Online Math Tutoring: 5 Most Common Misconceptions
Is online tutoring as effective as traditional tutoring? Potential clients have expressed several valid concerns questioning the effectiveness of online tutoring over traditional tutoring sessions. Having tutored students both online and face-to face, I’d like to address the 5 main concerns I hear most often.
1.) Non-verbal Cues
2.) Computer Technology Skills
3.) Internet Reliability
4.) Too Many Distractions Available
5.) Students with Special Needs
Concern #1: Non-verbal Cues
The first concern is that an online tutor is unable to connect with the student in terms of reading their student’s body language during the learning process. Through the use of face-to-face video chat software incorporated into our workspace program, I am able to observe my student’s facial expressions and body language as they learn new material, work problems, explain their work to me and puzzle out misconceptions.
Also, I have been tutoring online for several years, and I have grown accustomed to being able to properly assess a student’s confidence or hesitation merely through tone of voice. I have plenty of students who are not comfortable having their cameras turned on, and that is OK! The quality of learning and understanding has not diminished in the slightest. They are more comfortable and that is what matters when it comes to learning.
My years of training in NASA Mission Control focused on being able to interpret non-verbal cues to a high degree of accuracy due to its relevance to astronaut life safety as well as interfacing with 5 or more other personnel at a time on the International Space Station control team .
I incorporate this training into each and every session which allows me to effectively interpret verbal and non-verbal cues from my students.
Concern #2: Computer Technology Skills
Students interface with technology all day, every day. I incorporate several online teaching platforms and carefully select a variety of interactive options to individualize the online interface based on a student’s ability and unique needs.
Before every session, I spend a significant amount of time optimizing the interface to be used for each online session. I never ask the student to access an application that I, myself, don’t fully know how to use.
If the student is struggling with the online interface, I am fully prepared to talk them through it step-by-step. Most students catch on quickly and enjoy using the high tech features available to customize their work.
Online tutoring with me will only enhance your child’s technology skills, preparing them for their future careers in this world of ever-advancing technology.
Concern #3: Internet Reliability
Unfortunately, Internet reliability can be a problem. Fortunately, there are many options to gain access to reliable Internet access.
The simplest way to improve your poor Internet connection is to check your cell phone plan. Almost all cell phone plans offer mobile hotspot capabilities.
You can activate the hotspot and connect your computer, laptop, or tablet to it the same way you would connect to a regular Wi-Fi network. Additionally, this feature is especially helpful if you are on-the-go, but still want your child to attend their tutoring session.
I have one student who attends her tutoring sessions at the ice skating rink in between figure skating practices. Using Internet connectivity allows your student to access the tutoring session from anywhere there is an Internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellphone).
Another solution can be to find a friend or family member with more reliable Internet access.
In addition, many school campuses and libraries have conference rooms that you can reserve for free. They provide great Internet access and a quiet place to focus.
Concern #4: Too Many Distractions Available
This is where it pays to have a highly attentive, qualified and experienced tutor.
It is scientifically proven that human beings can’t multi-task. When a student is not paying attention because they are distracted, I can tell by their lack of attentiveness, change in communication, and delays in responding.
If a student is off-task during a session, it becomes obvious. I can see their expressions, where their eyes are focusing and I can hear the mouse and keyboard clicks through the video chat software. All students try it at least once, but the face-to-face interactive software gives them away, as well as, their delay in responding to questions and answering questions in a “distracted” tone. If the student is off task, we discuss it, and I redirect them back to the tutoring session.
If this becomes a recurring issue, I will have the student share their screen. This will allow me to tell what they are looking at, and refocus them immediately if they wander. Also, I will alert the parent and together we will work to form a plan of action to prevent these distractions in the future.
Concern #5: Students with Special Needs
The concern that online tutoring is not a good fit for students with ADHD or other special needs is not a concern with Hardt Tutoring Services. I have worked with students with ADHD, both in-person and through online tutoring. I find the online platform to be more effective than in-person. Why?
Tutoring sessions online require a lot more communication, demonstration, and interaction than traditional in-person sessions. I find that as long as I keep the student busy doing problems, reading examples to me, and navigating to different sites, they stay on topic.
In addition, the online interface allows me to seamlessly incorporate videos, examples, interactive exercises and much more to appeal to each student’s individual learning style.
By keeping the student engaged the entire time, I am able to provide a very effective learning environment. The tutoring lessons that I run are highly individualized to meet each student’s specific needs.
Furthermore, I purposefully allow very small occasional breaks (30 seconds) when I notice that we are straying off topic slightly. These breaks are built in such that the lesson still flows seamlessly and the student doesn’t realize that this quick break is even happening.
Through the use of these and other tactics, I have never had any issues with keeping the attention on the lesson.
At Hardt Tutoring Services, I individualize each and every tutoring plan and session based on the student and their needs. Also, my highly specialized NASA training gives me a unique edge that isn’t easily acquired.
I hope that I have addressed a few of your concerns with this article. Please share if you found this interesting. I am open to any comments/questions below or contact me privately.
If you did enjoy this article, view my website. I will have more education focused articles coming soon!