Quick answer
The short answer
A useful demo shows how the tutor teaches your child, not simply how quickly they can solve a problem. Bring one recent difficulty, watch how the tutor checks understanding and ask your child to explain what they learned. Wavefront's first demo class is free; use it to discuss fit before agreeing to regular lessons.
Before the demo
Share the class, school board and topic in advance. Keep the prescribed book, notebook and a recent question or answer sheet ready. Describe the concern in specific terms: for example, the student can recall a formula but struggles to choose when to use it. Avoid introducing your child as a 'weak student'; explain the learning need instead.
During the lesson
- Does the tutor ask what the student already understands before explaining?
- Are examples appropriate for the student's class and current syllabus?
- Does the student get a chance to attempt a question independently?
- When an answer is wrong, does the tutor explain why and adjust the approach?
- Can the student ask questions comfortably?
- Is communication respectful and patient?
Ask for a small, specific next step
At the end, ask what the tutor would work on first and how practice would be reviewed. A useful answer might identify a prerequisite skill, a chapter and a short independent exercise. Be cautious about promises of a particular score or rapid result; a single demo cannot establish the student's full learning needs.
For home tuition
Confirm the travel area, available days and who will be present at home. Choose a suitable shared study space. Wavefront checks relevant ID and academic documents before tutor assignment; ask the team about the tutor's teaching background and the verification process. A document check and a good teaching fit are different things, so discuss both.
If your family prefers a female tutor, tell the team before matching. The request is considered alongside the subject, class, location and timetable, and depends on a suitable tutor being available.
For online tuition
Check that the student can hear clearly, read the tutor's working and show their own work. A larger screen can help with diagrams and written questions. Ask how homework will be shared and reviewed. The demo is also a practical test of the connection and the student's comfort with the format.
After the demo
- Ask your child to explain one thing they learned in their own words.
- Discuss the proposed subjects, lesson length and weekly timetable.
- Confirm ongoing fees and applicable lesson or cancellation arrangements with the team.
- Share any concern about communication or teaching style before regular classes begin.
Wavefront offers a free tutor replacement when the teaching fit is not right. Tell the parent team what needs to change so the next match can address that concern. A first demo is a starting point for judging fit, not a guarantee of future results.
Want to talk through your child’s specific situation?
Message us with the class, board and subject. We will tell you honestly whether we think tuition would help, including when we think it would not.