You've decided your child needs online tutoring. Smart move. But now you're staring at hundreds of profiles, all claiming to be "experienced," "qualified," and "passionate." How do you actually choose? Here's what matters and what doesn't.
⚡ Skip the Sales Pitch
This guide is based on feedback from 200+ Dubai parents. We'll tell you what actually worked for them when choosing an online tutor.
Step 1: Know What You Actually Need
Before you start searching, get clear on these basics. Most parents skip this and waste time interviewing the wrong tutors.
Essential Questions to Answer First:
- ✓Which curriculum? IGCSE, IB, American, French, Indian CBSE - this matters more than you think. A tutor experienced in British curriculum won't automatically know IB.
- ✓What's the actual problem? Falling behind? Exam prep? Just needs a grade boost? Different problems need different tutors.
- ✓How many hours per week? One hour won't fix failing grades. Be realistic about time commitment.
- ✓Budget? In Dubai, online tutors range from 80-500 AED/hour. Know your limit before you fall in love with someone out of range.
Step 2: What to Look for in a Profile
You're scrolling through profiles. Here's what actually matters versus what's just marketing.
✅ What DOES Matter
Curriculum Match
They've actually taught YOUR curriculum. Not "familiar with" - taught it. For at least 2 years.
Specific Subject Experience
A math tutor who specializes in IGCSE Math is better than a "Math, Physics, Chemistry" generalist.
Real Reviews
Detailed reviews from actual parents. Generic 5-star "great teacher!" reviews mean nothing.
Clear Communication
Their profile is clear and professional. If they can't write a decent bio, they won't teach well either.
❌ What DOESN'T Matter (Much)
- Years of experience alone - 10 years of bad teaching is still bad teaching. Focus on relevance.
- Fancy degrees - A PhD doesn't mean they can explain fractions to a struggling 7th grader.
- Native English speaker - For subjects like Math or Science, this barely matters. For English tutoring, it might.
- Being based in Dubai - Online is online. A great tutor in London is better than a mediocre one in Marina.
Step 3: Questions to Ask Before Booking
Don't just book. Have a 5-minute conversation first. Here's your script:
Must-Ask Questions:
- "Have you taught [exact curriculum + level] before?"
Get specifics. "I've taught IGCSE Math for 3 years" is better than "I know British curriculum." - "What's your approach when a student is struggling?"
Listen for patience and adaptability. Red flag: "I just explain it again." - "How do you track progress?"
Good tutors give regular updates. Great tutors have a system. - "What materials do you use?"
They should have proper resources, not just winging it with Google. - "Can I see a trial lesson first?"
Most good tutors offer this. It's your safety net.
Step 4: Red Flags to Watch For
Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is. Here are common warning signs:
🚩 Immediate Red Flags:
- • Won't do a trial lesson
- • Asks for payment outside the platform
- • No reviews or only 5-star generic reviews
- • Can't explain their teaching method clearly
- • Promises unrealistic results ("A to A* in 2 weeks!")
- • Doesn't ask about your child's specific needs
- • Poor communication during initial contact
Step 5: The Trial Lesson - What to Watch
You've scheduled a trial. Here's what to observe:
Connection
Does your child feel comfortable? Can they ask questions without feeling dumb?
Explanation Style
Can they break down complex topics simply? Do they use examples your child relates to?
Patience Level
How do they react when your child doesn't understand? This is crucial.
Making the Final Decision
After the trial lesson, ask your child these questions:
- "Did you understand what the tutor was teaching?"
- "Did you feel comfortable asking questions?"
- "Would you want to learn from them again?"
If your child says yes to all three, you've found your tutor. If not, keep looking. Don't settle because you've already spent time searching.
💡 Pro Tip
The best tutor isn't always the most qualified on paper. It's the one your child actually connects with and wants to learn from. Chemistry matters more than credentials.
Quick Checklist
Before You Book:
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