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How to Choose the Right Online Tutoring Program for Your Child

When it comes to finding the right online English tutoring program for your child, it's important to consider both the program itself and the teacher who will be leading the lessons. Choosing the right teacher is key, as they can make all the difference in your child's progress and success.

A parent's review of a teacher at Now Speak English Online perfectly highlights this point:

"It's nice that you always wait and praise me even though it's slow. Also, the teacher seems to have a lot of experience in teaching and has a good personality and seems to teach in a well-organized regular course."

This review shows that the parent has found an ideal teacher – one who is patient, experienced, and has a great teaching style.

In this blog post, we'll explore why choosing the right teacher is a critical part of selecting the right online English tutoring program for your child. We'll also delve into the factors to consider when choosing a program, from determining your child's English level to evaluating the program's technology and personalized attention.

By answering questions such as "How do I determine my child's English level?" and "What approach should the program use?" we'll provide valuable tips and insights to help you make an informed decision. Whether your child is a beginner or advanced in English, choosing the right program and teacher can make all the difference in their language learning journey.


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Q: Why is choosing the right teacher important when selecting an online English tutoring program for my child?

A: Choosing the right teacher is crucial because they will play a big role in determining your child's progress and success in their language learning journey. A great teacher will not only have the necessary experience and qualifications in teaching English as a second language, but also have a good personality and teaching style that will make learning fun and engaging for your child.

Screenshot 2023-01-25 at 6.58.18 AMStudies have also shown that students who have a positive relationship with their teacher are more likely to attend class, participate in discussions, and retain what they have learned.

At Now Speak English Online (NSEO), we understand the importance of choosing the right teacher for your child. That's why we offer a trial lesson with a teacher before enrolling in a full program. This allows you and your child to see if the teacher is a good fit personality-wise and to make sure that they are comfortable with the teacher's teaching style.

All of our teachers at NSEO are professional and trained to work with ELLs. We prioritize professional development and research-based tutoring in each class to ensure that our teachers are providing the best possible education for their students.

Students at NSEO often develop strong relationships with their teachers, which makes their English tutoring sessions something to look forward to. The personalized attention and individualized instruction provided by the teacher allows students to build a connection with their tutor that goes beyond just learning English. This relationship can become a mentorship or even a friendship, and students often genuinely look forward to seeing their tutors and sharing the events of their lives.

The teacher's interest and care in the student's overall well-being and success can have a significant positive impact on the student's motivation and confidence in their language learning journey. This kind of relationship building is a testament to the quality of the teachers at NSEO, who prioritize professional development and a research-based approach to their teaching.

Additionally, working with a native teacher provides students with firsthand exposure to American culture, which is an invaluable experience that cannot be gained through other tutoring methods. The teacher's cultural background and knowledge of the language and customs of their home country can add depth and nuance to the student's understanding of the English language and the culture in which it is used. Moreover, students are able to learn about American culture by observing the teacher's behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs, which can help to expand their cultural competence and provide them with a broader perspective on the world. This kind of cultural immersion is not only educational, but also enjoyable, as students are able to share experiences and learn from each other in a supportive and engaging environment. 

By working with a native teacher, students are able to gain a unique and authentic cultural experience that can enrich their English language learning and deepen their connection with American culture.

Q: How do I determine my child's English level?

A: To determine your child's English level, you can start by assessing their current proficiency in speaking, writing, reading, and listening. This can be done through a variety of methods, such as online assessments, placement tests offered by the program, or by observing their ability to communicate in English in everyday situations. It's also important to consider their educational background and any prior experience they may have had with learning English.

For example, if your child is a beginner, they may have difficulty with basic vocabulary and grammar, but as they progress, they should be able to understand and use more complex structures and expressions. If your child is already advanced in their English skills, they may benefit from lessons that focus on improving their pronunciation, expanding their vocabulary, and refining their writing and speaking skills.

At NSEO, our teachers are skilled in assessing a student's English abilities and can quickly analyze their areas of weakness to determine how best to support their future learning. Our program offers both diagnostic and on-going assessments to determine the student's starting English level in reading, speaking, listening, and writing. This allows us to develop a personalized and targeted learning plan for each student.

During the first few weeks of tutoring, our teachers spend time getting to know each student personally, including their interests and learning styles, in addition to diagnosing their specific English level and needs.

This personal approach helps to build a strong relationship between the student and teacher, making class something students at NSEO look forward to.

Q: What approach should the online English tutoring program use?

A: The approach that an online English tutoring program uses can greatly impact your child's progress and success. It's important to choose a program that uses a comprehensive and personalized approach to teaching English. This may include a combination of grammar lessons, speaking and writing practice, and exposure to authentic English materials, such as books, movies, and articles.

For example, a program that uses a communicative approach, where the focus is on helping students develop their speaking and listening skills, may be ideal for a beginner. On the other hand, a program that emphasizes grammar, vocabulary, and writing skills may be more suitable for an advanced learner. It's also important to consider whether the program allows for flexibility and customization to meet your child's individual needs and goals. NSEO is not “one size fits all” and we pride ourselves on tailoring our learning plans to meet your child’s instructional goals!

Q: What factors should I consider when evaluating the technology used by the online English tutoring program?

A: When evaluating the technology used by an online English tutoring program, it's important to consider factors such as ease of use, reliability, and the level of interaction and engagement it allows between the teacher and student. Additionally, consider whether the program offers additional resources and tools to support your child's learning, such as audio and video materials, quizzes, and interactive activities.

For example, a program that uses video conferencing technology to conduct live, face-to-face lessons may be ideal for students who benefit from real-time interaction with their teacher. On the other hand, a program that uses pre-recorded lessons and online resources may be more suitable for students who prefer to learn at their own pace. 

At NSEO, we believe in the power of real-time, live lessons as a means of engaging and benefiting students the most. Live lessons are a key factor to consider when evaluating the technology used by an online English tutoring program.

Research has shown that live, face-to-face interaction can enhance language learning, increase motivation, and provide immediate feedback. Live lessons allow for two-way communication between the teacher and student, creating a dynamic and interactive learning experience.

The teacher can respond to the student's needs in real-time, adapting the lesson to meet their unique learning style and abilities. This level of interaction and engagement is particularly important for English language learners, as it enables them to practice their speaking and listening skills in a supportive and encouraging environment.

In addition to the benefits of live lessons, NSEO's online tutoring technology is designed to be easy to use, reliable, and secure. Our platform provides a wide range of resources and tools to support our students' learning, such as audio and video materials, quizzes, and interactive activities. We also place a strong emphasis on privacy and security, ensuring that our students' personal information is protected.

With that said, while on-demand lessons may be suitable for some students, live lessons offer a personalized and engaging experience that can significantly enhance language learning. By choosing an online English tutoring program like NSEO, you can ensure that your child receives the best possible support for their language learning journey.

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Now that you understand the great advantages of choosing both the right program and teacher, it's time to take the next step. To find the perfect online English program for your child, we recommend booking a trial lesson with a Now Speak English Online (NSEO) teacher. This will give you and your child the opportunity to see if the teacher is a good fit personality-wise and if they are comfortable with the teaching style. And if you have any questions, our NSEO office staff is here to help.

At NSEO, we believe that choosing the right program and teacher is the key to your child's success in their English learning journey. With our personalized approach and experienced teachers, you can rest assured that your child will receive the best possible education. So why wait? Book your trial lesson with NSEO today and take the first step in your child's language learning journey!