How to Be a Better K-12 Tutor

If you would like to improve your skills as a K-12 tutor, you'll definitely want to cultivate the attitudes, actions and behaviors that can help you succeed. Becoming a more talented tutor will not only be more rewarding for you but will also inspire your students to do their very best. Follow these steps to be a better K-12 tutor.

Instructions

1. Care about your student, and show it. Always interact in a warm and friendly way before, during and after sessions. Engage the student by demonstrating genuine interest. Try not to go on automatic pilot when tutoring a number of different students. Do your best to treat each child as if she were your only student.

2. Respect your student. Show an interest in his thoughts, ideas, needs and concerns, realizing that at times these may not be perfectly in line with your lesson plan. Encourage your student to take the lead to show your confidence in his ability and your belief that he can succeed.

3. Show enthusiasm for the subject matter, as well as your interaction with the student. Use a little imagination to make learning fun, each session special and every lesson memorable. Find the fascination in the subject or topic and emphasize that aspect, drawing your student irresistibly into your magical world of learning.

4. Establish a rapport with your student. Relate to the child at her own level, and show interest in the things about which she cares. Demonstrate as much concern for the student as you do for the lesson, allowing a reasonable amount of small talk to help build a solid, better-than-superficial relationship.

5. Adapt the lesson to the student. Remain flexible in your approach, basing your manner and method on the educational needs and capacity of each individual child. For example, if your student has trouble sitting still, get up and walk around, turn the lesson into a game or move to a different location, if possible.

6. Offer plenty of positive reinforcement. Look for every opportunity to genuinely compliment your student and thus build confidence and self-esteem. Even when your student gives the wrong answer, find something to compliment him on before addressing the incorrect area in a positive manner. If you do these things, not only will you become a better K-12 tutor, but your students will look forward to the time they spend with you!