How to Structure a Great Tutoring Lesson

Becoming a tutor is especially rewarding because an awesome tutor can be the person most responsible for a student’s academic success and confidence. In the current year of 2023, there are so many more tutoring opportunities than in the past because of the influx of global online learning. Whether online or in-person, we all want to do a good job, which is why it can be a little bit daunting starting out with a “blank page,” so to speak. Starting a lesson without a strategy is like writing an essay without an outline; the space is intimidating and you may spend half the time frozen in it. Having a solid strategy and structure for your lessons will help both you and your student make the most of the time. By following these tips, tutors can create an organised and engaging learning environment that helps students achieve their academic goals.

How do I make my tutoring session fun?

It's scientifically proven that people learn better when they’re having fun. When we’re engaged in something that interests and excites us, the brain releases dopamine, which has been proven to help with memory stimulation.

One way to make a tutoring session fun is to incorporate games or activities that are related to the subject at hand. For example, if the student is learning basic arithmetic, you can use games or puzzles to make the session more engaging. Using multimedia resources like videos, images, and interactive software is also a good strategy to add an element of entertainment to the session. Additionally, you can use real-life examples or scenarios that the student can relate to. Making the subject matter relevant to the student's interests and experiences will help the student see the value and practical applications of what they’re learning.

And don’t forget to smile! It’s a simple but powerful strategy that shouldn’t be overlooked. Smiling sets a positive and friendly tone for the session and is another scientifically proven way to reduce the brain’s stress levels and increase the feel-good brain chemicals.

What a tutor should not do

Our goal as tutors is to create a positive learning environment, so there are a couple of things we should avoid doing. First and foremost, a tutor should never be condescending or dismissive towards their student, as this can create a negative and demotivating atmosphere -- it's important to treat our students with respect. Relating to that, tutors should be careful to not only focus on weaknesses. By addressing strengths and accomplishments, we can build confidence and use positive encouragement as motivation.

Tutors should also avoid providing answers or solutions without first encouraging the student to try to solve the problem on their own. This can rob the student of the opportunity to work out ideas independently and can undermine their confidence. Lastly, remember that even if we build a great personal rapport with the student and their family, we never want to be unprofessional or too informal. We never want to be late to a session, fail to communicate, disrespect the student’s privacy, use inappropriate or overly informal language, or forget that we have a certain degree of responsibility for the student’s academic progress. A tutor's reputation is often built on the success of their students, so doing a good job will help lead to more tutoring opportunities for you in the future.

What is the biggest challenge in tutoring?

One of the biggest challenges in tutoring is dealing with students who have different learning styles, needs, and abilities. Everybody has their own unique way of processing and retaining information, so it's important for tutors to be able to adapt their teaching style to meet the needs of each individual student. This can sometimes be a daunting task, especially when working with a student for the first time. If you can be flexible and receptive, you’re going to be successful.

You may also encounter students who are struggling with motivation or who have gaps in their foundational knowledge. If you can identify these obstacles and make a plan for how you will address them, these challenges will be simplified. Another challenge in tutoring is managing time effectively. With limited time at hand, tutors need to prioritise the most important topics and be skilled at re-orienting the student if their focus strays too far off-topic. Great tutors are skilled at the balance of keeping an eye on the clock without rushing the student into a state of stress.

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How long should a tutoring session last?

The length of a tutoring session can depend on a number of factors, including the student's age, availability, and the complexity of the material being studied. In general, most sessions range from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Younger students tend to benefit from shorter but more frequent sessions, due to their shorter attention spans. Generally, more complex topics may require longer sessions to cover the necessary material in sufficient detail. For example, a session focused on a complex mathematical concept may require more time than a session focused on vocabulary-building exercises. That being said, it’s important to also note that if the material is particularly challenging, shorter sessions may be more effective to avoid overwhelming the student.

In the end, the quality of the session is more important than the quantity of time spent -- a shorter session that is focused, engaging, and productive is more effective than a longer session that is unfocused. Ultimately, the goal of the tutoring session should be to provide the student with a clear understanding of the material, as well as the tools and strategies needed to continue learning independently outside of the session.

How do you tutor a weak student?

Sometimes tutors are hired to further challenge and advance an already academically gifted student. But more often than not, a tutor is hired because the student is struggling. To start, the tutor should identify the specific areas in which the student is struggling. Some effective ways to do this are by reviewing past assignments or tests, speaking with the student's teacher or parent, or conducting your own assessments. Once these areas are identified, you can tailor the sessions to these specificities. This may involve breaking down complex concepts into smaller, more manageable parts, providing additional examples and practice exercises, or reviewing foundational skills that the student may be lacking.

Often times visual aids are effective for explaining more complex concepts, not only because some people are visual learners, but also because visuals can quite literally offer a different perspective. Sometimes a different perspective is all that’s needed to get to that lightbulb moment of understanding. Lastly, remember to provide positive reinforcement and encouragement throughout the tutoring process, as weaker students may be more prone to feelings of frustration or discouragement.

How do you tutor difficult students?

Difficult students may have a range of learning and behavioural challenges, such as learning disabilities or emotional issues. To effectively tutor difficult students, it's important to approach with patience, empathy, and flexibility. The first step is to build a rapport with them. This involves taking the time to get to know them, listening to their concerns, and showing them that you care about their academic success. It’s often helpful to understand the professionally relevant underlying reasons behind a student's difficult behaviour or academic challenges. For example, a student may be struggling with a particular subject because they lack foundational knowledge or because they have a different learning style than what is being used in the classroom. Identifying these issues can help tutors to tailor their approach and provide more targeted support.

Sometimes we may need to have consistent communication with a difficult student’s teachers or parents in order to stay informed of their specific challenges. Collaborating with other stakeholders in the student's education can create the element of teamwork that is required to help the student achieve academic success.

Lastly, it’s especially important to provide frequent feedback for these types of students because we want to be able to show measurable growth and improvement. It’s best to provide specific and actionable feedback so that the student understands it and can use it effectively. Consistent positive feedback can help to build the student's confidence and sense of control over their learning, which is especially important for students who may feel overwhelmed or frustrated.

Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned pro, remember: structure and strategy are your best friends in the world of tutoring. You’ll quickly learn that no two students are the same, which is why having a solid structure and strategy in place can make all the difference when it comes to providing effective tutoring for every type of learner thrown your way. When you’re faced with challenges, remember in these moments that you have the opportunity to make a real difference in someone’s life; for many students, tutoring can be the difference between academic success and failure, which can have a positive ripple effect throughout their life. Ultimately, tutoring is about empowering students and giving them the tools and confidence they need to succeed. Your efforts are important and valued, so keep up the good work!