When you're looking to hire a tutor, especially for crucial exams like GCSEs and A-Levels, it's essential to make the most of the interview process. These exams can be life-changing, and the right tutor will not only help students pass but also achieve their full potential. That's why it's crucial to assess a tutor's competency and teaching style in a way that promotes open discussion. Here are three key questions that do just that—ensuring that only the best tutors make it onto our platform.
And if you're ever interviewing with me, you can bet I'll ask at least one of these questions!
1. "What is your teaching style?"This question is a window into the tutor's experience and adaptability. When preparing students for GCSEs and A-Levels, it’s not about having a one-size-fits-all approach. I want to work with tutors who can tailor their teaching methods to fit the individual student sitting in front of them. After all, there's no set teaching style—what matters is how the tutor adapts based on the student's needs.
Some students might be visual learners, benefiting from diagrams and videos, while others prefer structured routines and clear formulas. As a tutor, it's your job to figure out what kind of learner you're dealing with. If you're ever unsure, the best approach is simple: ask questions! Often, students are already aware of how they learn best, and tapping into this knowledge can make all the difference.
As I always say, a tutor’s ability to adapt their teaching methods to match the student's learning style can be the difference between a student scraping by and a student excelling in their GCSE or A-Level exams.
However, I’m just as interested in the challenges. Sometimes, things don’t go as planned, and it’s how a tutor handles these moments that really counts. I like to dig deep into these scenarios to understand how the tutor approaches problem-solving. The ability to make critical judgments, especially when a student’s academic future is on the line, is essential.
This is my absolute favorite question, and I ask it every single time. When tutoring for GCSEs and A-Levels, you meet students with a wide range of abilities. Some are hovering around a grade D, just hoping to pass, while others are aiming for those top A* grades.
In the initial interview with a student, it’s crucial to figure out their current level. This will shape how future sessions unfold and the kind of homework you’ll set. My biggest piece of advice: Just ASK! Start by inquiring about their predicted grades, mock exam results, and the grades they’re aiming for. Then, dig deeper with competency questions and ask them to explain basic topics.
For instance, as an Economics tutor, I often ask, "If I had no prior knowledge of Economics, how would you explain the concept of supply and demand?" This not only reveals the student’s understanding but also shows how well they can simplify complex ideas—something they’ll need to do in their exams. If a student can’t break down a topic to its fundamentals, it may indicate they don’t fully grasp the material themselves.
My goal is to hire the best of the best tutors, particularly those who can guide students through the rigorous demands of GCSEs and A-Levels. I believe these three questions are the most effective way to assess both the competency and personality of a tutor. By asking them, you gain deeper insights into how the tutor operates, how they handle challenges, and how they tailor their teaching to meet the unique needs of each student.
Remember, a good tutor is so much more than just someone who teaches the material. They inspire, motivate, and empower students to reach their full potential. That’s why I always make sure to ask the right questions—especially when it comes to GCSE and A-Level tutoring.
