For quite some time, computer coding has been in high demand. More than half of UK parents believe that learning programming is more important than learning a foreign language since 2014. Learning to programme from a young age, like other skills, can be extremely beneficial.
If you want your children to learn these skills, private tutoring is the best option because many schools do not have the resources until students are much older.
Shaid, a specialist gcse computer science tutor, was interviewed for this article. He is a professional computer science tutor and trainer who has taught GCSE, A-level, and undergraduate students for many years. Expert in both theory and programming content for a variety of AQA, OCR, CIE, and independent university modules. He also provides training to Computer Science teachers in the UK, equipping them with the skills and pedagogy techniques they need to deliver effective and engaging in-class lessons.
Shahid joins us to discuss how to find the best private programming tutor, what to expect from a typical programming class or tutorial, how much private programming tutoring will cost, and the best websites for finding private programming or coding tutors.
How to Find a Computer Science Tutor Online
Before you hire a private tutor and begin learning to code, there are a few questions you should ask yourself. There are some things to consider, as with any other type of private tutoring:
Create a list of learning objectives.
You want to learn to code, but how much do you want to learn?
To ultimately work as a web developer?
Learn a programming language such as Python, Java, JavaScript, C, PHP, and so on?
Create a website and learn CSS, HTML, and MySQL database management?
Pass a computer science or IT exam?
Completing a programming project is a must.
Before making a decision, learn more about your tutor.
You will not be able to progress unless your tutor has a higher level than you. If you’re a beginner, you can always ask a university student for help, but if you’ve done some coding before, you’ll need a more advanced tutor.
What is their area of expertise?
Not every programmer is fluent in every programming language. Others focus on Java or app development, while others specialise in Python.
What is their method of instruction?
You can learn about your potential tutor’s teaching style and whether it will work for you by having a conversation with them.Were they able to make a positive first impression?
Do you prefer face-to-face or online tutoring?
Teaching has both advantages and disadvantages. Online tutorials can take place in almost any situation (including a pandemic), so you can learn to code no matter where you are in the country.
The cost of the tutorials is as follows: We’ll go over the cost of private tutoring in more detail later, but it’s something you should think about as soon as you start looking for private tutors. You should set aside money for the lessons you can afford.
Can You Tell Me About Online Programming Tutoring?
Starting out in programming, algorithms, and app development isn’t like starting out in math, English, or science. While there is some theory, the best way to learn is to do. Your learning will be tailored to what you need to learn right away, whether it’s Python, JavaScript, or the fundamentals of programming.
It’s difficult to describe a typical tutorial because it will vary depending on the programming language you’re learning.
One thing that all of them will have in common is a focus on the practical rather than the theoretical side of things. You will, of course, learn some theory, but programming is something you will learn by doing. You will, however, likely spend less time studying theory than you anticipate. After all, practise makes perfect.
Making mistakes and learning from them by fixing bugs in your code is an excellent way to learn programming.
If you don’t want to do a personal project, your tutor can suggest exercises for you to practise. For example, they might ask you to look for a mistake in a line of code.
You may be given homework to complete before the next lesson at the end of the tutorial. Most lessons will begin by correcting your homework in this case. You can also use this time to ask any questions you may have about the homework or any problems you may have encountered.
You can also get materials from the tutor to study or work on in your spare time.
How much are Private Programming Tutors?
You must be aware of the cost and budget appropriately when selecting a private programming tutor. The cost of the tutorials will vary depending on the following factors:
The tutor’s qualifications and experience. A university professor or an IT specialist with decades of experience will charge more than a student tutoring on the side. Similarly, a tutor with credentials from a prestigious university is more likely to charge more than a self-taught counterpart.
The tutor’s age has an impact on the price. Because they have less experience and fewer outgoings, younger tutors charge less than older tutors.
Your skill level. As a general rule, the higher the student’s level, the more expensive the tutorials will be.
Your objectives. If you want to change careers from the ground up, you’ll most likely need a multi-month intensive course. These will be more expensive than a weekly tutorial in which you learn to code at your own pace.
The content of the course. This is where the concept of supply and demand comes into play. If there are a lot of tutors who offer Python, for example, the tutorials will most likely be less expensive.
Your current location. Tutors will charge more in areas where the cost of living is higher.
Face-to-face tutorials are more expensive than online tutorials because the tutor must travel to their student and, as a result, cannot teach as many classes per week.
The average hourly rate for an online programming tutor is £30/€40/$50. Check out our other articles on programming tutors for more information.
The Best Places to Look for Online Coding Lessons
You can start looking for private programming tutors online now that you know what to look for and consider. Here are some of the best tutoring websites:
- The Profs: Tutoring in London, both online and in person. Since 2016, they’ve been the top-rated UK tutoring platform every year. Provide a one-on-one matching service with professional tutors from prestigious universities.
- Superprof: a large website with a wide range of subjects and reasonable prices. Tutors have varying levels of experience, and many are former students.
- Spires is a top-rated edtech platform that connects students with expert online tutors. On the platform, only tutors with the best academic backgrounds are accepted. This is a well-known website with excellent professional tutors.
- MyTutor: MyTutor uses a pay-as-you-go model and selects its tutors.
- Tutorful: Another large site that isn’t focused on anything in particular. Offers both in-person and online tutoring, as well as a “pay-as-you-learn” model. Tutors typically give a percentage of their earnings back to the platform in these models, which means they may be charging more than they want to.
However, there are a few more platforms and places to find tutors than these.
You could always learn to code in a class or through one of the many university courses available, but coding is complicated, and students can sometimes benefit greatly from a teaching method that is tailored to their needs. Private lessons, whether in person or online, are one-on-one sessions between the tutor and the student, ensuring that every minute is dedicated to the student, the skills they want to learn, and how they want to learn them.
You can find classes with online private tutors for any type of coding skills you want to learn. If you’re new to programming or software development, look for tutors who will give you a free lesson. This is an excellent way to try out a few different tutors and determine which classes and methods are best for you.
Make a list of what you want to get out of your classes and use it to find the right tutors. If you want to learn a specific programming language, such as Java, you’ll want to make sure that any tutors you find are experts in that language.