutor is not a fit, you can end the relationship amicably and keep trying. Also, as you progress in your studies, or as your child grows up, their tutor may not be the right fit anymore for their more advanced studies. It’s ok to make a change in service of the best learning experience possible. Tutoring is a considerable investment of time and money, so be sure you’re getting the best returns possible!
