A tutor is not just someone who helps students catch up or get ahead. A tutor can also help students build confidence and serve as a mentor. What do you need to do to pick the best tutor?
While we wish every tutor had these qualities, that’s not true. Ultimately, other than knowledge of the subject, these are four qualities you should expect from your tutor:
Top Qualities
- Patience. Many students get tutors because they want someone who can work with them at a different pace from what the teacher is teaching in class. They may want someone who moves more quickly through the problems or more slowly. Some students may also need redirection as they get easily distracted. A good tutor must be patient and help students work through the problems at their own pace, not yours.
- Clarity. A good tutor ensures the students understand exactly what they have been told. They also understand how to communicate directions to the students so the students know clearly what to do. Part of clearly explaining work to the students also includes writing neatly, having a good sense of organizing material for instruction, and picking the best examples.
- A Plan. A tutor always has a plan for every lesson. Even if the plan isn’t followed perfectly, it gives a framework for where each lesson goes. There is a goal of what parents and students expect the tutoring sessions to achieve, so the plan helps the student stay on track. However, while there is a goal, vary the lessons so students remain interested and engaged.
- Rapport. A tutor will connect with the student. This means they can notice when students are tired, emotional, happy, or frustrated. As a result, they vary the pace and topics taught during the lesson to keep the students engaged. They look for every opportunity to connect and guide the students to do their best and develop long-term.
- Business skills. A tutor knows how to provide excellent customer service, communicate with parents, schedule and organize lessons, bill and invoice, and market the business. Tutors should ensure these processes are as smooth as possible so their clients have the best tutoring experience.
In Conclusion
Being a tutor is fun and rewarding; with the right mindset, all these qualities can be developed. If you want to learn more about getting additional training, message us.
If you want to learn more about our math services, contact us here. We will respond as soon as possible.
