Most parents ask about fees and timing, agree, and start classes. Three months later, small misunderstandings have become real problems. A fifteen minute conversation at the start avoids almost all of them.
About their experience
- How long have you been teaching this class and subject?
- Which boards have you taught? CBSE, ICSE, WBBSE?
- How many students are you currently teaching?
- Can you share the experience of a student you helped who was struggling?
The last question is the useful one. Listen to whether they describe a real situation or give a vague answer.
About how they teach
- How do you find out where a new student’s weak points are?
- What happens in a typical class?
- Do you follow the school syllabus, or teach in your own order?
- How much homework will you give, and will you check it?
- How do you handle a student who keeps making the same mistake?
A tutor with a clear answer to these has a method. One who answers only in general terms may be teaching without a plan.
About the schedule
- Which days and times are you offering?
- How long is each class?
- What happens if you have to cancel a class?
- What if we have to cancel?
- Can you give extra classes before exams? Is that charged separately?
About fees
- What is the monthly fee and how many classes does it cover?
- When is payment due?
- Will the fee change when my child moves to the next class?
- Are study materials or test papers charged extra?
Getting this in plain words at the start is far better than assuming.
About communication
- How will you tell us about progress?
- Will you inform us if my child is not doing the homework?
- Can we contact you between classes if there is a doubt before a test?
A tutor who volunteers to give you monthly feedback is usually a serious one.
The question to ask your child
After the demo class, ask your child one thing: did you feel comfortable asking questions? If the answer is no, the tutor may be excellent and still be wrong for your child.
What answers should make you cautious
- A guarantee of specific marks. No honest tutor promises this.
- Refusing a demo class.
- Being vague about their experience with your board.
- Saying they will teach the whole syllabus in a short time.
Keep it a conversation
None of this should feel like an interrogation. A good tutor will be glad you are taking it seriously, and will have questions for you too, about your child’s current level and what you are hoping for. That exchange is usually a good sign.
