Why you should try an online tutor for your kids
If you're worried about covid induced learning loss and are looking for practical ways to support your kids, online tutoring may be the perfect solution.
The Covid-19 pandemic changed everything—including learning. As a recent New York Times article said:
"Nine-year-olds lost the equivalent of two decades of progress in math and reading, according to an authoritative national test. Fourth and eighth graders also recorded sweeping declines, particularly in math..."
So if you're a parent, you're probably feeling worried right about now. You're likely concerned about learning loss and ensuring you're doing everything possible to help your kids. If you're looking for practical ways to overcome gaps and help them thrive, online tutoring may be the perfect solution.
This post will detail what online tutoring is, its benefits, and how to get started.
What is online tutoring?
As the name suggests, online tutoring uses an online format with remote teachers, digital course materials, and activities to enrich learning. It's everything you're picturing with a traditional, in-person instructor, but over Zoom or a similar platform.
Benefits of an online tutor
There are several benefits of hiring an online tutor. The big ones are it's more cost-effective, you have a broader selection to choose from, you have more options, it's convenient, it provides a controlled environment, and it has a good chance of being effective.
Online tutors are (usually) less expensive
Online tutors and educators are typically less expensive than in-person, even if meeting with your kids one-on-one. Why?
First, there's simple supply and demand. If there are few options, tutors can charge more. But there are also practical reasons like travel time, gas, and the general hassle of meeting.
Likewise, there are also considerations like location cost. If you live in a major city, you'd likely have to pay more for a nearby tutor than a virtual instructor in a small town.
A wider selection to choose from
One of the biggest challenges of traditional in-person tutors is you're limited. Both by how many happen to live in your area, and by when they're available.
For example, let's say you have ten highly-rated math teachers for your kid's grade level in an easy 10-mile radius. What are the chances their openings will fit perfectly with your family's hectic schedule?
When you work with an online tutor, the world is your oyster, because you're no longer limited by proximity. You're much more likely to find exactly what you need.
Online tutors are convenient
One of the best parts of online tutoring is that it works with your child's schedule. Do you need to squeeze in math tutoring before school? No problem. Does a Saturday morning tutoring session work best? Or maybe an after-school tutoring session?
Online tutoring is there when you need it. Having your children hop on a quick Zoom is easy and efficient. Bonus, you don't have to put on 'real' clothes or tidy the house.
Distraction-free environment
The traditional classroom can be filled with distractions, including social interactions and noisy learning spaces.
Online tutoring eliminates these distractions and allows your child to meet in a quiet, distraction-free zone where they have the tutor's undivided attention and can have their questions answered and work done.
A quiet environment can lead to a more relaxed student. And there's a lot of evidence pointing toward relaxed minds being able to learn and memorize much better.
Effectiveness
Multiple studies have found that online tutoring significantly raises student performance on assessments for learners who previously struggled with math. It's a timely insight, given the recent learning loss data.
Online tutors can be particularly effective for your family because they give you options. You get options beyond what is offered by your school district, co-op, or city limits.
Having more options means you can find what's right for your kid's unique needs. The bottom line is that the tutoring is likely to be effective.
What do I look for in an online tutor?
Are you excited about the potential benefits of an online tutor but aren't sure how to get started? Here's what to look for.
A teaching style that works for your learner
Every student has a unique learning style. can be a challenge in the conventional classroom, as one teacher can't customize their teaching methods to meet the needs of 20-30+ students.
When you opt for a private tutor, you can find one who knows how to teach in your child's preferred learning style. Whether visual, audio, kinesthetic, reading, writing, or a combination.
When students learn in their preferred learning style, their self-confidence improves, they enjoy the learning process more, and their curiosity and motivation for lifelong learning are inspired.
When tutors teach in engaging, interactive, and fun ways, students are more likely to retain the information. That's because having fun while learning lets students tap into unique cognitive resources, associates reward and pleasure with the information they're learning, strengthens their memory networks, and improves focus and attention.
Solid reviews and strong references
One downside of hiring an online tutor is that you usually don't meet them in person. Read reviews and ask for references. You'll get a better idea of their education and background, what they specialize in, their experience, and the effectiveness of their tutoring style.
You may also want to do some networking and ask for referrals from friends, family, and other parents and see if their experiences match what you're looking for in your child's tutor.
How families have leveraged online tutoring during the pandemic
Recent research from McKinsey has found the pandemic significantly impacted K-12 learners, leaving students an average of five months behind in math and four months behind in reading.
These education gaps have caused many families to turn to online tutors to supplement their child's in-class learning. Online tutoring can help kids overcome learning loss by providing engaging material and answering questions. Kids can work at their own pace and address challenges before the pressure of in-class tests and quizzes.
Online tutoring can offer relief to parents and kids who are strained from remote learning and attempting to get caught up. It provides a subject-matter expert with the needed experience, expertise, and tools. An online tutor can help a child make their breakthrough—no matter the subject.
Find your perfect online tutor now with Outschool
Outschool offers a wide selection of online tutoring options, including:
We've got you covered if you are worried about learning loss, want to give your child a new teaching approach, or need extra one-on-one support.
