Top 6 Tips to Be a Great Tutor
The only way to truly be a great tutor is to practise your craft. Experience means a lot! That’s why we’ve consulted our most experienced tutors and put this list of our top 6 best tips together for you.
1. Have a Sense of Humour
A sense of humour can ease tension during a session, especially when working with shy or reluctant students. It lightens the atmosphere, making lessons more enjoyable, feel quicker, and, most importantly, memorable. The more memorable the lesson, the more likely the content will stick!
2. Maintain a positive attitude
Students can sometimes become overwhelmed by stress, leading to feelings of inadequacy and a lack of motivation. During these times, your positivity and encouragement can make all the difference, helping to boost their confidence and engagement.
3. Set realistic expectations
Effective tutors understand the importance of tailoring expectations to each student’s unique situation. Goals should neither be too low, which can appear dismissive, nor too high, which may create undue pressure. Striking the right balance fosters motivation and ensures progress.
4. Be consistent
Consistency is key to creating a positive and predictable learning environment. When students know what to expect from you in every session, they feel secure and are more likely to succeed. Reliability builds trust and sets the stage for long-term progress.
5. Try to be fair
Fairness involves setting clear goals, providing constructive feedback, and fostering a supportive atmosphere. Avoid being overly critical or creating a confrontational environment. Instead, encourage students to improve through positive reinforcement and helpful guidance.
6. Stay flexible
While consistency is important, life can be unpredictable. Interruptions and challenges may arise, so maintaining flexibility is essential. Be adaptable when setting homework tasks and goals, and adjust your approach as needed to suit changing circumstances.
For more insights, check out our Ultimate Guide on Tutoring!
Problems Facing First-Time Tutees
Many students feel nervous in a one-on-one tutoring environment, especially if it’s their first time. They may struggle to articulate their feelings or pinpoint what they find difficult. Your role is to create a supportive, welcoming environment that encourages open communication.
Building confidence: Some students may not have received much encouragement in their studies and could doubt their potential. Take time to set realistic goals together, emphasising their strengths to build their self-esteem.
Breaking down barriers: Students may see their tutor as an assessor rather than an ally, particularly if preparing for exams. Adopt a friendly, approachable style and focus on boosting their self-assurance to create a non-confrontational dynamic.
Encouraging participation: Students might feel uneasy being in the spotlight during one-on-one sessions. Avoid dominating the conversation. Instead, encourage open dialogue, invite students to express their opinions, and build their confidence by reassuring and praising their efforts.
Patience is essential when addressing any challenges. Your ultimate aim is to help students feel comfortable and confident in the subject, even when they make mistakes.
Encouraging Student Participation to be a Great Tutor
Students are more likely to engage when:
- They feel comfortable around you.
- You show respect and encouragement, especially when they make mistakes.
- Learning feels like a collaborative effort rather than a rigid exercise.
- Tasks are realistic and agreed upon together.
- They are encouraged to express their feelings rather than simply being lectured to.
- Feedback is regular and clear, reducing the chance of miscommunication.
Tips for engaging shy or unresponsive students:
- Avoid simply giving answers; reframe your questions instead.
- Ask open-ended questions to promote independent thinking.
- Balance tutor input with student contributions.
- Gently encourage quieter students without overpowering them.
Wrapping Up Lessons
To gauge how your student feels about their progress, ask open-ended questions like:
- What has been the most important thing you’ve learned today?
- Do you have any questions after today’s lesson?
Review homework to ensure they understand the tasks and feel confident tackling them.
Self-evaluation: Create a checklist for yourself to reflect on your performance and identify areas for improvement. This will help you stay focused and be the best tutor you can be!
This article has been adapted from our sister site.
