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29-08-24

5 Shocking Mistakes Parents Make While Choosing an Online English Institute

5 Shocking Mistakes Parents Make While Choosing an Online English Institute

Choosing the best online English learning institute for your child can feel like a challenging decision. As parents, we want to make sure our kids are getting the best education possible. With so many options available, making the right choice can be daunting. Don’t worry! We are here to help you make the best choice. This guide will show you what mistakes not to make while choosing the online English program so your child can learn successfully.

1. Not Verifying the Teacher’s License

When picking an online English program, the most important thing to check is if the teachers are qualified. A good teacher makes a big difference in how well your child learns. Look for teachers who have the right training and certifications. Here are some common ones:

  • TET: Teacher Eligibility Test
  • CTET: Central Teacher Eligibility Test
  • B.Ed.: Bachelor of Education
  • D.El.Ed.: Diploma in Elementary Education

Before you sign up, ask if the teachers have any of these qualifications and if you can see proof. This way, you know your child is learning from someone who is experienced and capable.

2. Not Asking for a Copy of the Customized Curriculum

As a parent, you know what your child is good at and where they struggle. That’s why a customized curriculum is important. But are you really going to get the customized learning plan? To make sure your child gets the attention they need, ask for a copy of the customized curriculum. Look for two things:

  • Does it contain specific areas where the teacher is concerned, such as pronunciation or reading skills?
  • Does it include areas you are concerned about, such as building your child’s confidence or reducing spelling mistakes?

If the program doesn't cover these points, it may not truly be customized. At Speak Fine, we create personalized learning plans for each child to ensure they get the best support possible. Click here to see how a true customized learning plan looks like

3. Not Looking for Monthly Payment Options Without Loans

Firstly, all online learning programs require full payment upfront. If they offer the flexibility of monthly payments, it often involves hidden third-party loans. Institutes might collect documents such as Aadhar and PAN cards, claiming they need these as a guarantee for timely payments. However, if you stop classes, you could end up stuck with the loan.

4. Not Understanding the Hidden Costs and the Value They Are Going to Get

Some online English programs promise numerous one-on-one live classes per week but only deliver a few. They might split your child’s schedule into practice, regular, and performance classes, but only the regular classes will involve direct interaction with the teacher. Practice and performance classes might only involve logging into a dashboard to complete activities, which makes the cost per class significantly higher than expected. Before enrolling, ask how many live classes are included and what types of classes are offered. At Speak Fine, we provide a clear estimate of live classes so you know exactly what you’re getting.

5. Not Asking About How Progress Will Be Tracked

Progress tracking is as important as teaching the kids. It’s the only way to determine if the child is learning effectively. Different programs use different tools to track student progress. While these tools can save time, they might not be very accurate, especially for written work. Here are some ways progress can be tracked:

  • Interactive Learning Platforms
  • Automated Assessment and Feedback Tools
  • Personalized Learning Paths
  • Regular Progress Reports

At Speak Fine, we use a balanced approach. We employ technology tools but also real teachers who manually track your child’s progress to ensure accurate feedback and the right support. Click here to see how a hybrid progress tracking report looks like.

6. Not Understanding the Tricks and Marketing Stunts

After taking the free trial class, you may start receiving emails such as “Your child is one of the selected few who has cleared the public speaking test” or offers like “your child is being offered a discount coupon for good performance in the trial class”. These are marketing stunts used by institutes. Avoid focusing on these gimmicks and pay close attention to the key points explained above.

Conclusion: Start Your Child’s Journey to Success Today!

Choosing the best online English institute is crucial for your child’s future. By ensuring that teachers are qualified, requesting a customized curriculum, choosing flexible payment options, understanding the true costs, and ensuring proper progress tracking, you can make the best choice. At Speak Fine, we ensure all these things. We are dedicated to helping your child grow and become a confident English speaker. We invite you to try our approach by booking a Free Trial Class today! See for yourself how we can help your child succeed.

Take the first step now! Book your free trial class with Speak Fine!