- Bring your own energy! (BYOE) Communication is important, but also important is giving off an energy that welcomes the Student and keeps them relaxed (students may be coming to you stressed out or frustrated).
- You ask the Student, “What is your name?” “What would you like to be called?” “How do you spell that?” “Did I say that right?”
- Introduce yourself to the Student. What do you like to be called?
- Welcome the Student with “small talk” (see below) to feel comfortable, and not ashamed to share their weaknesses. After welcoming and getting to know the student, transition into the work material for the session.
- Try to understand the student’s position with the course and work material (how much do they get versus the areas/concepts/ideas where they struggle more).
- You proceed to work off this information and conduct the tutoring session.
In person
- Be prepared and available 15 minutes before the start of the session. Have access to the room to be used, and ensure it is well-kept and a suitable area to conduct learning sessions.
Online
- Use “small talk” with the student to make them feel welcomed and not ashamed to share their weaknesses.
- Be aware: Online structure requires a little more work to keep the attention of the student.
What is “Small Talk”?
Ask the Student questions such as these (any combination or order), and listen to the responses:
- How are you?
- How is your day going?
- How is your semester going?
- How is the class going so far?
- How are you doing with the professor?
- Ask the Student to share a “fun fact” about themselves; then return to that “fun fact” later in the session
- This is especially useful to “ground” the memory in something that the student has shared
- What are your career goals?
- What is something you really like to do? Inquire about their interests
