Online tutoring provides a quiet learning environment that allows your child to work with the tutor’s undivided attention. It’s also often cheaper and offers a more broader selection of tutors and courses than in-person options.

When it comes to finding an online tutor, ask for references as you would for any other professional—and watch how your child relates to the tutor.

1. Check the Tutor’s Reputation

Online tutoring can offer convenience and flexibility for students. But it also comes with its own unique set of challenges. For example, it’s important to check the tutor’s reputation before committing to long-term payments. This will help ensure that your child is getting the best possible results and is working with someone safe.

One way to do this is by checking the tutor’s website and social media profiles. You can also look for reviews and testimonials from past clients. Another way is by asking your child’s teachers and guidance counselors for recommendations. These people are usually in a position to understand your child’s specific academic needs, and they may know of online programs that have worked well for other students.

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential tutors, it’s important to ask each tutor for a trial lesson before making any major commitments. This will give your child an opportunity to see how they work together and determine if they’re a good fit. You can also ask them to provide references from previous clients and check their background. If a tutor is hesitant to provide this information, that’s a red flag.

It’s also a good idea to check whether the online tutoring program you’re considering has any guarantees or refund policies. This can give you peace of mind that your child will be able to receive quality instruction even if they don’t end up liking their tutor.

A final tip is to ask the tutor for a list of previous subjects they’ve taught and their academic qualifications. This can be especially helpful if your child is looking for online test-prep tutoring. Tutors should also be able to demonstrate that they truly care about the success of their students. This is usually reflected in how they interact with their students, and it can be hard to fake.

Lastly, online tutoring can be easier for older children than younger ones. It’s harder for young kids to keep their attention focused on the computer screen, and they can be easily distracted by things like email and IM conversations.

2. Set a Schedule

Online tutoring is a flexible option, with students being able to schedule lessons around their own busy lives. This flexibility makes it easier for pupils to find a time slot that fits in with school routines and their parents’ work commitments. Tutors also benefit from not having to travel to the student’s home or a tuition centre, reducing costs and logistical stress.

One of the most important things for a tutor to do is establish a strong rapport with their students. This is difficult if they are unable to meet in person and build a relationship, but fortunately, many of the tools that teachers use in classrooms can be used to support online learning. For example, interactive whiteboards and video chat services can allow tutors to share resources and interact with their students in a similar way that they would in a classroom. These tools can help students feel connected to their tutor and provide a more engaging lesson.

Moreover, tutoring is a very demanding role for both students and tutors. The amount of time spent planning lessons, preparing for class, and re-scheduling can be quite intense. In order to avoid frustration and ensure that the best learning environment is provided for each student, tutors should keep an eye on their calendars and re-evaluate their availability as needed. In order to do this, tutors should use a software tool that allows them to easily update their availability and automatically send reminders to students. This helps to reduce student no-shows and make sure that all of the necessary steps are taken to prepare for each session.

The most efficient way to set a schedule is to use a system that provides a calendar view and customizable booking pages. This can be used to quickly select the times that you are available, set deadlines for booking sessions and re-scheduling, and receive automated email and text reminders to prevent student no-shows. It is a great way to keep your classes organized and save time for other tasks like writing class materials.

Luckily, most online tuition platforms will be able to match your child with the perfect tutor for their needs. By asking a few simple questions about the child’s personality and studying preferences, an algorithm can help to select the tutor that is most likely to be successful. This will help to save a lot of hassle and allow the student to start their lessons with an enthusiastic teacher in no time at all.

3. Talk to Your Tutor

You should always stay in close contact with your child’s tutor. Open communication between you, your child and the teacher is essential to help your student get the most out of tutoring. It is also important to make sure the tutor has a good rapport with your child’s teacher as well. This will ensure the tutor has a clear picture of your child’s academic progress and that they are on the same page about what needs to be covered.

You can do this by arranging tutoring sessions around the same time as your child’s teacher-student conferences or progress reports. It can be helpful to have a scheduled phone call between the teacher and tutor as well, so that your child’s tutor has a clear idea of what they will need to work on with your child in the next few weeks. Your child’s teacher will also be able to give the tutor a heads up about any topics or tests that are coming up, which can be a big help in planning tutoring lessons.

If you have concerns about your child’s progress with the tutor, be sure to bring them up right away. A good tutor should be able to address them in a positive manner, and will also be happy to answer any questions you may have. If the tutor doesn’t address your concerns or seems uninterested, this may be a sign that they are not the best fit for your child.

It is also a good idea to sit in on the tutoring session occasionally (not hover) to hear what they are working on with your child. This will let you know if they are making progress and what needs to be done in order for your child to succeed. You can also ask the tutor for educational assessments of your child that will show you where their academic trouble stems from.

Finally, remember that tutoring is not a magic bullet and that it will take time for your child to see the benefits. Keep up the encouragement and help them with study habits and reminders to complete their homework on time. With a little support, your child can overcome their struggles and become the confident, successful student you know they can be.

4. Keep Track of Your Child’s Progress

If your child is struggling with schoolwork after returning to classes after the pandemic, tutoring might be a good fit. One study found that students between 3rd and 8th grade lost a full year of math learning and a quarter year of reading during the pandemic, and it may take a while for them to catch up. The good news is that there are resources available for helping them get back on track, and online tutoring is an option worth exploring.

During tutoring sessions, your child will have the tutor’s undivided attention in a quiet, distraction-free environment. This can be a big relief for students who are not used to classroom settings, and there is plenty of evidence that relaxed minds can learn better. Your tutor can help boost your child’s confidence in their subject area by highlighting areas of strength, and offering tips for improvement. They can also teach your child organizational skills that they can apply to their schoolwork and beyond.

Online tutoring allows your child to connect with a tutor in a time that suits them best. This might be right after school, in the evenings, or during a weekend break from extracurriculars. In addition, many students find that they are more receptive to learning when they are tired. This is why tutors can be such a valuable resource in supporting student achievement.

Finding the right tutor to meet your child’s needs can be challenging, especially if you are not familiar with the education world. It’s important to research and vet candidates to make sure you’re getting a quality service. Fortunately, online tutoring sites like GoPeer use algorithms to match students with qualified tutors that have a proven track record.

Whether your child wants to hone their reading skills, need help with a specific subject, or are preparing for a test, the right tutor can make all the difference. You can rest easy knowing they are getting the help they need, and you’ll have a little more time to yourself in your week by having tutoring sessions in the comfort of your own home.