One of the most important things you can do with a new tutor, on the first day of tutoring, is draft a tutoring agreement. This should outline what the tutor expects of the student and what the student expects of the tutor. It is important for the student to understand that a tutor isn't a magic fix, and it's important for the tutor to understand what the student should get out of the session.
The most important thing for the student to realize is that a tutor shouldn't be doing homework, or even working on homework, with the student. A tutor may certainly check homework, and answer questions about homework, but if a student doesn't first attempt to struggle with it, it will hamper learning. For example, many textbooks have answer keys, a math tutor should go over all the questions that a student gets wrong.
The agreement should outline what the tutor should bring to the table. Every student should expect the tutor to know when exams are coming, and what material is being worked on. This should come from constant contact with teachers and parents to get the job done.
There is definitely room for discussion when it comes to how much time a student should prepare for a session. I've found that an hour per hour of tutoring is sufficient. This hour should be above and beyond the time a student spends doing homework and studying for exams. This is meant to maximize the effectiveness of the session.
If a student is working with an English tutor or a writing tutor then he or she should spend much more time outside of sessions preparing. It could be up to 5 or 6 hours preparing writings and reading prose before a student is ready to work with the tutor. Remember that practice is always important, no matter the subject.
Finally, it is important to discuss what the student and teacher will work on when grades are up, and the student has a good understanding of all the material. Most of my students get to this point after around a month, and then extra material must be discussed. Tutors can still spend time well teaching something like Microsoft Excel in addition to any math tutoring, or extra reading/discussion in addition to English tutoring. Remember, the tutor is there to maximize learning, not just to improve grades.
Hopefully you now have the information necessary to begin working with a new tutor. With the proper agreement of how time should be spent, you'll no doubt have a good experience. If your tutor is not living up to the goals you set forth, then you should start seeking a new one immediately. - 29940
The most important thing for the student to realize is that a tutor shouldn't be doing homework, or even working on homework, with the student. A tutor may certainly check homework, and answer questions about homework, but if a student doesn't first attempt to struggle with it, it will hamper learning. For example, many textbooks have answer keys, a math tutor should go over all the questions that a student gets wrong.
The agreement should outline what the tutor should bring to the table. Every student should expect the tutor to know when exams are coming, and what material is being worked on. This should come from constant contact with teachers and parents to get the job done.
There is definitely room for discussion when it comes to how much time a student should prepare for a session. I've found that an hour per hour of tutoring is sufficient. This hour should be above and beyond the time a student spends doing homework and studying for exams. This is meant to maximize the effectiveness of the session.
If a student is working with an English tutor or a writing tutor then he or she should spend much more time outside of sessions preparing. It could be up to 5 or 6 hours preparing writings and reading prose before a student is ready to work with the tutor. Remember that practice is always important, no matter the subject.
Finally, it is important to discuss what the student and teacher will work on when grades are up, and the student has a good understanding of all the material. Most of my students get to this point after around a month, and then extra material must be discussed. Tutors can still spend time well teaching something like Microsoft Excel in addition to any math tutoring, or extra reading/discussion in addition to English tutoring. Remember, the tutor is there to maximize learning, not just to improve grades.
Hopefully you now have the information necessary to begin working with a new tutor. With the proper agreement of how time should be spent, you'll no doubt have a good experience. If your tutor is not living up to the goals you set forth, then you should start seeking a new one immediately. - 29940
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