Finding the right tutor for your child can feel scary. There are so many options available, so it’s easy to get overwhelmed. It helps to remember that the key to selecting the right prospective tutor lies in asking the right questions. These aren’t just about ticking boxes. They’re about understanding the tutor’s teaching philosophy, methods, and experience to make sure they align with your tutoring goals and expectations.
When you’re looking for a tutor, keep in mind that it’s more than just about the credentials or location. It’s about finding someone who understands the learning style of their students, someone who is compassionate and can tailor lessons. If you want real progress and to increase the student’s confidence, there’s no way around it.
Start by asking your child first, “What do you enjoy most about tutoring?” Ask the tutor the same question. This should be your first step. For the next steps, we’ll walk you through the essential questions here, and we’ll also explain why they matter when you’re on the hunt for a tutor.
Why Asking the Right Questions Is Important?
Most private tutors will get the student to a certain point, but only good tutors will truly connect with the student on a level that matters to them. Some might have years of teaching experience but lack the knack for working with difficult students. If the students have learning difficulties, the tutor needs an even more specific skill set. Others might be incredible in person but struggle to adapt to virtual learning. Asking specific and strategic questions helps you select the ones who check the right boxes. This way, you can gauge whether the tutor is the right fit for your child’s learning process and their needs.
In the end, you want a tutor who is more than just knowledgeable about their subject. You want someone who is a compassionate tutor and will partner with you and your child for academic success. To make sure you get just what you are looking for, check the questions we’ve compiled.
15 Questions You Should Ask Before You Hire a Tutor
1. What Are Your Academic Qualifications?
This should be the first step in determining whether the tutor is a qualified professional. However, there’s more than one way to get an answer. You can conduct an interview, request information via email, or request a handy resume. Before you start this process, it might also be good to consider how in-depth you want to go. Of course, the answer will depend on what kind of support your child needs.
You can ask directly whether they are, for instance, a qualified teacher. Do they have experience in your child’s grade level? That’s definitely also relevant. While degrees in education or a specific field of expertise are valuable, also consider whether they have additional certifications. Make sure to check if they are doing online tutoring or working with hands-on learners.
2. How Long Have You Been Tutoring?
Experience matters. Sure, someone new to the tutoring job may have more energy or even enthusiasm. However, a seasoned tutor will probably have more strategies and a proven track record of handling difficult situations.
3. What Is Your Teaching Style?
Here, you’ll be able to understand the tutor on a more personal level. Understanding their methods of teaching can help you determine whether they align with your child’s personality. Do they prefer one-on-one instruction, or do they do group work as well? How do they pay attention to weaknesses? Knowing their approach is critical.
4. Have You Worked with Children Who Have Needs or Challenges Similar to My Child?
If there are learning difficulties or maybe a disinterested student, the tutor’s ability to adapt to challenges is key. If your child is aiming for a boost in grades, the tutor will have to change their approach. Getting ahead and catching up might get you to the same point, but the road is different. If the tutor knows how to look at these situations from different angles, they will be able to get you to the point you’re aiming for.
5. How Do You Keep a Child Motivated During Lessons?
The tutoring interview questions we’ve covered so far gauge factual things. This one asks the tutor to think on their feet. The ability to keep children engaged and interested is often what sets a compassionate tutor apart from others. Their answer will also give insight into their overall creativity and approach to teaching.
6. How Will You Keep Me Updated on My Child’s Progress?
This might not seem as pressing as the other points. However, communication is essential. You want to make sure this point is covered from the get-go. Whether it’s through email updates or post-session live discussions, make sure the tutor has a plan for sharing progress and student achievements with you.
7. Do You Offer Discounts for Multiple Sessions?
Don’t forget about the costs! Frequent tutoring can add up. Asking this question can help you figure out if their services fit your budget.
8. What Kind of Results Can I Expect to See?
A good tutor will focus on the learning process and gradual growth rather than jump to promising miracles. It’s important to manage expectations.
9. Do You Have Reviews or Testimonials I Can Look at?
Experienced tutors know how to assure you of what they can do. Reviews and referrals can offer some peace of mind. Even if the tutors are quite young, they can still provide references from teachers. This is especially crucial if the tutor is new to your area or you’re exploring an online tutoring service.
10. What’s Your Availability?
Make sure your schedule coincides with the tutor’s. Double-check if they expect their schedule to change and make sure they have availability for tutoring. Whether it’s during the week, weekends, or school holidays, make sure it works for both of you. Remember, consistency leads to the best results.
11. Do You Offer Online Tutoring? If So, Are There Any Specific Technology Tools We Need at Home?
Tutoring has become more flexible with the rise of online tutors. Even if you take on a mixed approach and combine online and live lessons, it’s essential to understand what tools you need for each lesson. Virtual learning depends heavily on the setup. Tutors can’t deliver individualised attention through a screen if the connection is lagging all the time or if their notes get lost halfway through the lesson.
12. How Do You Ensure a Safe and Comfortable Learning Environment for My Child?
This is actually relevant to both in-person tutoring and online tutoring. For in-person sessions, make sure the location is safe, like a library or a public cafe. For online sessions, ask about cybersecurity. Make sure they respect the child’s privacy and know how to keep them safe online.
13. What Happens if My Child Needs to Miss or Reschedule a Lesson?
A clear policy for cancellations is important to avoid confusion or unexpected fees. Make sure to check how flexible the tutor is and ask yourself what you’re ready to accommodate. Hey, life happens! If you agree beforehand, you’ll know how much wiggle room you need to give the tutor and vice versa.
14. Do You Offer a Trial Lesson to Assess Compatibility?
Even with everything that we’ve covered, you’re still taking a chance when working with a new tutor. Trial lessons are an excellent way to see how the tutor and student work together. A trial provides an opportunity to see whether the tutor can effectively tailor their teaching methods to the student’s study skills and needs. It also gives you a chance to see if they practice what they preach.
15. What Happens if My Child and You Don’t Work Well Together?
Figuring someone out can sometimes take longer than one trial lesson. Even the most qualified professionals might not be the right fit for every student, and you might not know this until some time has passed. To make sure you don’t waste too much money and time, think about a backup plan before it’s too late. Come prepared. It will keep your child on track even if you are forced to change their tutor.
Conclusion
Finding the right tutor requires careful consideration of a long list of requirements. By asking the right tutoring interview questions and doing your due diligence, you can increase your chances. Remember, the right tutor will be someone who connects with the student, but they also need to make sense to you. You can look at their teaching style and offer your input. In the end, the tutor, your child, and you need to work toward a common goal.
