How to Choose the Right Online Tutoring Schedule
An optimal online teaching schedule will help you secure regular classes without creating conflicts with other activities.
While some students may prefer to learn during weekends, others may get distracted and unable to concentrate during evenings. The tutoring schedule should be created according to the student’s needs, learning goals, time availability, and practice.
Here are a few tips for choosing an optimal online tutoring schedule:
1. Check the student’s daily/weekly schedule
Before developing the online tutoring schedule, find out how much free time the pupil has on a daily/weekly basis.
Key criteria include:
School/university attendance
Homework and examinations
Sports and hobbies
Family and social events
Vacations and holidays
Time for rest
2. Choose classes that fit well within the student’s availability
Do not overlook the student’s focus and concentration.
If he/she gets tired or cannot concentrate during evenings, it is better to schedule classes for mornings or afternoons.
The most important criterion is not availability, but the student’s ability to participate without getting distracted.
3. Set the class frequency according to learning goals, subject, and practice
Some students need more practice than others.
The frequency of online tutoring sessions depends on:
Level of difficulty of the subject
Learning goals
The level of preparation
Amount of practice needed for improvement
Upcoming exams or tests
4. Try to set fixed class days/times
Where possible, organize weekly classes on the same day/days and at the same time/times.
For instance:
Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
Every Tuesday and Saturday
It will be easier for the student to memorize and practice the given topic regularly.
5. Allow practice time between two tutoring sessions
Do not schedule two online classes too close to each other.
A recommended learning pattern is: tutoring, practice, review, and new tutoring session.
The time between two sessions should be sufficient for pupils to complete practice and review tasks.
6. Do not overload the student with extra classes
More classes do not always guarantee better results.
The student also needs rest, sufficient sleep, physical activities, free time, and time for social life.
An optimal online tutoring schedule considers these factors.
7. Take the time zone into account while scheduling online classes
Online tutoring allows you to teach a student living in a different city or country.
However, before setting the final date/time for online classes, make sure that the chosen day/time is convenient for both the student and the teacher.
Check the time difference between the two time zones.
8. Revisit the tutoring schedule and make necessary adjustments
The above tips are helpful in developing an initial tutoring schedule. However, it is better to periodically revisit the schedule and adjust it when needed.
Make changes to the online tutoring schedule when:
The student’s school program changes
Examinations are approaching
The pupil becomes busier with other activities
The learning goals change
The current class time becomes uncomfortable for the student
A Simple Checklist for Making an Online Tutoring Schedule
Before setting up an online tutoring schedule, make sure to consider the following criteria:
Student’s daily/weekly schedule
Preferred learning time
Learning goals
Tutor’s availability
Practice and rest time between the two sessions
Student’s extracurricular life
Time zone
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time for online tutoring?
There is no definite answer to this question. Choose the time when the student is available, not tired, and can fully concentrate on the given material.
How often should a student attend online tutoring?
The frequency of online classes depends on the student’s learning goals, schedule, amount of individual practice, and the level of difficulty of the subject.
Is it better to schedule online tutoring classes at the same time each week?
It is always better to schedule online classes at the same time every week. However, if the student’s schedule changes, adjust the class time.
How should international students and tutors deal with time zones?
Always check the exact time in the particular city/daylight saving time before setting the recurring online classes.
Is it a good idea to take into account the student’s preferences?
Yes, it is important to take into account the student’s preferences as much as possible. It will help you create a realistic tutoring schedule.
Final Thoughts
An optimal online tutoring schedule should help to improve the learning process without overwhelming the student with extra classes.
It is better to consider the student’s availability, focus, learning goals, individual practice between two sessions, and the teacher’s availability before developing the online tutoring schedule.
