The world of online learning is a very exciting space in 2024. The momentum that started with virtual learning during school closures has grown exponentially in that time. We’re using exciting engagement and visualisation tools in our lessons, and there are an infinite number of digital resources that enable us to see the world from our laptops.
And yet I frequently find myself convincing parents to try their first virtual lesson when they’re adamant they want face to face. And I can understand where this comes from. The parent experience of lockdown and virtual schooling was painful. Zoom fatigue is very real, and the online learning that happened in 2020 was delivered by overstretched tutors with platforms that were being pushed beyond their 2020 capabilities.
If that’s the experience you’re expecting of an online tutoring session, please allow me five minutes to change your mind.
Equality of equipment
In the virtual classroom, each student has access to the same tools. This means that everyone starts on the same footing. All of the tools they need exist within the virtual classroom.
screen sharing
tech tools
free software
They just need the internet/mobile connection. If you are able to provide this, then you are able to provide everything they will ever need to learn.
Location is irrelevant
You can connect with tutors all over the world in the virtual classroom. This means that you can connect with the best tutor for you regardless of location. It also allows your learning experience to include wider perspectives.
There is no travel time required. When your tutor doesn’t have to spend time and money travelling to you, they can use that time and money to deliver a better service for you.
There is also no requirement for you to be there to be there – you can observe with the web link too. Parents spend more than enough time playing taxi and chaperone. You don’t need to do that in the classroom too.
Tech availability
The world of online learning is growing rapidly, which means that the online world has a vast array of tools to offer that you may not currently even be aware of.
Your tutor, working in that world, will have direct access to this, and will likely have the capacity to invest in paid tools that wouldn’t be worthwhile for you to invest in alone.
Lean in to the digital works
Your virtual tutor should be willing to meet with you through the same tools they’ll use to deliver your lessons, and so you will see what the environment will be like for your child before you start.
The virtual classroom does not look like the Zoomageddon you probably experienced through lockdown. A good tutor will deliver an engaging, connected session through their virtual classroom.
Neurodiverse approach
A frequent objection to online tutoring is that it is less accessible for neurodiverse students. That is likely also a perspective that leans back into the experience of school closures and Zoom fatigue. A student with executive function and regulation issues would be truly up against it in a group Teams session with no cameras or mics on. Death by PowerPoint might be something you’re familiar with. I don’t think neurodiversity is the problem so much as the platform, or not using the platform as intended. In a one to one or small group session with a tutor experienced in the virtual classroom it should be a completely different experience.
Are you interested in seeing what the digital classroom looks like? You can schedule a virtual classroom session with me anytime at https://usemotion.com/meet/georgina/meeting.
Being a teenager comes with a fair amount of baggage. I am a big fan of lightening the load wherever possible. And that’s what I aim to do with this blog, but figuratively rather than literally as this blog is all about what you need to fill your bag with to be prepared for study and exams.
Having worked with hundreds of students since 2012 I’ve gotten a very good idea of the tools that help, and the tools that really don’t. Of course there’s always room for things that just add fun, and I’d always recommend a healthy dose of that as long as we’re staying on track for your goals.
The Ultimate GCSE Success Planner
It would be churlish of me not to put at the top of this list my very own guide to GCSE success, published on Amazon. This planner is designed to make the process of exam prep as simple as possible by breaking down the entire year into a step by step process for you to follow. This will tell you exactly what to do at each turn, where to go for help, how to build confidence, manage your wellbeing, and even how to tackle results day. No GCSE student should be without it in 2024.
So now there’s no reason for overwhelm to sneak up on you.
Revision guides
Every GCSE student since forever has used the CGP revision guides to prepare for their exams. They are the absolute best, and I can’t recommend them highly enough. These guys put a lot into delivering an all inclusive revision guide for GCSE students, aligned to a specific curriculum, subject, and level. They understand learning and layout the content in a way that makes it make sense, and makes it stick. I can genuinely still remember pages from the revision guides I used for my own exams, and I have no special powers. They’re just that good (and I have probably used them a good few times).
I’ve collated some of my favourites for the most popular exam specs in this amazon list.
A leak proof, dishwasher friendly water bottle
Hydration plays a big part in focus and mental capacity at school. I remember the days when we weren’t allowed a drink in classrooms, and had to queue up at break time to use the water fountain (bleurgh). Those days are no more, and every student should have a water bottle in their bag.
But no one wants to have a sink full of clunky water bottles at the end of the day because they can’t go in the dishwasher, so make sure you get dishwasher friendly bottles.
And no one wants their drink leaking all over their homework, so make sure it is leak proof. These usually come with some sort of lock to open before drinking that really holds the drink securely when it is in your bag.
This one comes in loads of colours to keep all of the family happy – https://amzn.to/3snByzQ.
