There are significant elements to a healthy education. The facilities, the teacher’s ability to engage the student, the support services and of course the ability and willingness of the student. All are arguably crucial elements to a successful educational experience.
These are simple tricks a private tutor can use to increase student engagement!
One could argue that private tutoring was once only available to those that could afford the high tutoring rates… but its considerable benefits are now being appreciated by the masses.
The Proven Benefits of Private Tutoring
Studies suggest private tuition can improve final grades by any up to twenty percent, making this a very underrated asset within the educational toolbox. Many believe the role of a private tutor is to come round for an hour or two one a week to run over the same questions the student is doing in school. By giving you a few examples, I will prove to you that this is not the case…
Private Tutoring Tip 1: Strike a Rapport
As a private tutor first of all I try to strike a rapport with the student. Find out what makes them tick. It is extremely important to find out what the student would like to get out of the tutoring sessions because these are more often than not, not the same as the parents. Ensuring a friendly and relaxed connection with the student will ensure real results are achieved.
After the connection is made, its time to begin tutoring, but not the tuition. So, set some solid ground rules and advise of any lifestyle adjustments you believe are necessary to maximise the potential of the tutoring sessions. Things to consider are:
Private Tutoring Tip 2: Advocate Healthy Sleeping Habits
Poor sleeping habits are often to blame for a lack of learning, or the willingness there of. Ensuring an early night before a tutoring session will make your job easier, more pleasurable and far more rewarding.
Private Tutoring Tip 3: Nourishing the Body to Nourish the Mind
A healthy, well-balanced diet is crucial for general wellbeing, but the impact on successful engagement with a lesson is paramount. Without the fuel, students will remain under motivated to learn. A snack just before or even during the break is a solution. Maintaining regular sugar levels can be hard of those with diabetes. In which case, regular snacking through tutoring sessions isn’t always the answer and is always advisable to check with parents if any such ailments exist.
Private Tutoring Tip 4: No Cell Phones Allowed in Class
During my sessions I always insist mobile phones are out of the room. Not on silent. Not turned off, but completely removed from eyesight. Mobile phones are an obvious distraction for student and tutor alike, so practice what you preach!
So these are the basics. These will get you on your way to creating the perfect tutoring environment. Create the right environment; it is ‘low hanging fruit’ that can get you quick results. If you are on a probationary period contract, this could be the answer to proving your worth with an impatient client. By offering some simple dietary advice you can quickly and easily become a better tutor and In the meantime, hone your tutoring skills and reach the full potential for both the student and yourself.
The author is a London based private tutor, who has been teaching private tutors how to improve their success rates for a long time.