How to Get the Best Out of Your Online Tutor: A Guide for Students and Parents

Tutors are there to help—not judge. The more open you are, the more value you’ll get.

Hiring a tutor is a brilliant step toward academic progress—but just turning up to sessions isn’t enough. Like anything worthwhile, the more you put in, the more you get out.

Online tutoring offers flexibility, expert support, and the chance for truly tailored learning. But how do you make sure it’s as effective as possible?

Whether you’re a student looking to get the most out of your sessions, or a parent supporting from the sidelines, this guide outlines clear, practical ways to maximise the impact of online tuition.

1. Be Clear on Your Goals

What do you actually want tutoring to help with?

• Is it to boost exam grades?

• Build confidence in a specific topic?

• Fill in gaps after missed school time?

• Prepare for a specific entrance exam?

The more specific the goal, the more focused the tutoring can be.

✍️ Tip: Write down 2–3 goals before your first session and share them with your tutor.

2. Prepare Before the Lesson

The biggest gains come from being an active participant, not just a passive listener.

Here’s what to do before each session:

• Review your class notes or homework

• Make a list of questions or topics you’re unsure about

• Gather any materials (test papers, textbooks) you might need

Coming prepared saves time and helps your tutor tailor the session to your exact needs.

3. Be Honest and Ask Questions

Tutors are there to help—not judge. The more open you are, the more value you’ll get.

Say things like:

• “I don’t get this at all.”

• “Can we go over that again?”

• “That makes sense now—I just didn’t understand it in class.”

This helps your tutor gauge your understanding and adjust their approach.

🚦 Don’t pretend you understand just to move on—clarity now saves panic later.

4. Set Up a Distraction-Free Space

Online tutoring works best when you treat it like a face-to-face lesson. That means:

• Sitting at a desk or table, not a bed or sofa

• Having a notebook and pen ready

• Turning off phone notifications and social media

• Using headphones if possible to block out background noise

📶 A quiet, focused space = better concentration and more productive learning.

5. Do the Follow-Up Work

The real progress happens between sessions.

Good tutors will give:

• Recap notes

• Practice questions

• Study strategies or revision plans

Act on them. Complete the tasks, review your notes, and try applying what you learned to schoolwork or mock exams.

🧱 Think of each session as a building block. Following up adds the cement.

6. Give Feedback and Reflect

Every few weeks, take a moment to reflect:

• What’s going well?

• What topics still feel confusing?

• Is the pace right?

• Are you feeling more confident?

Let your tutor know. A good tutor will happily adjust the focus, format, or structure of sessions based on your feedback.

🔄 Tuition is most effective when it’s a two-way conversation.

For Parents: How to Support Without Hovering

It’s natural to want to stay involved—but it’s also important to give your teen ownership of their learning.

Here’s how to help productively:

• Create a quiet study space and help stick to the schedule

• Check in with your teen after sessions (without pressuring them)

• Ask the tutor for occasional updates, especially before mock exams

• Encourage effort and celebrate small wins

Progress isn’t always immediate—but confidence, independence, and motivation are great signs it’s working.

Summary: How to Get the Best Out of Online Tutoring

Student Actions & Why It Helps

Set clear goals —-> Focuses the sessions

Prepare beforehand —-> Makes tutoring more targeted

Ask questions —-> Builds real understanding

Limit distractions —-> Improves focus and engagement

Follow up on work —-> Reinforces learning

Give feedback —-> Keeps sessions student-centred

🎓 Want Online Tutoring That Works?

Dr. Marguerite Quinn offers expert, personalised Chemistry tuition that goes beyond the textbook—helping students build confidence, mastery, and real exam success.

Book a 15mins consultation to discuss how tailored online tutoring can support your learning goals.