Is it a good idea to find an online maths tutor?

During and after the covid lockdowns, the demand for online learning increased dramatically., Finding the perfect online maths tutor has become easier than ever.

But is it a good idea?

I tutor in person and online so I can offer some insight and comparisons to both options.

Obviously online tuition offers more flexibility and choice as you are no longer limited to tutors in your area.

However if your child is SEN or has issues focusing, sometimes an online tutor is not a good idea.

Also when I have tried to tutor students with very low technical skills or very old equipment, it hasn’t gone well.

The reality is sometimes things like Zoom just don’t work or the microphone will mysteriously stop working.

So firstly, if you are considering online tuition, please check that your equipment works and that your internet speed can cope with video calls and online whiteboards, a high resolution camera makes the experience a lot better too.

Secondly, most parents want to know, is it the same as in person tuition?

No, its not, but it can be close enough.

I have/do tutor plenty of students online and they do improve.

The thing I miss sometimes is that ability to really look through their exercise books or see their practice questions and writing etc. so that element is not the same.

However, online tuition can still be a very effective way of improving maths test scores and GCSE grades. Around 75% of my students are tutored online and they are all seeing an improvement in their test scores and enjoyment and capability in maths. The method of tuition is not the only thing that dictates a students’ success.

Here are the reasons why some of my students prefer being tutored for maths online:

  1. Convenience and Flexibility
    They have more choice in the timing of the lesson as we don’t have to worry about travel or getting to another student after the session finishes.

  2. Access to a Wider Pool of Experts
    As I mentioned earlier, you have access to the tutors all over the world.

  3. Interactive Tools and Resources
    Online platforms often include interactive tools such as virtual whiteboards, screen sharing, and recorded sessions, making learning engaging and effective.

What to Look for in an Online Maths Tutor

Finding the right online maths tutor involves more than just picking the first person you see. Here are the top factors to consider:

  1. Qualifications and Experience
    Look for tutors with strong academic credentials in mathematics or a related field. Teaching experience, particularly in your required syllabus (e.g., GCSE, A-level, or SAT), is a must.

  2. Communication Skills
    A great tutor is not just knowledgeable but also an excellent communicator. They should explain complex concepts clearly and adapt to your preferred learning style.

  3. Proven Track Record
    Check reviews, testimonials, or success stories from previous students. A tutor with a history of helping students achieve high grades is always a good sign.

  4. Availability and Time Zone Compatibility
    Ensure the tutor's schedule aligns with yours, especially if they’re based in a different time zone - its a real pain to find a tutor that then constantly cancels.

  5. Affordability
    Compare prices across different platforms and ensure the tutor’s fees fit within your budget.

How to Find an Online Maths Tutor

Finding the right online maths tutor can seem overwhelming, but with the right approach, it’s a straightforward process:

  1. Search Online Tutoring Platforms
    There are lots of online directories to find tutors where you can filter options by price, expertise, and reviews. However they usually have some kind of fee, either an upfront fee to contact the tutor or they take a percentage of every lesson booked so the fees might be higher than if you found the tutor through other means.

  2. Use Social Media and Forums
    Platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook groups, and Reddit communities (e.g., r/learnmath) often have recommendations for reputable tutors.

  3. Check Reviews and Recommendations
    Word of mouth and online testimonials are invaluable. Ask friends or family for recommendations, or look for tutors with glowing online reviews.

  4. Trial Lessons
    Many tutors offer trial sessions, allowing you to evaluate their teaching style and expertise before committing to regular lessons.

Top Tips for a Successful Online Tutoring Experience

  1. Set Clear Goals
    Define what you want to achieve—whether it's acing an upcoming exam, mastering a specific topic, or building overall confidence in maths.

  2. Be Consistent
    Regular sessions are key to steady progress. Create a schedule and stick to it.

  3. Prepare for Each Session
    Come to each lesson with specific questions or topics you’d like to cover. This ensures you get the most out of your time.

  4. Review and Practice
    After each session, review what you’ve learned and practice regularly to solidify your understanding. Ultimately a tutor is not responsible for your progress, especially if you are not putting in the work in between sessions.

Why an Online Maths Tutor is Worth the Investment

Mathematics is a core subject that builds problem-solving skills and opens doors to countless career opportunities. An online maths tutor not only helps you understand challenging concepts but also boosts your confidence and performance in exams.

With the personalised guidance of an experienced tutor, you can overcome maths anxiety, fill gaps in your knowledge, and achieve your academic goals.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right online maths tutor can transform your learning experience and lead to impressive results, whilst some parts won’t always be the exact same as an in person tutor, it still has many advantages and might be the right investment for your child.