How to run a trial class

A trial class helps the family decide and helps you see the student. Plan it so both sides learn something.

Before the class

Ask the parent for the student's class, board, what they find difficult and their last marks if they are happy to share. Prepare a short check sheet of questions at two levels of difficulty.

A 45-minute plan

Minutes 0 to 5: a friendly start. Ask the student what they like and what they find hard. Put them at ease.
Minutes 5 to 15: a short check of the basics with questions from easy to harder. Note where answers start to slip.
Minutes 15 to 35: teach one small topic from the weak area. Use an example, then let the student try one themselves.
Minutes 35 to 40: give a small task and check it.
Minutes 40 to 45: tell the student what they did well and what you would work on.

Talking to the parent

Say what you saw in plain words: one strength, one gap, and what you would do in the first month. Give the fee, the timings and the fee policy. Ask if they want to join, and let them take a day to decide. A message afterwards helps: see the trial-class line in reminder messages.

Free or paid?

Some tutors give a free first class, some charge a small amount that is adjusted against the first month. A small charge brings serious families. Whatever you choose, say it before the class.

What to avoid

Promising marks or ranks.
Criticising the child's school or earlier tutor.
Talking only about yourself.

Common questions

Should I teach in the trial class or only test?

Do both: a short check to find the level, then a short real lesson, so the family can see how you teach.

What if the student does not want to join?

Thank them, give feedback anyway and leave the door open. Families sometimes return after a few months.

Keep going

The manager keeps its data in your own browser and nothing is sent to us. Hindi and Punjabi messages were written by us and not read by a native speaker: please read them before you send. This site gives practical guidance, not legal or tax advice; rules for tuition classes differ by country and state. Checked 14 November 2026.