The tutor-student relationship is so important, and the first session is key to get an understanding of how well you can work together in order to achieve your goals. A lot of tutoring relies on rapport, and a great first impression is the best way to kick start this!
Your tutor will need to spend some time assessing your strengths and areas you need help with, don’t be nervous about this! Your tutor is asking questions in order to better understand how they can help you, the more they can understand your personality will help them create plans that are specific for you.
We all have different ways to get the most out of what we are learning. Do you prefer to see concepts laid out in a visual way, or are you an avid reader? Communicating this with your tutor will help them create tasks and tools that gel with you, so you can best understand what you are learning.
Talk with your tutor about what you’re expecting to get out of your sessions. Communicating the reason you chose to get a tutor in the first place will help your tutor understand your overarching goals.
Setting goals and targets are so important in understanding where you want to go, what actions you need to take and then eventually how far you have come. Goals should always be SMART.
If you have any other wider personal goals, such as improving your confidence. Your tutor can be a great person to talk to about this.
You and your tutor are a team. You should both be involved in setting goals and making plans. In this way, you can make sure you’re moving forward at a pace that is comfortable, yet still challenging
Before your session, ask your tutor if there are any necessary supplies you will need, pencils, a notebook, calculator etc. If you're meeting the tutor at your home, ensure you have a nice and quiet space for you both to work. If you have anything specific you need help with, bring in the work so your tutor can go straight into the trouble area.
Hunger can be a huge distraction! Always make sure you’ve eaten before a session or take a snack with you, when you’re well nourished you will be able to focus and concentrate much better. After all, food is brain fuel!
Who knows better about what areas you need help with than your teachers? They can provide insights to give your tutor a better understanding of how you are doing at school.
Tutoring is all about teamwork! If you follow all these steps you will ensure you get off to a great start with your tutor, foster the key early relationship, work together and smash those targets.