Introduce yourself and get to know the student. Don't start tutoring straight away. Find out what they like and dislike, their strengths and weaknesses. Ask questions that the student would like to answer. Build up a rapport so you can avoid "Yes" and "No" responses!
Give your name on a card, so the student can remember and spell it. Include your telephone number.
Listening to the student is more important than lecturing. Begin tutoring at a level which you know that the student is happy with. Be prepared to adjust the work and your style as you learn more about the student's abilities and nature.
Start at the beginning with the easy stuff.
Constantly monitor the student's understanding of the subject. Does he or she have the necessary skills? Be sure to make notes for later discussion with the parent.
Look at the body language - this can tell you a great deal. Often students let you know what they are thinking and feeling in subtle ways.
Two way process - get the student to tell you what they know. There is nothing worse than going over something that they have always found easy!
Be creative and imaginative in your tutoring methods. Look for ways to motivate and involve the student.
No one likes to do the same thing for a long time. Break your tutoring time into nice short slots. Perhaps pause for a drink and a chat in the middle of a long session. The length of the session and the exercises should depend on the student's concentration.
Students take in information differently. Some have a visual bias and some have an audio bias. Adapt to the student and be prepared. Use a bit of variety in your tutoring - each new piece of information could be in a different colour. Also consider using videos and interactive CD Roms with your students.
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