Finding a tutor isn't necessarily hard, but finding the tutor who's right for you can take a little extra work. For students who have never had a tutor before, the process can be unfamiliar or even daunting. Many students and adults might also wonder whether to go with in-person vs. online tutors.
Don't worry. When you know what questions to ask, how to weigh your priorities, and which factors to consider, you can decide between in-person vs. online tutor and choose one that suits your needs. If you're ready to start looking for a tutor and you're wondering whether online tutoring or face-to-face tutoring is a better match for you, read on.
What Are the Benefits of Having a Tutor?
Before we dive into choosing a tutor, let's take a quick look at why working with a tutor is a smart choice. Some people think tutors are only for students who struggle academically. While tutors can provide academic support to struggling learners, they can do so much more.
For students or adults who delve deeper into a subject area, tutors can provide personalized instruction.
For students preparing for important tests like the SAT or AP exams, tutors can provide exam-specific test prep tips that you might otherwise overlook.
And for students who feel like they're working exceptionally hard just to keep up, tutors can provide academic support and give organization and study tips.
Tutoring help is a great choice for any student, whether you need a little extra support with your school work, a few tips for homework help, or are an adult wanting to further your knowledge in a particular field of study.
Still, not all tutors are created equal, and if you want to maximize your gains through a tutor, you'll need to find one that's right for you.
Factors to Consider When Choosing In-Person vs. Online Tutors
One of the first choices you'll need to make as you select a tutor is whether you’ll have face-to-face and in-person tutoring or online tutoring. Here are some questions to guide your choice:
1. Do you have consistent internet access?
A strong internet connection is a prerequisite for online tutoring, so if your answer is no, you can start your search for in-person tutoring right away.
2. Do you tend to have more time available in the later evening or early morning hours?
Your availability and schedule can also play a role in deciding where your tutoring takes place. If you're in school, at work, or have other commitments during the day, you might need a tutor with availability in the mornings or evenings.
This can be difficult for face-to-face tutors, but online learning tends to cater to those with tight schedules. This is because online tutors are available in multiple time zones. Also, they aren’t bound by the operating hours of a library or coffee shop where in-person tutors generally hold sessions.
3. Do you live in a metropolitan area, or are you in a more rural setting?
If you're in a densely populated place, you might find plenty of great in-person tutors nearby. But if your community is less metropolitan, you may have trouble finding tutors willing to put in the travel time to get to you. In this case, online tutoring services would likely be a better choice.
The Benefits of Online Learning
Online tutoring isn’t just an option for when in-person tutors aren’t available. ​If your at-home technology can support online tutoring (you need a webcam and a strong internet connection), an online tutor can provide a number of advantages. Let’s discuss how online tutoring can help give you a better academic experience.
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