The best Tutoring strategies

Tutors do not provide “answers” but rather assist in the problem solving, which leads to getting the answers. The challenge is to focus on assignments within the context they are assigned. The Assisted Learning Centre is a college that supervises and tutors grades 8 - 12, take a look at their website for more information.

Tutoring Strategies:

Seek out training to be a more effective tutor

This includes subject matter as well as the tutoring procedures.

Clearly establish expectations for your learner
What are the expectations of the learner? What are the expectations of the teacher? And what are the expectations of those close the learner? (Family, classmates)

Keep and follow a consistent set of rules
Write them down, post them and refer to them! Rules are always necessary, but they must be mutually agreed upon with the learner. All rules also need to be fair and enforced consistently.

Have a clear idea of your own strengths and limitations
You should always know what skills or knowledge you can offer as a tutor. One reward of tutoring is the opportunity to use and apple what you have learnt.

Know the learner
Discover the learners strengths and challenges in learning. Under what circumstances does he or she learn best? Don’t just assume that everyone’s learning styles or conditions are the same or similar to yours.

Build a relationship and trust
- Be aware of the differences between you and the learner
- Be open and honest
- Do not be afraid to acknowledge

Make sure the learner knows it is safe to not succeed at first
Learning is a process that often takes a lot of time and a lot of attempts. This is not a failure! 

Learning and problem solving requires passing through a period of sorting through facts and options towards success.

A great tutor can provide a learner with expertise, experience and of course – encouragement!