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 learnerWhat are the expectations of the learnerand of those close to the learner.

Keep and follow a consistent set of rulesWrite them down; post them; refer to them!Rules are necessary, but must be mutually agreed upon with the learner.They must be fair and enforced consistently.

Have a clear idea of your own strengths and limitations,What skills or knowledge you can offer as a tutor.One reward of tutoring is the opportunity to use and apply what you have learned

Know the learnerDiscover his or her strengths and challenges in learning.Under what circumstances does he or she learn best? poorly?(Do not assume that everyone's learning styles or conditions are the same,or similar to yours)

Build a relationship and trust. Be aware of the differencesbetween you and the learner.You are not trying to change the learner, but to accommodate and use their learning style(s) in order to complete the tasks.Since you are more experienced, it is your challenge to adjust, adapt, or find a way Be open and honestSarcasm and condescension are not productive.We do not tutor to impress, but rather to help. Do not be afraid to acknowledgethat the chemistry between you and the learner isn't right,and that another tutor might be more effective.The goal is to help, not endure

Make sure the learner knows it is safe to not succeed at firstLearning is a process that often involves unsuccessful attempts.This is not failure since options are eliminated toward the correct solution.Learning and problem solving require passing through a period of sorting through facts and options toward success.

The tutoring session:Listen closely to work out the real problemCheck to see if the learner has prepared with some time and effortand attempted the assignments

Assess the situationThink in terms of realistic objectives;develop a "contract" of agreed upon learning outcomes expectations of communication(availability, one/several sessions;means of communication (face-to-face, e-mail, telephone, etc.)Use questions to enhance problem solving

Demonstrate or model similar processes

Don't be afraid to reveal that you don't know somethingYou can refer the learner to more sources, including the teacherYou can take the opportunity to learn/problem-solve, and bring back answers,and demonstrate that you are in a learning process as well

Give positive feedback, use encouraging vocabularyFind success, and reinforce effort, in even minor accomplishmentSummarize and review:Enable follow up