The Importance of Effective Communication in Online Tutoring

Online tutoring has seen a significant rise in popularity in recent years, and for good reason. With the convenience of virtual learning, more and more families are turning to it as a solution to their educational needs. In fact, NBC News reveals that the online tutoring industry has grown over 33% in the past few years, with a current market value of over $5.6 billion.

However, while the benefits of online tutoring are undeniable, it also presents unique challenges when it comes to communication. Without the help of in-person interaction, it can be difficult for tutors and students to build rapport and ensure that the student truly understands the material. Inarguably, this is where effective communication plays a valuable role in student engagement and understanding. In this article, we'll delve deeper into why effective communication is so important in online tutoring:
 

It helps build trust

When communication is clear and effective, the student is more likely to feel comfortable asking questions and expressing concerns, which can help to build a positive and productive working relationship. Clear communication helps students understand the material and feel more engaged in the process, making them more willing to trust the tutor and the process.

Trust and rapport are the foundation of a strong, productive, and positive relationship between the tutor and the student, which are necessary for a successful tutoring experience. To achieve this, start each session with a casual conversation or small talk that can help to create a more relaxed and personal atmosphere. Another tip is to show empathy and understanding toward the student's challenges to make them feel more comfortable opening up and sharing their thoughts.
 

It keeps the student motivated

When you establish clear and open lines of communication with the students, they feel heard, understood, and supported in their learning journey. They know they can rely on their tutor to answer their questions, provide feedback on their progress, and offer encouragement and guidance when needed. When this give-and-take is established, the student is more likely to feel motivated to continue learning.

Think of online tutoring as a two-way conversation where both parties have a role to play in fostering engagement and motivation. You can use various techniques to keep your students engaged, such as using interactive media, posing thought-provoking questions, and providing opportunities for them to share their knowledge and experiences. When you engage with your students this way, you tap into their natural curiosity and drive to learn, making each tutoring session a motivating experience for both of you.
 

It facilitates active listening

Active listening is a crucial skill that is often hard for children to master. It requires a person to pay attention to the speaker, understand the message, and respond appropriately without seeming bored, aggressive, or self-centered. Because active listening can be an abstract concept for young students, it's important for tutors to teach this by example. This is necessary for the student to understand the tutor and have a better learning experience overall.

According to the podcast Families That Stick Together children are more likely to pick up different communication skills, like active listening, with regular practice. As such, some communication habits that tutors can observe and similarly encourage in children include establishing eye contact, avoiding interruptions, and asking follow-up questions. Teaching children these skills through online tutoring will set them up for a lifetime of effective communication, while also enriching your lessons.
 

It enhances critical thinking skills

Critical thinking skills are crucial for school and life, and online tutoring offers an effective channel to develop them. A study by the journal Thinking Skills and Creativity suggests that critical thinking can be developed through teaching practices developed by educators. In an online setup, effective communication by tutors allows students to ask questions, express doubts, and apply the knowledge they gain in real-life scenarios. These are essential for problem-solving skills development which is one of the main goals of education.

Tutors can model critical thinking by sharing their thought processes when solving problems or making decisions and encouraging students to do the same. Another tip is to use open-ended questions and prompts that require students to think critically, such as "Why do you think that is?" or "What would happen if we looked at this problem from a different angle?" By exposing students to different viewpoints and encouraging them to consider different angles, you can help them develop the ability to analyze and evaluate information.

Effective communication is just one of the building blocks of fruitful online tutoring sessions, as outlined in our post "Is Online Tutoring Good for Children?" Besides enhancing students' self-learning skills and providing them with one-on-one attention, online tutoring can also serve as an effective platform for building crucial life skills such as active listening and critical thinking. By fostering open and clear communication, online tutors can help students develop the skills they need to succeed academically and in their daily lives.