Which Questions Should You Ask When Hiring a Tutor?

by Julie Diamond, OCT

Choosing the right tutor in Canada for your child is an important decision. It's like finding the perfect teacher who tutors to help your child succeed in school. To make sure you're making the best choice, it's crucial to ask the right questions.

This guide is here to help you by providing a set of questions that cover different aspects of tutoring for all grades and subjects. These questions are designed to help you understand how an online tutor teaches, engages with students, uses resources, keeps you updated, and handles various aspects of the learning process. By asking these questions, you'll be better informed and confident in choosing an online tutor who fits well with your child's unique needs.

Teaching Approach and Methodology:

How do you tailor your teaching approach to accommodate different learning styles?

Explore specific strategies or examples of how the tutor customizes their online teaching to suit various learning styles.

Can you adapt your teaching style to meet the special needs of each student?

Inquire about the tutor's flexibility in adjusting their approach based on the unique needs and preferences of each student.

How do you maintain a balance between providing guidance and allowing the student to develop independent learning skills?

Seek insights into the online tutor's approach to fostering independent learning skills while still offering necessary guidance. It’s important for your child’s confidence that they learn how to be an independent learner and not rely on you or their tutor. 

Can you provide examples of creative or innovative teaching methods you have used to make lessons more engaging?

Ask for specific examples of creative online tutoring methods employed by the tutor to enhance engagement and understanding.

What techniques do you use to ensure students grasp difficult concepts effectively?

Explore the tutor's strategies for breaking down complex concepts to ensure a thorough understanding of your child’s grade and subject matter. As an elementary tutor or high school tutor, they should be able to explain concepts in multiple ways and present the material using creative ways to keep your child engaged. Also, if your child has specific learning needs, then the tutor should ideally have special education tutoring experience.

Student Success and Engagement:

Can you share specific success stories or examples of students you've helped in the past?

Ask for concrete examples of students the tutor has assisted, highlighting their outcomes and achievements.

How do you motivate and encourage students, especially when they face challenges or setbacks?

Inquire about the tutor's motivational strategies and how they support students during challenging periods.

Are there specific methods you use to gauge a student's progress and adjust your approach accordingly?

Discuss the tutor's assessment methods and their adaptability based on a student's progress. 

For instance, our tutors set learning goals in the early sessions with your child using our Success Strategy template that is shared with you as a Google document. These goals are made just for your child and focus on what they need to learn. We gather input from the classroom teacher, you, and the tutor's assessments. These goals also match what is being taught in school. We use these goals to gauge your child’s progress and adjust them as needed after each session. 

Resources and Materials:

What resources and materials do you typically incorporate into your tutoring sessions?

Explore the variety of resources and materials used by the tutor, ensuring a well-rounded and effective learning experience. If you know how your child learns best (with visuals, music or hands-on activities), make sure to share that information with them. 

How do you ensure that the materials used are age-appropriate and aligned with the student's level?

Inquire about the tutor's methods for selecting age-appropriate materials that align with the student's academic level. If your child is working below grade level, the tutor should find age-appropriate material to keep your child’s confidence up. 

Professional Development and Experience:

Do you stay updated with current educational methodologies and tools relevant to your subject area?

Discuss the tutor's commitment to staying informed about the latest educational methodologies and tools within their subject area. It’s best to have a tutor who can use similar strategies and tools that your child is learning in school to avoid confusion and frustration in class. 

Can you share any professional development or continuing education you have pursued to enhance your tutoring skills?

Learn about the tutor's efforts in continuous learning and professional development to ensure the highest quality of tutoring. A tutor with 20+ years of experience is not very helpful if they haven’t tutored for the past few years and the curriculum at school has changed since then.

Do you have experience working with students from diverse cultural backgrounds?

Inquire about the tutor's experience in working with students from diverse cultural backgrounds and their ability to create an inclusive learning environment. 

How do you incorporate real-world examples and applications into your teaching?

Explore how the tutor integrates real-world examples and practical applications to make lessons more relatable and engaging. Your child will have a deeper understanding of the material if they are to see the connection it has to their life. 

Learning Disabilities and Special Needs:

How do you handle students who may have learning differences in addition to subject-specific difficulties?

Explore the tutor's approach and accommodations for students with learning differences, especially your child’s specific learning needs. The Special Needs tutor should be able to provide specific accommodations they can use to support your child.

Can you provide examples of successful experiences in supporting students with learning differences?

Request examples of instances where the tutor successfully supported students with learning differences, showcasing their expertise in this area.

Parental Involvement and Communication:

What role do parents play in the tutoring process, and how do you keep them informed about their child's progress?

Discuss the tutor's perspective on parental involvement and their communication strategies to keep parents informed and engaged.

Our tutors share the learning plan with parents as a Google document which is updated after each session outlining the child’s progress and suggestions for continued learning in between sessions. 

How do you address concerns raised by parents, and what steps do you take to ensure open communication?

Inquire about the tutor's approach to addressing parental concerns and maintaining open communication throughout the tutoring process.

Parents are such an important part of the tutoring process so we are always open to hearing any concerns and suggestions you may have to best support your child. You may contact Julie at any time here. 

Online Tutoring:

What online platforms or tools do you use for tutoring sessions?

Explore the specific online platforms and tools used by the tutor, ensuring compatibility and effectiveness.

Our online tutoring platform is designed with teachers and students in mind. It has education-based tools to make it a seamless and hands-on experience for all learners.

How do you ensure a secure and distraction-free online learning environment?

Discuss the tutor's measures to maintain a secure and focused online tutoring experience for students.

Can you provide technical support if any issues arise during an online session?

Ensure the tutor's ability to provide technical support in case any issues arise during online sessions.

If you encounter any issues during sessions, you may call Julie who will be able to hop online and iron out the kinks.  

What measures do you take to make online sessions as interactive and engaging as in-person sessions?

Discuss the tutor's strategies to enhance interactivity and engagement in online sessions, replicating the benefits of in-person learning.

In the journey to find the best tutor, asking the right questions is key. Your child's education is a team effort, involving you, the tutor, and the school. It takes a village! The questions in this guide will help you navigate this partnership. 

From learning about teaching methods to understanding online tutoring and communication, you're not just finding a tutor but a supportive educational partner. Armed with this knowledge, you can make a smart choice, ensuring that the tutor you pick matches well with your child's individual needs and way of learning.