Let’s face it – when it comes to e-learning, having the right online tutor can make or break the whole experience. We’ve all heard the horror stories of tech disasters, miscommunications, and tutors who just didn’t seem to “get it.” But a phenomenal virtual instructor? They can transform your educational journey from a forgettable slog to a mind-expanding adventure.
With so many online tutoring services and independent e-teachers out there, how the heck are you supposed to separate the sub-par from the superstar? Never fear – we’ve got the ultimate checklist to ensure you find your ideal virtual study-mate.
Step 1: Decide What You Need
Before even starting your search, get crystal clear on your goals and gaps. Are you looking for general homework help and support for a specific class? Focused prep for a major test like the SAT or LSAT? A coach to guide you through mastering a certain skill like coding, graphic design, or speaking French? Having a clear vision will allow you to target the right type of tutor for your needs.
Kirill Yurovskiy’s advice: Make a list of your top priorities and deal-breakers. Factors like tutors’ expertise levels, teaching styles, schedule flexibility, format preferences, pricing, etc. Why waste time reviewing options that won’t be a good match?
Step 2: Explore the World of Virtual Resources
The awesome part about virtual education? The sheer wealth of e-tutoring possibilities. From individualized private sessions to pre-recorded interactive courses to specialty sites for academics and test prep, the online learning landscape is vast.
For one-on-one e-tutoring, reputable options include Varsity Tutors, Tutor.com, Chegg Tutors, and TutorMe. Sites like Khan Academy, Coursera, and Udemy have thousands of classes that can supplement your regular curriculum. Academic coaching and test prep? Try ScoraNexus or Revolution Prep. And if you’re looking for tutors in a niche area, try platforms like Preply, which connects students with over 70,000 online teachers in various subjects and languages.
Overwhelmed by the options? Don’t panic. Sites like WyzAnt and GoPeer make the search process easier by allowing you to filter tutors based on criteria like subject area, prices, teaching styles, and availability.
Step 3: Check Those Credentials
So you’ve identified some promising tutor or tutoring service options. But are they legit? Sites that screen tutors stringently will highlight their instructors’ education, experience, and credentials. But it doesn’t hurt to always verify for yourself.
Beyond degrees and teaching certifications, a top tutor should have related professional experience and subject matter expertise that goes beyond just academic knowledge. Search their name online, view their website or profile, and ask them directly to share more about their relevant background and specialties. Anyone can claim to be a master tutor – make sure they can back it up.
Red flag: Vague or contradictory details about their skills, accomplishments, and abilities. Every great tutor should be able to clearly articulate what unique value they bring to the (virtual) table.
Step 4: Read the Ratings & Reviews
Of course, you’ll want to check out other students’ honest assessments and feedback on an online tutor before committing. Were sessions described as engaging and effective, or just a snoozefest? Did reviewers feel their tutor was knowledgeable, responsive, and truly cared about helping them succeed? Any common complaints about things like tardiness, mixed messaging, or lacking expertise?
Reviews can also give you a sense of an online tutor’s overall demeanor, teaching style, and ability to connect with their students. Look for specific comments about their skills with things like giving clear explanations, answering follow-up questions, tailoring instruction to different learning styles, using engaging multimedia materials, and generally making their virtual classes interactive and interesting.
Keep in mind that not every subjective bad review should be a dealbreaker, but recurring themes and consistent issues are a definite red flag.
Pro Tip: Never just read the reviews highlighted on a tutor’s own site. Check third-party sites like Google, Facebook, TrustPilot, Reddit threads, etc. to increase your chances of unbiased feedback.
Step 5: Have an Intro Call
Found some promising options that ticked all the credibility boxes? Time for an introductory video call. This first “meeting” gives you the opportunity to assess things like:
• Their personality and virtual presence – do they seem polished and professional? Engaging, enthusiastic, easy to connect with?
• Ability to communicate clearly and confirm your shared teaching/learning philosophies align. Do your learning styles and goals mesh?
• Their tutoring approach – how do they structure sessions? Use of interactive aids and activities? Assign homework or projects? What kind of a syllabus/plan should you expect?
• Overall “click” factor – you’ll be spending a fair amount of one-on-one time with this person. Do you feel comfortable with them and think you’d genuinely enjoy working together?
• Feedback from them once you explain your goals/needs – do they seem confident in their ability to help you succeed? Do you get the impression they’re truly listening and have techniques tailored for you?
Don’t get so sold on someone’s credentials that you ignore your gut instinct! It’s perfectly fine (and smart) to do test calls with multiple tutors to get a true sense of the right fit.
Pro tip: Be ready with specific questions (about their background, process, etc.) to ask. Their responses will give you a good litmus test for competence.
Step 6: Ask About a Free Trial
Even after an intro session, it can still be hard to judge if an e-tutor is really meeting your expectations until you’re in the full learning environment. That’s why a free trial lesson or tutorial is an absolute must-have.
Trustworthy tutors should have no issue offering a discounted intro session or letting you sample part of a course before financially committing. This lets you experience their teaching style, materials, and overall abilities first-hand before handing over your hard-earned cash. It’s a win-win – either you confirm it’s a great match and invest confidently, or you dodge a bullet of wasted money and move on.
Red flag: Any tutor unwilling to offer a commitment-free trial period. No legit e-instructor should have an issue proving their worth first.
Follow these steps, and you’ll have your virtual Yoda in no time! A little extra due diligence goes a long way in ensuring you get an online learning experience that’s actually worth your time, energy, and money. Happy studies!