What to Expect from Your First Online Tutoring Session

Online tutoring has become super popular for students and parents alike (and for good reason). It’s flexible, effective and convenient. But if you’ve never tried it before, you might be wondering what the experience will be like, especially for your child. Will it feel like in-person tutoring? Will it be engaging? And most importantly, will your child actually enjoy it and see progress?

Let’s break down exactly what to expect from your first online tutoring session, from how the lesson will run to how you and your child can get the most out of it. We’ll also throw in some tips from our own tutoring experience.

How Online Tutoring Works

Online tutoring lessons are basically like having an in-person session, but it happens over video. With the use of video conferencing tools like Zoom or Microsoft Teams and interactive features like digital whiteboards, your child gets all the perks of a face-to-face lesson but from the comfort of home. Plus, the flexibility means it’s easier to fit sessions around your family’s schedule.

What happens during the first session?

Your child’s first session is all about building a strong foundation for future lessons. Here’s what typically happens:

1. Introductions and goal setting

The tutor will start by first getting to know your child. This usually involves a casual chat about their strengths, challenges and what they're current learning in class.

The tutor might ask questions like, “What subjects do you like?” or “What do you find tough?” 

This sets the stage for creating a personalised plan that meets your child’s specific needs.

2. Assessing current skills

Once the introductions are done, the tutor will likely do a quick assessment with practice questions or learning tasks to see where your child is at. Don’t worry, this isn’t a formal test. It could be as simple as going over recent homework or working through an example problem together. This helps the tutor understand your child’s current skill level and spot any areas that need extra focus.

3. Discussion and feedback

As your tutor and child dive further into the lesson, they'll make use of the digital whiteboard and talk about the topics and content in more depth. This is where your tutor will likely provide feedback about what to look out for, where to go from here and any personal recommendations they may have for your child's learning.

What makes a good online tutoring session?

A successful online tutoring session should feel focused, interactive and personalised to your child’s needs. Here’s what a great session typically looks like:

1. Personalised lesson plans

Every session should be tailored to your child. The tutor will create a plan based on the initial assessment and your child’s learning style. Whether your child is catching up in Maths or pushing ahead in reading, the lessons will be designed to help them reach their goals.

2. Interactive and engaging

Even though the lesson is online, it should be just as engaging as an in-person session. Tutors use tools like shared whiteboards, screen sharing and interactive activities to keep your child actively involved in the learning process. Your child will be able to ask questions, get instant feedback and work through problems in real time.

3. Tracking progress

Progress tracking is key. A good tutor will regularly assess your child’s improvements and adjust lessons as needed. Regular lesson overviews and notes should be shared after each lesson is completed and the work completed during sessions should be available for access and review if needed.

Preparing for Your First Online Tutoring Session

Here’s how you can make sure your child’s first online tutoring session goes smoothly:

1. Check Your Tech Setup

Make sure you have a stable internet connection, a working webcam and a microphone. It's definitely a good idea to test these tools beforehand so that your lesson goes smoothly.

2. Gather materials

Have any necessary materials ready, including textbooks, homework questions or assignments your child needs help with. This ensures the session stays focused and productive. Since the lesson is online, we recommend sending through the work to your online tutor ahead of time so that it can be accessed easily for the lesson.

3. Set up a quietspace

Just like an in-person tutoring session, the online lesson will be most effective if your child is learning in a quiet, distraction-free environment that allows them to focus. This will help them get the most out of the tutoring session.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prepare for my first tutoring session?

Ensure you have a working computer or tablet with a stable internet connection, gather any materials your child might need (such as textbooks or homework) and create a quiet space free from distractions.

What questions should I ask on the first tutoring session?

Ask the tutor about their teaching style, how they plan to help your child and what their long-term goals are for your child’s progress. You can also ask for feedback on areas where your child needs improvement.

What should I expect from my tutor?

You should expect a tutor to be patient, knowledgeable and able to tailor lessons to your child’s specific needs. They should create a clear personalised plan for improving your child’s skills and provide regular updates on progress.

What does a good tutoring session look like?

A good tutoring session is interactive, engaging and personalised. It should include a mix of explanation, practice and feedback with clear progress tracking to measure improvement over time.

How is online tutoring done?

Online tutoring is typically done via video conferencing platforms like Zoom. Tutors and students interact in real-time, using tools like shared whiteboards, screen sharing and interactive quizzes to make the session engaging.

What is needed for online tutoring?

For online tutoring, you’ll need a device with a reliable internet connection, a webcam, a microphone, and a quiet space for the session. You may also need specific materials like textbooks or notebooks, depending on the subject.