Three Criteria for Evaluating Tutoring Value
1. Diagnostic Ability
🔍 Good tutoring gives you a diagnostic report in the first lesson — not vague statements like "weak foundations" but precise identification: which knowledge gaps exist, which question types cause mark loss, what thinking habits need improvement.
AskAnExaminer's approach: In the 30-minute free trial, the teacher completes a preliminary diagnosis — identifying weakness areas and estimating how many sessions are needed. No payment needed to know if the teacher can help.
2. Score Improvement Efficiency
Good tutoring pursues "maximum improvement with minimum sessions." If a teacher says "let's do 20 sessions first" but can't explain what each session achieves — be cautious.
AskAnExaminer teachers set phase goals from day one: "First 3 sessions fix concept X," "IA guidance typically needs 4-6 sessions," "From 5 to 7, about 12-15 sessions for your situation."
3. Teaching Personalization
Group classes and generic 1-on-1 tutoring follow fixed lesson plans regardless of student needs. Real good tutoring customizes for each student. Our examiners create individualized plans after the first session — different students in the same subject will have completely different teaching focuses and pacing.
Investment Return Analysis
| Type | Cost/Hour | Expected Gain | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group Class | Low (~$30-60) | 0.5-1 point | Low efficiency, lacks targeting |
| Regular 1-on-1 | Medium (~$70-120) | 1-1.5 points | Some targeting but teacher may not know marking |
| Examiner 1-on-1 | Medium-High | 1.5-2.5 points | Precision diagnosis + mark scheme insider = highest efficiency |
💡 Smart Parent's Playbook
- Trial first, decide later: AskAnExaminer offers free trials — let your child experience examiner teaching firsthand
- Ask for phase goals: A good teacher can tell you in the first session: approximate session count and phase targets
- Check "cost per point gained": Most expensive isn't always best, cheapest isn't always cheapest — look at improvement per yuan/dollar spent
- Prioritize IA and EE: IA counts 20-25% per subject, EE+TOK determine the extra 3 points — these internal assessments are often the easiest to boost through tutoring
AskAnExaminer's Trial Promise
- 30-minute free trial: Zero-risk examiner teaching experience
- Post-trial diagnosis: Clear identification of weaknesses and improvement plan
- Non-examiner, full refund: If the teacher we recommend isn't an examiner — 100% refund