Tutoring Pointers
Ron Johnson provides some helpful pointers for USA tutors to consider to get the most out of their first tutoring session.
Being an experienced tutor does not necessarily guarantee that your first lesson will be successful. If you bore your student during the first day of the tuition, the student might not show up for the subsequent follow-up class. So, whether you have done tutoring before or this is your very first time, you make a positive impression from the word go.
Prepare, Prepare, Prepare!
Before the lessons begin, find out as much as you can about your student's interests, strengths, and weaknesses. Also, ensure that you are aware of why they have enrolled for tuition in the first place. Be mindful of the areas they want to excel in and ensure that you set a specific date for the lessons to begin. By so doing, the student will be convinced that you are the right person to help them.
Make the Student as comfortable as possible
When the lesson begins, make the student as comfortable as possible. No one can learn under pressure, so make sure that your student is at ease from the very beginning. This way, he/she will embrace the journey with an open mind and, most importantly, confidence.
Be yourself and build a rapport
The student selected you because of your qualities and abilities. So, do not be intimated, even if this is your very first-time tutoring. In addition to this, build a rapport by remembering your student's academic needs and unique interests. Be friendly and ensure that you catch their name.
Hit the nail on the head
Remember that the student is there to get help. Therefore, whatever you do, ensure that you are helping the students grow in areas that he is not so good in. For example, if your student is weak in Biology, let your sessions be the topics he considers difficult. And at his pace, take him through the topics.
Never intimidate the student
Yes, the student is here because they are not good in specific areas or subjects. Teach them, enlighten them, educate them and inform them without intimidation. Resentment ruins everything, so keep calm and help the student take one step at a time.
Make the session fun and interactive
Nobody would be interested in dull and boring sessions. Therefore, during your lessons, feed your students with exciting facts about the subject. This way, you will catch their attention and leave them yearning for more.
Lastly, schedule the next session
Congratulations on making it through your first session. Now that your student is happy and content, schedule your next class. If you are an online tutor, ask your student to be available for the next session.
Summary
The more you make your sessions entertaining and engaging, the more chances you increase your student base. Most importantly, the feeling of satisfaction you get after helping a student with their area of lack is priceless!
Page Reference
If you quote information from this page in your work, then the reference for this page is:
- JOHNSON, R. (2016) Tutoring Pointers [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/articles/article211.htm [Accessed
About the Author
Ron Johnson is a freelance content writer. He has written many articles on technology, health, career, education, travel, interview, etc. and has excellent experience in writing.