Since starting Math Ninja Tutoring in the Fall of 2013, I have discovered at least 5 strategies that are easy to implement and make each tutoring session more effective.
Punctuality
Easier said than done when racing from one client’s home to another, but well worth scheduling a few extra minutes for a conversation with a parent, traffic, fitting in that last problem, etc. Scheduling in that buffer 10 minutes will save you lots of stress. In addition, clients notice and appreciate punctuality.
Reminders
Keep a detailed calendar for yourself and send reminders to your clients 24 hours in advance via email or text. Sending reminders is an easy way to review your upcoming day and parents appreciate receiving scheduled appointment notices in writing.
Seat Position
Take notice of your client’s writing hand and sit on the opposite side. This will allow you to see the student’s work as they write instead of watching their hand move.
Tools
Always have the necessary tools for each session. Don’t expect the client to come prepared. In my case, I always have paper, pencils, pen, graphing calculator, graph paper, ruler, clock and an iPad. The iPad is great when you need to look up a quick formula and schedule appointments.
Summarize
Leave a few minutes at the end of each session and ask the student to summarize what they have learned. It is a great strategy to cement the student’s understanding and it also gives you information about what was learned.
Although easy to implement, these five strategies, help each session run smoothly for both the client and the tutor. I’d love to hear your strategies! Please leave me a message below.
Angela Culley
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Awesome post. i am totally impressed by this blog.Thanks for sharing.
I can’t tell you how much I could have used this website when I was a math student. What a great resource!
Agree completely with studying before a session! I should definitely invest in a few textbooks. Did you buy yours online or get a copy from the schools?
I usually study a few minutes before my students come to make sure I am brushed up on their subjects. I totally agree that having school supplies available helps too. I even have copies of their text books in case they have forgotten theirs. It’s been a life saver!