Most of the time, online tutoring has always focused on the students.
We often see advertisements targeting students to sign up for a series of classes/ short courses online. The main message often emphasizes the benefits of flexible learning whenever and wherever they want.
But then again, it takes two to tango.
After all, online learning is never complete without a good teaching process.
To have an effective online tutoring session, one must have a good online tutor.
Or maybe, you could be the next good online tutor that many students are looking for.
If you are interested to learn the ropes to become an online tutor, you are in the right place!
In this article, we will break down the different components of becoming an online tutor and how you can kickstart your journey as an online tutor.
Why Should You Become An Online Tutor?
Let us start with the basics.
The motivation and the main purpose behind your decision to venture into online tutoring.
Eventually, it is your WHYS that will define your HOWS.
Here are three simple checklists that you can refer to have a clearer insight into your reasons to become an online tutor.
Reason #1: You value flexibility and work independence
When you choose to sign up as an online tutor via an education platform or promote yourself on a self-made website, one thing is certain. Flexibility (or what we call working freedom/independence).
Firstly, there's no need to "clock in" and no fixed working time. Sorry, 9 to 5 folks!
You get to choose your working schedule in terms of the duration and the starting working hour. Not only that, you can come out with your own teaching materials and resources as well as experiment with various teaching methodologies.
Prefer teaching on weekdays over weekends? That's also not a problem too!
Only want to teach adult learners? That's also fine with online tutoring.
You get to make your own rules, without having the need to report your progress to a supervisor. Less working emails and unnecessary meetings (plus potential office dramas too).
In other words, you get to have the final say.
Reason #2: You are passionate to teach and meet new people
Teaching is essentially a people-oriented job, even if you change the medium from face-to-face to online.
You can't be "shy" whenever you meet a new student.
Also, if sharing and breaking down important information is your forte, you should certainly consider online tutoring.
With online tutoring, you get to experience the best of both worlds! Your student could come from all walks of life, with different age ranges and learning purposes!
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Reason #3: You want to generate additional side income
We can't leave out money from the equation, right?
Don't be surprised that many students are willing to pay a high rate for good quality tutoring, all across the globe.
For those of you who are thinking to become a part-time online tutor, it is a relatively promising and low-risk side hustle, to begin with.
Explore these tools to have a comprehensive online tutoring experience.
What Do You Need To Have To Start Online Tutoring?
Now that you have clarified your motivations to become an online tutor, it's time to get down to business.
Famous American tennis player, Arthur Ashe once said, "One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation."
Generally, students are able to tell the difference between an average and an excellent online tutor through their level of preparation for the lessons.
Let's take a look at what you need to start preparing one.
#1: Mobile devices and necessary audio equipment
This is pretty self-explanatory but is often underestimated by many online tutors.
Imagine the frustration of not being able to see your tutor clearly and also hear them consistently throughout the online lessons.
It's totally not an exaggeration or a huge investment when you hear of tutors who buy tripods, lighting or even a special microphone before they start their first online lessons.
It's all about the intention to create a conducive teaching and learning environment for both the tutor and the student.
#2: Establish an online presence (self-promote!)
Online tutoring is actually quite similar to having a small business. As a business owner, you need to come up with an effective and creative way to promote your services.
People need to know that you can teach and what you can teach.
For instance, you can create a website or a Youtube channel to promote your online tutoring services.
You can either write relevant articles on the subject(s) that you plan to teach or upload a couple of mock teaching videos on your social media channels. That way, you can reach your targeted audience in the shortest amount of time, with the minimum cost!
Remember, you need to be "present online" in order for others to find you online.
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#3: Familiarise yourself with various teaching materials and syllabus of the subject(s)
When it comes to learning and any form of education, there are always new things waiting for you to discover and master over and over again.
If you intend to specialise in tutoring SPM subjects, for example, you need to be well versed with any change of syllabus or examination format.
For those who are teaching subjects like Communication and Media Studies, you also need to keep up with the latest local and global trends or recurrent topics when you provide examples.
The last thing you want to happen is teaching your students information that's irrelevant and outdated.
You can also discover more about the advantages and disadvantages of online tutoring.
Which Platform Should You Choose If You Are New To Online Tutoring?
Relatively speaking, online tutoring also offers flexibility in terms of teaching experience.
You don't need to have 20 years of teaching experience to become an online tutor.
In fact, you can start online tutoring even as a university student.
At Superprof, you will find many online tutors with diverse ages, nationalities, and backgrounds as well as a wide range of subject specialisations.
There are no pre-exquisite requirements to start out as an online tutor with Superprof!
Do you know that Superprof allows novice and experienced tutors to create a tutoring profile for free on their platform?
It takes a few clicks to set up your profile by indicating your basic information, such as your preferred subjects to teach, teaching experience, necessary qualifications/certifications, hourly rates per session and teaching methodology.
Once your tutor profile is verified and approved by Superprof, students can visit your profile and contact you directly via the messaging feature.
Your journey as an online tutor will then begin.
How Can You Gain Consistent Credibility As An Online Tutor?
As we are still in the business owner mode, we certainly need to view online tutoring as a long-term venture.
The idea is similar to building a personal brand, to not only attract but retain students.
Remember, it boils down to credibility.
Refer to these three tips to boost your credibility as an online tutor.
Tip 1: Create a clear and comprehensive tutoring profile/ portfolio/website
We have mentioned this point earlier. You need to put yourself out there. If you think creating a website is too time-consuming, you can just create a simple yet effective tutor profile at Superprof!
Tip 2: Establish good communication with your student (don't go MIA!)
Good communication is extremely vital not just during learning hours but also after the lesson ends. Apart from presenting your lessons clearly, you need to make sure you and your student keep in touch on a regular basis.
Whether it is some last-minute changes in schedule or some random Q and A sessions after the lesson, make sure you respond necessarily and don't leave your students or their parents hanging on. (Or worse, leave them on blue ticks for days or weeks!)
Be honest about your expectations about the lessons and make sure your students know that too.
Photo by Yura Fresh on Unsplash
Tip 3: Be open to feedback and suggestions to improve
Last but not least, remember that there's always room for improvement, no matter how experienced you are.
Different students may have different learning needs or different preferred teaching styles. Sometimes you may be taken aback by their feedback about your lessons.
However, it's essential to note that they are not "complaining" about your teaching ability but offering their opinions from a student's perspective.
Having said that, be sure to pay attention to the student's progress and make adjustments when necessary.
Learn more about the different subjects that can be taught effectively via online tutoring.
Why Is Online Tutoring Here To Stay?
We are almost reaching the end of this article.
You may just be one step away from starting your journey as an online tutor.
If you are still hesitant, here are two main reasons to persuade you to take up this challenge.
Reason 1: Global and borderless learning
With the rapid advancement of the Internet and global relations, learning is more flexible, more accessible and borderless than ever before.
Our desire for knowledge will only increase and the quality of global education will continue to be in demand.
Education is always a key focus, whether for personal or national growth.
Reason 2: Cost-effective and time efficient in the long run
More students and tutors prefer online tutoring because they can save a lot on transportation fees and also the time spent on commutes.
It is a win-win situation, and who doesn't love learning while in their favourite PJs in the comfort of their home?
Let's turn the spotlight on online tutors. The stage is now yours.
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