Choosing An Online Tutor In The US

Picking out a good and reliable online tutor is a challenging task largely because of the sheer number available in the US. This task requires careful thought and planning if you are to get someone who can step in professionally and assist the child in their studies. So what are some key areas or considerations that you should focus on as you choose an online tutor in the US?

Get Recommendations

Begin by asking for assistance from your child’s teacher, the school principal, the guidance counsellor or other parents. Some school districts in the US maintain a list of credible and registered tutors, and will be more than willing to give you recommendations. You may also want to check ads appearing in your local newspaper or parenting magazine.

The Quality & Experience

The online tutors administering the education program should be innovative, experienced and able to maintain the best quality of education in their respective fields. Look for experienced online tutors who specialize in the subject your child is weak in or which he or she needs further coaching. If, for example, you are looking for an Algebra Tutor, check whether they possess necessary academic qualification and government certifications. Such tutors have a better chance of equipping your child to excel.

Student To Tutor Ratio

When looking for an online tutor who can give your child the kind of attention required, make sure you check on their student to tutor ratio. The most-effective is where there is one-on-one tutoring because your child will get the tutor’s full attention. This is also the best environment to receive fluid individual instruction that is based on the particular child’s learning style.

Check Tutoring Plan

Set clear goals for your child’s education and request the prospective tutor for a description of the proposed tutoring plan. If possible, involve your child’s class teacher to contribute in designing the plan so that it links to work going on in the school. Try and schedule the online tutoring for the hours when the learner is ready and available to learn. Although after-school hours are typically when most tutoring takes place, remember this also happens to be when the child is distracted or just tired.

Cost & Compatibility

Make sure that cost, as well as the payment arrangements, are agreed upon before the online tutor commences his work to avoid complications and awkward negotiations later. After the first online session, check with your child if they are bonding and as a parent trust your instincts. It is very essential that the two develop a good rapport – the chemistry must be right. The tutor’s attitude, as well as personality, plays an important role. Is he patient, friendly, positive, and in general happy working with young learners?

Equally important is the need to check on the tutor’s teaching style. You could listen-in when a session is on, watching and observing.

Conclusion

In addition to what the online tutor can offer during the actual tutoring sessions, also check what other services the online tutoring website is providing to support the learning experience. TutorEye offers students additional resources such as recommending eBooks, videos, and worksheets to enhance and reinforce the online tutoring experience.

Cailsey Evans is an online education consultant. She owns a really informational blog sharing her advice, tips & tricks for students struggling in their academic life.