Tutors are supposedly the paragons of confidence and assurance. Furthermore, we're not only supposed to embody those qualities but we're supposed to imbue our students with them. Nonetheless, just like any first meeting - job interviews, making friends, first dates, the challenge lies in being well-received and matching or exceeding our first impression as time spent together goes on.

Tutors want to create a quick bond with the student while at the same time learning about their academic objectives. 

Regardless of what might be going through your mind, whether you are an experienced tutor or about to undertake your very first lesson, you want to make a positive first impression so you can get your new student started on their journey of discovery.

Without further delay, in today's article, we'll consider some pointers and things to think about ahead of a tutor's initial teaching session.

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What is There to Consider Before Your First Encounter?

Whether you're an exceptional secondary school student teaching a few classes, a university student looking to earn a few extra bucks, or a professional tutor that's been teaching for years, the suggestions on what to consider before, during, and after your first encounter with a student are timeless!

Getting the Basics Together

Before any lesson, the best thing a tutor can do is arm themself with a variety of teaching tools. Educators should scour the web for videos, web pages and applications designed to make the subjects you teach more enticing.

Once you've amassed a collection of media related to the subjects and levels you teach, study up on some of the latest educational theories:

  • Cooperative learning,
  • Collaborative learning, 
  • Peer learning, 
  • Student-centred learning,
  • Transformative learning, 
  • Critical pedagogy. 

You might not be able to use any of these approaches in your one-on-one tutoring sessions but aspects of these initiatives, especially the social, contextual and activities engagement ones could revolutionise your pedagogy.

Preparing your arsenal of teaching materials and strategies will make writing lesson plans a lot less strenuous than before. Also, to feel like an actual tutor, have a well-equipped office setup. You should also have already registered your business with HMRC and secured a DBS check.

Once all of that is ready to go, let the tuition begin!

Preparation, Preparation, Preparation

getting ready ahead of time
Tutors need to prepare for their first lesson ahead of time to avoid getting caught up but unexpected things. (Source: Unsplash)

The initial client contact is quite thrilling but you should set aside your glee while you take in your new student's information. For example, find out as much as you can about them and their trouble areas before your first lesson together. Confirm the subject and topics they need help with, the level and, if the client requests test prep, ask which exam board they're preparing for.

Tutors offering their services on tutoring community websites should private message their new students before class to have them bring all relevant course materials such as textbooks, workbooks and extra study materials. 

Remember to agree on a firm date, time and location for your sessions. If you and your student have settled on courses via the web, let them know which video chat application you will connect through and be sure to share your contact details.

Also, a last-minute detail that is extremely essential: right before your first lesson, call or text your new pupil to confirm that the lesson is still on.

What To Do During the First Lesson With a Student?

Whether the scheduled lesson takes place at yours, theirs, in a coffee shop or online, there are a few critical steps to ensure your first meeting goes off without a hitch.

Create the Right Learning Environment

Start by introducing yourself and then go on an expedition by asking open-ended questions designed to draw them out. You want them to tell you about themselves, their families and things that they like and enjoy outside of school. During the introduction process, please don't bring up school, education or anything related to any troubles they might have in class.

Finding out about their hobbies is a potential goldmine for you since it will allow you to plan lessons that are tailormade to their interests along with their academic needs.

Also, tell them a bit about your background and explain why you love your subject. Be professional and friendly, and remind them that you are there to help them. Reinforce the idea that, as far as you're concerned, no question they may ask is stupid or silly.

Another thing that is essential to creating the perfect learning environment is determining whether or not the student wants to take remedial lessons online. A suitable study environment in cyberspace is possible when you have a stable internet connection, appear on camera in front of a non-distracting background and you're a tutor that's proficient with digital study tools.

After a comfortable and suitable environment has been established that is conducive to learning has been found, tutors need to determine the following.

Establish Where Troubles Lie

Does your student excel in humanities but is daunted by mathematics or the sciences? Are they quick at solving mathematical problems but not so great at expressing themselves? When they tell you what their academic challenges are, listen carefully and ask ‘why?’ at every turn. This will help you get to the root cause of their problems.

As you listen, take notes so that you can build a personal profile. Creating profiles will serve to remind you of each student's needs and circumstances; student profiles are invaluable for tracking learners' progress.

If possible, determine which educational tools and methods may help you help them. 

If the lack of focus is an issue, note that you shouldn't plough on with the lesson; you need to distinguish your approach from the typical classroom experience. Consider teaching methods and learning techniques before you continue with lessons.

Prepare a Study Plan

Once you have established the problem areas, you can draft a detailed plan of what you want to cover, and how much time you need to cover each topic and sub-disciplines. Also, provide a copy to the student so they, too, know the pace at which they need to learn key concepts. This helps manage expectations and reminds them that Rome wasn't built in a day!

Getting Through to Your Student

To get through to the student you'll need to ask yourself a few questions such as, are you dealing with a visual/auditory learner or does s/he prefer more of a kinesthetic approach?

The best tutors know that students process information in different ways and understanding how your student learns is a useful step to establishing the best way to tutor them.

However, unless they know about learning styles and can identify theirs, you have to work with them to figure it out for them. You can find resources online, from quizzes to questionnaires that will help you determine what type of learner you face and plan your materials accordingly.

Make Things Fun

learning environment
It's important that tutors do everything they can to create a learning environment that is fun from the get-go. (Source: Unsplash)

Nobody wants to have a dull time. There is always room and time to inject a bit of lightheartedness into your sessions. Some teachers enjoy including riddles while others prefer playing games or sharing facts and amusing anecdotes.

Tutors need to determine what will work best with their students and what will encourage critical thinking and open participation. Thankfully, there are plenty of free teaching resources online to assist teachers in making class time as engaging and entertaining as possible!

How Can Tutors Wrap the Lesson Up?

If the lesson was extra fun and productive, the allotted time goes by so fast and it's time to part ways. But, are there suggestions to wrap up a successful first lesson? Absolutely!

Assign Homework

From the very first class, assign your student work that covers both previously learned material and introduces the next topic. Whenever you can, try to make the homework as practical and engaging as you can.

You might hear a few groans from students but underneath the muttering is a learner who is delighted that they matter enough for you to want to return.

assigning study material
At the end of the lesson, tutors are wise to assign homework. (Source: Unsplash)

Schedule Your Next Session

As the lesson went well and the student is happy, you should have no problem booking a series of sessions. Future sessions will be easier for your student to remember if you keep the day, time and location the same. Make sure that your clients are satisfied with those arrangements before making them permanent, though.

Making a good impression and reinforcing that image during your sessions is the number one way to grow your business. Your clients tell other parents about you, who tell others and others.

In conclusion, we sincerely hope that this blog post was useful for working tutors. Happy teaching!

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Brentyn

Avid movie-goer, reader, skier and language learner. Passionate about life, food and travelling.