How to Pick the Perfect Virtual Tutor for Your Child

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, e-learning has become a popular way for students to get assistance and support in any areas of the curriculum that they might be struggling with.

Not all children and teenagers flourish in a bustling classroom environment. Often, after-school hours are the most convenient times to take the time to tackle coursework and homework in more detail. This is when online tutoring platforms help.

But what are the things you should be checking and looking out for before you commit to a new tutor?Keep reading for our top 5 recommendations on how to choose the right online tutor…

1. Experience

When it comes to choosing a tutor for your child, their teaching experience speaks volumes. Consider their academic background, qualifications, credentials, and areas of expertise, and look for tutors who have worked with children in your child’s age group and on their educational level. 

They should ideally have a degree or certificate in education, or even better, the specific subject they’re now teaching. They should have a strong understanding of the fields of study and subject matter they’re teaching, and be well-versed in the types of topics, concepts, and coursework that come with it.

A professional and reliable tutor not only brings knowledge but also valuable insights, especially when teaching in an online environment. Understanding how to communicate effectively in a virtual setting will ensure a seamless learning process for your child. It’s therefore best to try and prioritise tutors who have a history of conducting virtual instruction.

2. References

Before hiring a new tutor for your child, don’t be afraid to ask for references from the tutor directly or the tutoring agency they are working for (if they aren’t already available to see).

If you’re after an English tutor, a Maths tutor or a Science tutor, for example, you want to look for one that has a proven track record of providing top-quality mentorship in those areas.

Look out for reviews and testimonials from previous students, parents, and agencies. Positive feedback (and even negative feedback) will be a good indicator of the tutor’s effectiveness and reliability.

Chances are, if they are working with a reputable agency, they will be a good tutor, but it helps to hear about other people’s experiences first-hand. Then you make an informed decision and be really confident about your choice.

3. Compatibility

The next step is looking for a private tutor with a personality and teaching style that best suits your child.

Every student is unique, so it’s important to find a virtual tutor who can tailor their teaching approach to match your child’s individual needs and preferences. You want someone who not only excels at the subjects they specialise in but also connects well with your child’s nature and learning style.

Seek out tutors who demonstrate adaptability, patience, and a willingness to personalise their lessons for maximum engagement and effectiveness. They should give adequate and regular feedback (like providing progress reports) and show a genuine interest and intent to help your child grow and develop academically.

Also, it’s not selfish for you, as their parent, to want to be able to get along with your child’s tutor too. Go with your gut instincts. If they feel right to you, they most likely will be a good fit for your child. You know them best after all!

4. Availability

Picking a tutor who has a schedule that can align with yours is also critical. They might be promising in every other area, but if you can’t make a date and time work, it won’t work.

The ideal scenario is if your tutor can accommodate your preferred meeting times. Your child probably has extracurricular activities during the week and wants time off on weekends. 

However, your child most likely won’t be the only student on their books, so you should consider their availabilities as much as your own. Any compromise made shouldn’t only happen on one side, and you both need to be adaptable and flexible in case of any last-minute changes.

Thankfully, through a tutoring website like ours, a tutor’s availabilities will be cleared marked in a portal calendar. This way, all you have to do is find a free slot that suits you and book it. Both you and your child’s tutor should strive to commit to regular sessions on the same day and time each week to keep things consistent.

5. Fees

Lastly, you must consider your budget. Even if the tutor you’ve found ticks all of the above boxes, if they are too expensive you won’t be able to use them as often as your child might need.

Look for tutors who offer competitive rates while also delivering high-quality instruction and personalised support. When evaluating tutoring fees, consider the long-term benefits of investing in your child’s education. While it’s essential to stay within your budget, remember that the right tutor can make a significant impact on your child’s academic success and confidence.

Here at ThriveTutors, our tutoring prices start from just $55 for elite subscribers, with $89 tutoring sessions for basic members. A free trial lesson is also available if you want to test the waters first.

ThriveTutors is an Australian tutoring website created to suit students from Prep to Year 12. Contact us today for more information about our tutors!