What to Do If You Don’t Like Your Tutor: Online English Guide

Online English lessons offer flexibility, convenience, and a wide selection of teachers. But sometimes, you might find yourself in a situation where you just don’t “click” with your tutor. Maybe their teaching style doesn’t suit you, their accent is hard to understand, or you simply don’t feel comfortable in class.

Don’t worry—this is more common than you think. The good news is that there are effective ways to handle it without losing motivation or progress. This guide will help you understand what to do if you don’t like your tutor and how to make the most of your online learning experience.

Understanding Why You Don’t Like Your Tutor

Before taking any action, it’s important to understand why you feel this way. Your reason will determine the best way forward.

1. Teaching Style Differences

Some tutors focus heavily on grammar and correction, while others prioritize conversation and fluency. If your learning preferences don’t match your tutor’s methods, frustration can easily occur.

2. Personality and Communication

You might find your tutor too serious or too casual. Maybe they talk too much, or perhaps they don’t give enough feedback. Personality mismatch is natural and doesn’t mean anyone is wrong—it just means you might need a different fit.

3. Accent or Speaking Speed

If your tutor speaks too fast or with an unfamiliar accent, understanding can be difficult. While this challenge can help you improve your listening skills, it may also slow your progress if it’s too overwhelming.

4. Lack of Connection or Motivation

Sometimes, you might not feel inspired or encouraged in class. A good tutor motivates you to speak, think, and improve. If that connection is missing, lessons can feel like a chore.

Step 1: Reflect Before Reacting

Take a moment to think about your feelings before deciding to switch teachers. Ask yourself:

• Is this just one bad lesson, or a consistent issue?

• Am I having a bad day or feeling stressed from something else?

• Can this problem be fixed through communication?

Often, one uncomfortable class doesn’t mean the tutor is bad. Miscommunication, tiredness, or even technical issues can affect your impression.

Try giving the tutor one or two more lessons before making a final judgment.

Step 2: Communicate Your Concerns Clearly

If you feel the problem might be fixable, try talking to your tutor directly. Most online tutors appreciate feedback and are willing to adjust.

How to Communicate Effectively

Be polite but honest. Use phrases like:

• “I really enjoy your lessons, but could we focus more on conversation?”

• “Sometimes I find it hard to follow when the pace is too fast. Could we slow down a little?”

• “I’d love to do more pronunciation practice in class.”

Simple comments like these can make a big difference. Your tutor will know exactly how to adapt their approach to your needs.

Step 3: Request a Teaching Adjustment

If you want to continue with your current tutor but need some changes, here are ways to improve the situation:

1. Adjust Lesson Focus

Ask for more speaking practice, fewer corrections, or more structured grammar time depending on your goal.

2. Change Learning Materials

If the materials are too difficult or too easy, request a level adjustment. Many tutors have access to multiple lesson plans or platforms.

3. Try a Different Lesson Type

You could try casual conversation lessons instead of structured ones, or vice versa. Variety often improves motivation.

4. Ask for Clearer Feedback

If you feel you’re not improving, ask your tutor to give more feedback or track your progress.

Step 4: Use the Platform’s Support Options

If direct communication doesn’t work, most online English platforms offer ways to resolve the issue.

1. Contact Customer Support

Explain your situation politely. For example:

“I’ve had several lessons with my tutor, but I feel the class style doesn’t match my learning preferences. Could I try another teacher?”

Customer support usually handles this kind of request quickly.

2. Try a Trial Lesson with Another Tutor

Many platforms allow you to try different tutors at no extra cost. Take advantage of this to compare teaching styles.

3. Leave Constructive Feedback

When you leave a review, be fair. Mention what was good and what didn’t work for you. This helps both the tutor and the platform improve.

Step 5: Try Different Tutors to Find the Right Fit

Sometimes, the best solution is simply to try someone new.

What to Look for in a Tutor

When browsing profiles, check for:

• Teaching style (conversation-based, grammar-focused, test preparation, etc.)

• Accent and speech clarity

• Experience with your level

• Student reviews and teaching philosophy

Experiment and Compare

Don’t hesitate to test multiple tutors. Even native speakers vary greatly in teaching method and energy. Once you find someone who motivates you, your progress will accelerate.

Step 6: Learn from the Experience

Even if you decide to change tutors, you can still gain something valuable from the experience.

What You Can Learn

• You now know more about what kind of teaching style works for you.

• You’ve practiced communication by expressing your learning needs.

• You’ve developed the confidence to manage your own learning path.

Every learning relationship teaches you something—positive or negative.

Step 7: Maintain Professionalism

No matter what happens, stay polite and professional. Online tutors often work hard to support students worldwide, and showing respect keeps your reputation positive.

If you decide to move on, you can simply say:

“Thank you for your lessons. I’ve learned a lot, but I’d like to try another teaching style to see what works best for me.”

Ending on good terms helps you maintain confidence and maturity as a learner.

Step 8: Stay Motivated and Keep Learning

Don’t let one bad experience make you lose interest in studying English. The tutor is only part of the journey—you are the main driver of your progress.

Keep Practicing Independently

• Watch English videos or listen to podcasts.

• Review your lesson notes.

• Use language exchange apps to practice with others.

• Continue your study plan until you find the right tutor.

Consistency matters more than perfection.

