How to choose a maths tutor: seven questions for parents
Before choosing a maths tutor, ask these seven questions: the goal, the tutor's background, whether they explain why, how they track progress, whether the centre is registered, the fee terms, and whether your child likes them. Plus warning signs to watch for.
Short answer: a good maths tutor can explain why, keeps track of your child's mistakes and progress, has clear fees and terms, and is someone your child is happy to learn with. Book a trial lesson first, and ask these seven questions.
1. What is the goal?
Decide together with your child: is it keeping up with school, filling gaps in the basics, or aiming for higher marks? Different goals need different tutors and budgets.
2. What is the tutor's background?
Ask how many years they have taught, which levels, and what their own DSE maths grade was. If you hire through an agency, ask the agency for proof of the tutor's qualifications.
3. Can the tutor explain why?
In the trial lesson, bring a question your child got wrong and ask the tutor to go through it. A good tutor first finds the step where your child went wrong, then explains why the method works, not just the answer.
4. How is progress tracked?
Ask whether the tutor records mistakes, how often they report to parents, and how they judge whether your child is improving.
5. Is the tutoring centre registered?
Under the Education Ordinance (Cap. 279), section 3, a place that gives educational courses to 20 or more people in any one day, or to 8 or more people at any one time, counts as a "school" in law and must be registered. You can ask the centre to show its registration.
6. Are the fees and terms clear?
Write down the hourly rate, the number of lessons, the cancellation terms, and any travel or material costs before you start. For typical rates, read How much does a maths tutor cost?
7. Does your child like the tutor?
Children learn well when they feel able to ask questions. After the trial, ask your child: did you understand? Did you feel able to ask questions?
Warning signs
- Guaranteed grades: no tutor can guarantee an exam grade.
- A large fee paid all at once in advance: check the refund terms first.
- Only giving answers: the homework gets done, but your child still cannot do the test.
Safety with home tutoring
- Stay at home for the first lesson.
- Know the tutor's real name and contact details. If you hire through an agency, keep the agency's records.
- Tell your child they can always tell you straight away about anything that makes them uncomfortable.
Beyond tutoring: daily practice
With one or two lessons a week, how your child practises on the other days matters just as much. Sprout, the online maths teacher at Sprout Classroom, is free with no sign-up. Each lesson takes a few minutes and a wrong answer shows the reason straight away, which suits daily revision between tutoring lessons. Lessons are in Chinese for now.