A good scientific calculator
All calculators are not created equal. The chances are if you’ve had one in a desk drawer for ten years it won’t be suitable for exams. It needs to include trigonometry functions, powers, roots, and standard form buttons. It is even more helpful if the calculator your child takes into the exams is the calculator they’ve been using in lessons for the year, so that they’re really familiar with it. They’ll also have had time to ask their teacher for help with the functions as they go. Trust me when I tell you their maths teacher will have seen all of the calculator types.
This Casio Classwiz is a popular pick for GCSE student as it has everything they need at a low price.
Mechanical pencils
One of my favourite inventions is the mechanical pencil! No more pencil sharpening’s all over the place. No more frustrating snapped pencils mid-drawing. A mechanical pencil is a permanently sharp and ready to use pencil in your pencil case and in your exams. It’s a nice quick win that I definitely recommend adding to your school purchases.
Index cards
When you think revision, index cards usually follow. They are a really useful tool for revising. Building them builds memory connections that already help you with exam recall, but they’re then a useful prompt tool for quick study on the go. I always recommend these to students, and this set comes with a great storage solution to keep them organised.
Highlighters
Another study staple is a set of highlighters. The simple application of highlighting key terms means that we automatically pay more attention to what we read. It is also a quick way to make notes more accessibly by highlighting key terms and breaking up blocks of text.
All exams come with maths, and having the right tools can make using them a lot easier. Too often I see students struggling to use a compass or a protractor simply because they don’t have a well made one. Plastic compasses are usually not sturdy enough to draw a clean circle, or to use for constructions. This Helix set is tried and tested and is always the one I recommend for my students.
A clear pencil case
Usually clear pencil cases are required for exams. It allows invigilators to see exactly what each student has brought into the exam hall so that they know there is no cheating. You can use a bag for this purpose but it makes sense to buy a fit for all purpose pencil case from the beginning. This sturdy pencil case stands up on the desk so is easy to use in the exams with limited desk space.
Good quality note paper
This is the most overlooked revision resource – paper. Every time I ask my students if they have paper in their lessons the answer is no. I think it is because they are given notebooks for each lesson and it doesn’t occur until they need it that they might write down anything else. I highly recommend having one of these sturdy notebooks in your revision kit. They are rugged enough to survive the school bag and pages can be removed to organise revision notes later. I always use these notebooks now. You can also get square, plain, and graph paper from the same supplier, and they’re great quality.
In the realm of education, the pursuit of wealth is seldom the driving force behind our unwavering passion. As dedicated educators, we wholeheartedly embrace our roles as champions of knowledge and mentors to our students. However, the demands of the profession often leave us grappling with burnout, yearning for greater control over our time and energy. This realisation has sparked a growing trend among educators as they explore alternative avenues within the private sector, seeking opportunities to unlock passive income streams. Rather than perpetually trading our time for money and stretching ourselves thin, we possess a vast reservoir of expertise waiting to be harnessed. Join us as we delve into the world of passive income options specifically tailored for tutors, where we can thrive both personally and professionally.
Defining Passive Income
Before we embark on this transformative journey, it’s essential to understand the true meaning of passive income. Contrary to popular belief, it does not imply a complete absence of work. In fact, most of the effort is invested at the outset, making things appear worse before they get better. The term “passive” refers to the liberation from the conventional model of selling time for money — a familiar practice in service-based industries. Although the upfront investment of time and/or money is required, passive income ultimately grants us the freedom to reclaim our time in the long run.
Breaking Free from the Time-for-Money Trap
Tutoring often confines us to selling our time, placing a cap on our income potential and the number of students we can assist. However, we possess a wealth of knowledge and experience that extends far beyond the limitations of one-on-one sessions. By introducing passive income streams into our professional profiles, we can amplify our impact and share our expertise with a wider audience. Seasoned educators likely possess a treasure trove of valuable content that can be repurposed and shared through various platforms with just a little time invested in polishing it for a broader audience.
Discovering Your Unique Path to Passive Income
Passive income need not be limited to tutoring-related endeavours. Many tutors possess marketable skills beyond their educational support, presenting additional avenues to add value and generate income. Take a moment to reflect on your expertise and ask yourself: What areas do I have more knowledge and insight in than the average person? By brainstorming and exploring your areas of interest, expertise, and audience needs, you can identify potential passive income ideas that align with your passions and capabilities.
Transforming Knowledge and Assets into Passive Income Products
There are numerous ways to convert your knowledge and assets into lucrative passive income products. Consider some of these options:
Renting out physical space or property
Creating digital information products
Establishing memberships/subscriptions
Exploring affiliate marketing
Engaging in wholesale or craft sales
Exploring investment opportunities
Don’t limit yourself to just one option—having multiple streams of passive income not only diversifies your earnings but also strengthens your financial stability. Take that crucial first step today and start building your passive income empire.