Bonus: How to Avoid the Same Situation Again

When choosing your next tutor, use these strategies:

1. Read Tutor Descriptions Carefully

Look for teachers who match your goals—conversation, pronunciation, IELTS, or business English.

2. Watch Introduction Videos

You’ll get a feel for their speaking style, tone, and personality before booking.

3. Read Student Reviews

Comments from other learners can help you predict what kind of experience to expect.

4. Start with Trial Lessons

Take short lessons with different tutors to compare teaching styles and energy.

5. Communicate Your Expectations Early

Tell your new tutor what you want to focus on right from the start.

Final Thoughts

Not liking your tutor doesn’t mean you’ve failed or that online learning isn’t for you. It simply means you’re discovering what type of learning environment helps you grow.

Be patient, open-minded, and proactive in managing your learning experience. Once you find the right teacher, you’ll notice how enjoyable and productive your lessons can be.

Remember: the right tutor doesn’t just teach you English—they inspire confidence, guide your goals, and make you love the process of learning.

FAQs

What are the most common reasons students don’t like a tutor?

Misalignment in teaching style, unclear lesson goals, personality mismatch, accent or pace that’s hard to follow, insufficient feedback, or lessons that feel too easy or too difficult are the most common reasons. None of these mean you’re a bad learner or your tutor is a bad teacher; it usually means the fit isn’t right for your current goals.

How can I tell if it’s a one-time issue or a persistent problem?

Look for patterns over 2–3 lessons. If the same issues reappear—like unclear instructions, minimal speaking time, or materials that don’t match your level—it’s likely persistent. If the problem stemmed from fatigue, tech trouble, or nerves, one follow-up lesson often feels noticeably better.

What should I say to my tutor if I’m unhappy with the lessons?

Be specific, polite, and solution-focused. Try: “Could we slow down and include more comprehension checks?” or “I’d like 20 minutes of focused pronunciation drills each class.” Clear requests help tutors adapt quickly and avoid defensiveness. Frame it as improving the class together, not criticizing the person.

Is it worth giving the tutor another chance after a bad class?

Yes, if the issue is potentially fixable—pace, activity mix, or feedback depth—give it one or two more lessons. State your preferences at the start of the next session and agree on a simple structure (warm-up, target focus, feedback). If there’s no improvement after clear communication, consider switching.

How do I request specific changes without sounding rude?

Use “I” statements and measurable requests: “I learn best when I get corrections after I finish speaking,” or “I need a 10-minute grammar recap with examples.” Thank the tutor for adjusting. This approach emphasizes your learning needs rather than implying fault.

What if the tutor’s accent or speaking speed is hard for me?

Ask for pacing adjustments and listening scaffolds: slower speech during explanations, keyword highlighting in chat, short summaries, and comprehension checks. Exposure to diverse accents is valuable, but it shouldn’t block understanding. If it still feels overwhelming, try a tutor whose accent is easier for you at your current stage.

How can I evaluate whether a new tutor will be a better fit?

Before booking, check their intro video for clarity and energy, read reviews that mention your goals (e.g., business English, IELTS), and look for lesson structure in their profile. In your first message, state goals, preferred activities, correction style, and pacing. A good match responds with a concrete plan for session one.

What structure should I request to improve lesson quality?

Ask for a simple, repeatable framework: 3–5 minutes warm-up, 10 minutes targeted skill (grammar, pronunciation, or vocabulary), 10–15 minutes guided speaking with real-time or delayed corrections, and 3 minutes of wrap-up with 2–3 homework tasks. Consistency builds momentum and makes progress trackable.

How do I use platform features to handle a mismatch?

Most platforms let you trial multiple tutors, switch teachers, or contact support. Keep notes on what worked and what didn’t, leave constructive feedback (facts, not feelings), and request recommendations for tutors who specialize in your goals or learning style. Save chat transcripts to share expectations with a new tutor.

What if I feel guilty about changing tutors?

It’s normal to feel awkward, but your learning goals come first. Switching isn’t a judgment on the tutor; it’s an optimization. A professional, appreciative message—“Thank you for your lessons; I’m going to try a different style for my goals”—keeps things respectful while protecting your progress.

How can I keep improving while I search for a new tutor?

Maintain continuity with self-study: review class notes, record yourself summarizing articles, shadow clear audio for pronunciation, and do targeted drills (e.g., five collocations per day). Set micro-goals (one email, one role-play, one listening summary per day) so you don’t lose momentum between tutors.

What should I include in my “learning brief” for a new tutor?

Write a short brief covering: your goal (e.g., pass IELTS 6.5 in 12 weeks), current level, preferred activities, correction timing, pace, topics you care about, common mistakes, and homework availability. Share a sample of your writing or a 60-second speaking clip. This accelerates alignment from lesson one.

How can I measure progress to know if the new fit is better?

Use objective and subjective signals: weekly speaking recordings, a vocabulary tracker with active recall, error logs for grammar/pronunciation, and a confidence rating after each class (1–5). If clarity, fluency, and comfort rise across 3–4 lessons—and your homework output increases—you’ve likely found a better fit.

When is it best to stop and switch immediately?

If the environment feels unsafe or disrespectful, if repeated requests are ignored, or if lessons consistently cause anxiety and confusion, switch right away. Learning requires psychological safety. Choose a tutor who listens, adapts, and builds your confidence while challenging you appropriately.

Online English Learning Guide: Master English Anytime, Anywhere