You have noticed that your child is struggling with a subject, but you are not sure why. They may understand lessons at school yet find homework difficult. Perhaps their test scores have dropped, or they can answer direct questions but get stuck when a problem is presented differently.
A free academic diagnostic session helps us find a useful starting point. It gives the tutor an opportunity to meet your child, observe how they think and identify areas that may need support.
Your child does not need to study for it as though it were an exam. The goal is to understand how they learn, including what they can already do well.
What happens during the session?
At Glareminds, the free diagnostic session lasts approximately 30 minutes. The tutor speaks with the learner, works through a few suitable questions or activities and pays attention to how they approach each task.
The session may explore whether your child:
- Understands the key ideas behind a topic.
- Can explain how they reached an answer.
- Applies what they know to an unfamiliar question.
- Reads and interprets instructions carefully.
- Feels confident asking for help when they are unsure.
The tutor may also explain a concept briefly and see how the learner responds. That can help us understand which teaching approach works well for them.
A short session cannot measure everything about a child’s ability. It can, however, reveal a sensible place to begin and show which areas deserve a closer look in future lessons.
What should parents share beforehand?
A little context helps us choose appropriate questions. Before the session, tell us:
- Your child’s year or grade and location. This helps us understand their stage of schooling.
- Their curriculum and exam board, if applicable. For example, British GCSE, Cambridge IGCSE, IB MYP, Ontario or British Columbia.
- The subject they need help with. Be as specific as you can, even if your description is simply “Maths word problems” or “English writing.”
- What you or their teacher have noticed. A recent change in confidence or performance is useful to know.
- Any learning needs or accommodations we should consider. This allows us to make the session more comfortable and useful.
If you are unsure about the curriculum or exam board, let us know. You do not need to have every answer before booking.
Should my child revise before the diagnostic?
There is no need for special revision. We want to see how your child approaches work at their current level, including the questions they find difficult.
You can tell them: “This is a chance for the tutor to understand how you learn. It is okay to ask questions, make mistakes and say when you are unsure.”
That reassurance is especially important for a learner who feels worried about tests. A diagnostic session should give them room to think aloud, not pressure them to perform perfectly.
What should we have ready for an online session?
Choose a quiet place where your child can concentrate. Check the internet connection and make sure the device is charged. It also helps to have paper, a pen or pencil, and any tools normally used for the subject, such as a calculator where appropriate.
If you have a recent school report, marked test or homework task that shows the difficulty, you may share it beforehand. This is helpful but optional.
Parents are welcome to help younger learners settle into the call. Once the session begins, let your child attempt the questions in their own way. Seeing their independent thinking gives the tutor more useful information than hearing a coached answer.
What should parents expect afterwards?
The most valuable outcome is a clear explanation of what to work on next. You can ask:
- What did my child do well?
- Which gaps or habits did you notice?
- What should we prioritise first?
- How would tutoring address those needs?
- How will we know whether they are improving?
The answers should connect to what the tutor observed during the session. A child who struggles with fractions needs a different plan from a child who understands fractions but misreads multi-step word problems.
Is a diagnostic only for children with low grades?
No. Some learners earn good school grades but struggle with past papers, reasoning questions or a new curriculum. Others want to prepare for a transition, such as moving into secondary school, starting IGCSE or joining an IB programme.
The session can help clarify whether the learner needs to strengthen a foundation, practise a particular exam skill or become more confident explaining their ideas.
Book a free academic diagnostic session with Glareminds
Glareminds provides one-on-one online tutoring in Maths, English, Science and other academic subjects across British, Canadian, American, Australian, Nigerian and IB curricula.
If you are unsure where your child needs help, begin with a free 30-minute academic diagnostic session. Tell us your child’s year or grade, curriculum and main concern, and we will help you take the next step.
WhatsApp: +234 703 947 2179
Website: www.glareminds.com