Learn more about Passive Income Options for Tutors
Incorporating passive income into your tutoring business model can revolutionise the longevity of your venture, enhance your energy management, and enable you to support a greater number of students. It’s a win-win situation for educators and the clients we serve. If you’re eager to explore the potential of passive income in your tutoring business, we invite you to check out our upcoming course, “Passive Income Options for Tutors.” This comprehensive course covers essential topics such as selecting your unique passive income idea, customer research, building an online audience, setting up effective sales funnels, and valuable automation and tech tips. Upgrade your skills and seize the opportunity to thrive in the world of passive income by purchasing the course at the introductory rate of £50 GBP through this link: https://georginagreen.thrivecart.com/passive-income-options-for-tutors/?ref=blog.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, its that no one achieves anything by themselves. Elvis had Colonel Tom Parker, Beyonce had Destiny’s Child, and Lewis Hamilton had Anthony Hamilton.
Now I’m not saying we’re about to start winning any golden awards (although you might) but growing a business is still pretty epic and it takes more than a few helping hands along the way.
My business started back in 2012 when I was still working full time in a laboratory role and renovating my home. I have had the support of several business coaches along the way, as well as managers in my employment, my tutor team, virtual assistants, my family, and various contractors. But the really aligned and consistent growth happened when I made a concerted effort to grow my network and meet other small business owners on the same journey as me.
Now that I’m on this side of it, it seems so obvious. But for a long time I didn’t know anyone else in business. I found all of my answers from Google, from watching what other people did, or from spending money on training. And so I didn’t have anyone to bounce ideas around with over a cuppa, or to be really honest with about how hard it is to grow a business from scratch.
There were many times when I considered packing it all in and just sticking with paid 9-5 employment (the horror). When inevitable roadblocks hit, I looked to those I could see in business from the outside, and their apparently effortless success made me feel like I was wasting my time.
But here’s the ‘shocker’ – it isn’t easy for anyone. When we have others in our corner who not only understand our challenges but understand the solutions they give us the boost we need to deal with those roadblocks. It doesn’t get easier. We get stronger when we’re not trying to do it all alone.
And what’s more, connecting to others in the business world is a great addition to your marketing strategy. These folks have an engaged audience of your target market? Why wouldn’t we want to connect with them.
So where do we find our Destiny’s Child?
Online communities.
The internet has opened up a whole world of connectivity that we can dive right into. But while there’s a party for everyone, we don’t want to be part of everyone’s party.
These are the places I go to find my Business Bestie Boosters.
Tutors Need Tutors
Of course I lean on my own community within Facebook. These folks have been by my side since March 2020 and they give me a daily pep boost. Initially launched to support classroom teachers with the transition to online working, the group has grown massively since 2020, and the members are always ready to support each other. The ethos that it was started with has spread through the community, so it is extremely rare that we experience any negativity in there.
There’s now a library of resources around tech that you can use for online lessons, filling your calendar with customers, and business advice from guest experts I’ve worked with in the past. If you’re a tutor, there’s something in there for you.
The Love Tutoring Community is the internets educator love-in. Not only is it bursting with positivity and encouragement for all of its members, but there are always wonderful things being organised by the LTC team that you won’t want to miss out on.
And even better, they organise in person events so that you can meet up with other educators in real life. Do you remember those days?
They offer masses of value to their free community and to their members. If you are an educator, or involved in the world of education, you will want to get involved.
I’ve been working with Kimba since very early on in my business journey, when she ran a course on using Instagram to grow your business. Kimba’s training and delivery method suited my scientific mind. She’s organised, honest, and very motivated to add value.
Since then, Kimba has established the Online Growth Club (KOGc), with a library of training resources and an online community all designed to support small business owners in growing their business.
Kimba always adds a fun element to her courses and trainings, and it was no surprise when she set up her gamification business. The networking events within the Instagram course and the Online Growth Club were the inspiration for the fun sessions at the Love Tutoring Festival. Kimba knows how to bring the right level of fun, inspiration, and focus.
The Online Growth Club is only open for new members at specific times of the year, but Kimba is generously offering the chance to sneak a peak at what a KOGc networking event looks like. She’s opened up the next networking event happening 12pm BST 4th May for anyone to join in.
The membership is usually £47 per month, but you can join the event for just £5, or £9 to include a trial of KOGc. That means that you can attend the same networking event as me for less than I am paying 😉 Come and smirk at me through Zoom.
I actually often hate networking events because of the many stuffy conferences I attended in my past employment. But I really enjoyed the KOGc socials. Kimba plans activities that will bring everyone in but not put anyone on the spot. Lots of fun and totally non-cringy, which is what I worry about when I join networking events.
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