In order to get the most benefit out of your tutorial sessions, and to improve grades and comprehension in general, here are a few basic tips:
1. Be prepared before tutor arrives. Sessions are one hour to one-and-a –half hours in length. When students are ready with their materials before the session begins, they are calmer and clients’ time and money are used to its greatest advantage.
2. Use session time for working vs. conferencing. The actual tutorial session should be spent with the student and the tutor. When one-on-one sessions are utilized efficiently, the student benefits from the tutor’s attention. Tutor/parent conferencing is available either after tutoring session (depending on time constraints) or at a separate time--in person, by phone, or by email. Tutor/parent conferencing is set up according to everyone's availability.
3. Do homework in a timely fashion (summer sessions).Students who receive homework should do that work as soon after tutorial session as is reasonable. When concepts are not yet committed to long-term memory, they are easily forgotten. In order to get the most out of the tutoring process, do homework while understanding is still fresh, and write down any questions student may have about the work that can be addressed at the next tutoring session.
4. Do all homework/school assignments in a well-lit, quiet environment. In order for work to be quality, it must be done in a quality environment. Try to keep supplies handy, and work-space free from clutter.
5. Work after a protein-rich snack. Students cannot concentrate on an empty stomach, and protein is helpful in aiding connections between neurotransmitters in the brain. When students eat a healthy snack of protein and unrefined carbohydrates before working, their brains and attention are better sustained.
6. Students do not answer land-line, smart phone, or e-mail during tutorial sessions. All electronic devices are used for research/assignment purposes only. No explanation required.
