By AAT Comment StudentsA remote learner’s guide to success: making the most of your tutor25 Jun 2025 Insider tips from established tutors to help students studying remotely to combat isolation and feel motivated to pass their exams.Remote learning has opened doors for countless AAT students, allowing them to pursue their accounting qualifications whilst juggling work, family and other commitments. However, studying from home can sometimes feel isolating, making a strong relationship with your tutor more important than ever.We’ve collated a range of tips from experienced tutors on how to maximise your student-tutor relationship and flourish in your remote studies.Set clear goals from the start and take accountabilityThe most successful remote learners work closely with their tutors to establish achievable goals. Nathaniel Hammond, who was shortlisted for AAT Tutor of the Year, said: “As you prepare for your next unit, it is an ideal opportunity to discuss your circumstances and any targets you wish to achieve with your tutor. This is particularly helpful if you have a deadline to work towards.”Catherine Barranger-Clark from First Intuition, said: “Having an idea of how large each unit is will really help so that you can then plan your studies accordingly and have an idea of when you would be looking to take your exam.”Discuss with your tutor your:Work commitments and available study time.Upcoming holidays or busy periods.Personal deadlines or employer requirements.Preferred learning methods.Whilst your tutor will support you, remote learning requires self-discipline. Nathaniel said: “I can tell you which pages to read, but I cannot turn them for you. Distance learning students must find a method of studying which allows them to maintain progress in a meaningful and consistent way.”Nick Craggs from First Intuition likes to remind his students the importance of what they’re doing. He said: “I tell students to remember why you started studying AAT – it wasn’t because of an intense desire to learn about accruals and pre-payments. It was to further your career, enhance your life and improve your family’s life. Always focus on your ‘why’.”Communication is everythingDon’t let the fear of asking questions hold you back. Your tutor wants to help, and no question is too small. One of the biggest misconceptions remote learners have is that their questions aren’t worth asking.“As far as ‘silly’ questions go, these are non-existent in the eyes of a tutor. If there’s a question that is troubling you, no matter how small or trivial you may think it is, the fact that it is troubling you means it is not a silly question,” said Nathaniel Hammond.Karen Groves from e-Careers says that students will always get quick response times for their questions. She continued: “Students know that if they send an email to us, we’ll aim to get back to them within a couple of hours if possible.”Find what works for you. Good tutors understand that everyone is an individual. Nick added: “Different people have different needs, so we use a variety of methods – email, phone and video calls. Some people really dislike speaking on the phone; others don’t require extensive technical explanations, but rather motivation.” You can tell your tutor, whether you prefer email, phone calls, or video sessions, and let them know what works best for you.Stay connectedRemote learning isn’t about sporadic contact – it’s about consistent communication. Nathaniel Hammond recommends weekly or fortnightly check-ins covering your progress, completion of targets, challenging topics, and any changes in circumstances.Nick Craggs highlights the importance of proactive tutor support. He said: “We have a system in place to check in on learners we haven’t heard from in a couple of weeks. We don’t want them to be suffering in silence, and you can’t assume that if you don’t hear from them, everything is ok.”Your training provider should reach out, but don’t wait for them to contact you – take control of your learning journey. If possible, attend the live sessions and make them count. Karen Groves said: “I get students engaged and actively involved by using the chat box and asking questions rather than it being me just talking at them.”To maximise your live sessions:Actively participate in chat discussions.Ask questions during or after sessions.Stay focused rather than multitasking.Participate in polls and interactive features when they are offered.Get support you can’t find in textbooks“What students should be doing is looking for the help and support you can’t get out of a textbook – personalised support towards you – feedback and advice for written answers,” said Nick Craggs.Karen Groves explains the importance of understanding how accounting concepts apply in real workplace scenarios, not just in exam contexts.She said: “For example, in bank reconciliation in an AAT exam, students might only see a single month’s example, whereas in an actual workplace, they would compare the current month to the previous month and look at reconciling items.”Key areas where tutor support is invaluable:Reviewing practice assessments and providing feedback.Explaining concepts in different ways.Offering exam technique guidance.Connecting theory to workplace applications.Questions to ask your tutor:What is the best study approach for my situation?How can I improve my exam technique?Can you provide feedback on my practice assessments?How would this apply in a real workplace?What resources should I focus on?Am I on track for my target exam dates?When challenges ariseRemote learning can sometimes be isolating, and challenges are a normal part of the process. Catherine Barranger-Clark emphasises the need to communicate challenges with your tutor:She said: “If there’s anything going on in your life that may impact study, this can help the tutor to know that things aren’t going to plan A. We can then support you to get back on track.”Nick Craggs added: “As a tutor, I’m here to offer technical support and provide motivation and assurance that they are good enough and they are ready. You don’t need to get 100% in every mock.”Your action plan and support networkSo, do you want to maximise your relationship with your tutor? Follow these steps…Schedule a goal-setting conversation with your tutor.Set up regular check-ins that work for your schedule.Commit to asking questions – no matter how small or silly you think they are.Engage actively in live sessions.Communicate changes in circumstances promptly.Take accountability for following your study plans.Focus on your ‘why’ when motivation dips..Nathanial Hammond added: “The support will always be available to you, you just need to make the most of it in whatever way works best for you.”Remember, AAT provides additional resources including:The Wellbeing Hub – for managing stress and motivationLearning Portal – for study resources and community connectionFurther readingHow to feel part of the community when studying remotelyTop tips for enhancing your studies while working from homeStudy Smart, Not Hard: Ten Tips for Accountancy Students AAT Comment offers news and opinion on the world of business and finance from the Association of Accounting Technicians.