The benefits of online tutoring are well documented, from increasing confidence and wider understanding to make huge improvements in overall grades. However, as with most things in life, you only get out of it what you put into it. This is why it’s essential you take the time to fully prepare before an online tutoring session to maximise the benefit of engaging with your tutor.
Here at Tutorspot we work with A Level Tutors and GCSE Tutors, to name a few, so we know a thing or two about getting the most from your sessions. Read our handy hints and tips below to ensure you get off to the best start possible with A level online tuition and GCSE online tuition.
We accept this may seem like the most patronising piece of advice possible, but you’d be amazed how easy it is to forget this very simple first step.
When you arrange an online session, you will send a message to the tutor or tutors you like, and let them know what you need e.g. we need an online science tutor or physics and maths tutor. Liaising with your tutor, in the messaging, you’ll agree a specific date and time to conduct your session. If you don’t write that down in your diary or planner, then there’s a high chance you could simply forget – certainly if it’s your first session and therefore hasn’t become a part of your regular routine.
Don’t get off onto the wrong foot by not engaging properly with the first session you have with your chemistry tutors, online maths tutor or biology tutor, for instance.
One of the biggest bonuses of working with an online tutor rather than a face to face one is the fact you don’t have to travel anywhere to start a session. You no longer have to worry about what time to leave the house, what bus to catch or where to park, or trying to make allowances for rush hour traffic.
However, the downside is it can make us all a little too relaxed about session start times. If your session is meant to start at 4 o’clock, then you shouldn’t be logging on at one minute to the hour. Your start time is when you should be ready and able to get started on your lesson – not worrying about whether your microphone is switched on or your earphones are working properly.
It’s worth arranging a trial login session with your tutor to make sure you know what you need to do to commence a session. If that’s not possible, start logging in and getting yourself set up with ample time to go before the start of your lesson. This way, you won’t be starting in a state of panic, and you won’t have wasted any valuable time.
Ideally, you should be working in an environment that’s free from noise and distraction. This ensures you’re able to not only hear what your tutor is discussing with you, but will also minimise the chance of you being disturbed mid lesson.
It’s perfectly acceptable to work in your bedroom or the dining table, but do encourage any other members of your family to keep the noise down as much as possible. Sitting on the sofa for a session whilst a younger sibling is watching TV isn’t going to help you concentrate.
Equally, make sure you have enough space to keep everything you need to hand. This might be pens, paper, homework assignments or textbooks. You’re not going to want to waste time running off and searching for things whilst you’re meant to be learning.
Let’s be honest, you’ve signed up to work with an online tutor for a reason, and it’s not because there’s nothing decent to watch on Netflix. Something about your education or pending examinations is making you want to try harder, or try something different in order to achieve a particular outcome.
What that outcome is will vary from student to student. For some, they simply want to feel more confident about a particular subject and lose that abject fear they experience in every lesson. Others may have their sights set on a particular A Level result to secure a place at their first choice University.
If you are studying Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths, for instance, then online science tuition such as working with online Biology tutors, online chemistry tutors, an online physics tutor or maths tutor could help, but only if everyone is very clear about what it is they’re working towards. Take the time to talk to your tutor, your parents, and your teachers to discuss what it is you should be aiming for. Is your goal of achieving one grade higher not ambitious enough? Does your teacher think you should be aiming for two grade improvements? They know you best, they know what you’re capable of and they can help highlight areas that you may want to concentrate on.
We know you’re already being set homework and coursework by your class teachers, but the chances are your online tutor will be setting you some form of assignment, too. This isn’t just to make your life harder, but is designed to help you practice your skills, use your knowledge and identify any areas of weakness that can be worked on in the future.
The only person that’s affected by assignments not being done is the student – they are there for your benefit, so it makes sense that you take the time to do the work to the best of your ability. This way, your tutor can see how well you’ve been able to understand the information they’ve shared with you, interpret questions and explain your answers in a logical and coherent manner. These are all important skills when it comes to exam season, or simply competing your coursework. The more opportunity you have to practice, the better.
Here at Tutorspot we have a wide range of tutors available to offer you the support you need to achieve the goals you desire. Why not get in touch with us today at info@tutorspot.co.uk or give us a call or text on 07480637128?
