Introduction

Worried online tutoring might feel impersonal or lack a personal touch?

You’re not alone. Many parents and students worry that virtual sessions lack the personal rapport of in-person learning.

But the truth? Online tutors can build meaningful, impactful connections with their students.

Here’s how it’s done.

Why This Myth Exists

When choosing between online and in-person tutoring, parents often worry that the screen acts as a barrier.

They imagine the personal rapport built during in-person sessions—those moments at the start of a lesson or casual conversations while packing up—simply doesn’t happen online.

It’s an understandable concern, but it doesn’t reflect how online tutoring really works.

How Online Tutors Build Strong Connections

Connecting with students is less about physical proximity and more about intentionality.

As an online tutor, I make it a priority to get to know my students and build trust from day one.

Here are some strategies I use to create a warm and engaging environment:

• Learning about their interests: I ask questions about their hobbies, favorite books, and extracurriculars to find out what they enjoy.

• Starting with icebreakers: Each session begins with a fun question to get the conversation going.

• Relating the content to their lives: Whether it’s discussing relatable characters in a story or assigning personalized writing prompts, I make sure lessons are relevant to their interests.

• Checking in regularly: I follow up on what we’ve talked about in previous sessions—like a big soccer game or an exciting new book—so students know I care about them beyond academics.

It’s not just the start or end of a session where connections happen. Connections are woven into everything we do.

Real Stories, Real Connections

Take one of my middle school students, for example.

When we started working together, she was painfully shy, answering my questions with one-word responses whenever possible.

Through creative writing activities, relatable discussions, and even a few silly jokes, she began to relax.

Fast forward a couple of months, and we were laughing about inside jokes from those same vocabulary-building writing exercises, inside jokes that have stayed with us almost a year later!

By fostering trust and making our sessions engaging, I encouraged my student to start opening up, and she did just that.

What Makes Connection Possible? The Right Approach

Online tutoring works because it’s not about where we meet; it’s about how we meet.

Sessions with me don’t just focus on assignments or grades. I take the time to listen, laugh, and genuinely connect with my students.

Even in a virtual setting, there’s room for inside jokes, engaging discussions, and a shared sense of purpose.

Parents sometimes hesitate to try online tutoring, worried it will feel distant or disconnected. But with the right tutor and the right approach, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Final Thoughts

The myth that online tutors can’t connect with their students is just that, a myth.

While the medium may be different, the care and intention behind the connection remain the same.

As an online tutor, I ensure every session feels personal, engaging, and supportive.

If your student is ready to grow and thrive in a connected learning environment, let’s get started today!