Planning tutoring sessions requires thoughtful preparation to ensure each session is effective, engaging, and tailored to the student’s unique needs. When done right, a well-organised tutoring plan can help students build confidence, develop a love for learning, and achieve their academic goals.
Here are some key factors to consider when designing tutoring sessions, from understanding any Special Educational Needs (SEN) to setting future goals and accommodating upcoming exams.
Identify the Student’s Current Level and Learning Style
Before planning the structure and content of a tutoring session, it’s essential to assess the student’s current academic level. Are they keeping up with their schoolwork, or do they need extra support in specific areas? Consider whether they’re struggling with certain subjects or topics, or if they’re excelling and need more challenging material to keep them engaged.
Understanding the student’s learning style is also important. Some children are visual learners and benefit from diagrams and images, while others might prefer hands-on learning or auditory explanations. Tailoring tutoring sessions to fit the student’s style makes it easier for them to absorb information, keeping them engaged and motivated.
Consider Any Special Educational Needs (SEN)
If the student has Special Educational Needs, planning sessions requires additional consideration and sensitivity. Children with ADHD, dyslexia, autism, or other conditions often require specific approaches to support their learning. Here are some ways to adapt your sessions to meet SEN requirements:
Break Down Tasks: For children who find it difficult to focus, shorter tasks with frequent breaks can help maintain their attention.
Use Multi-Sensory Approaches: Incorporating visual aids, auditory prompts, and tactile activities can be beneficial for children with SEN.
Simplify Instructions: Clear, concise instructions are crucial. Avoid overwhelming the student with complex instructions or multiple tasks at once.
Offer Positive Reinforcement: Encouraging words and rewards can be highly effective in boosting a child’s motivation, especially if they find learning challenging.
Discussing any SEN with parents or caregivers beforehand will help ensure that sessions are supportive and meet the student’s needs.
Set Future Goals and Expectations
When planning tutoring sessions, it’s important to identify what the student is hoping to achieve in the short and long term. Having clear goals allows both the student and tutor to monitor progress and stay focused. Setting achievable milestones along the way provides students with a sense of accomplishment and helps them stay motivated.
Long-Term Goals: These could include mastering a subject area, improving general confidence in learning, or achieving a certain grade by the end of the year.
Short-Term Goals: Shorter goals, such as completing specific exercises or improving in one area of a subject, can help students feel they’re making progress even when larger goals feel far off.
Regularly reviewing these goals and adjusting them as needed will keep the student engaged and working towards their aspirations.
Prepare for Upcoming Exams or Assessments
If the student has exams or assessments approaching, this should be a key focus of the tutoring sessions. Preparation should include reviewing past papers, understanding exam structures, and practising time management skills under timed conditions.
Exam Techniques: Teaching specific exam techniques, such as how to approach different types of questions, can give students a clear strategy when they enter the exam room.
Revisiting Past Papers: Past papers help familiarise students with the format of the exam and the types of questions they might face. Working through these together can build confidence and reduce exam-related anxiety.
Timed Practices: Practising under timed conditions helps students learn to manage their time effectively, ensuring they complete all sections within the exam period.
Make Room for Flexibility
While having a structured plan is essential, it’s equally important to leave room for flexibility within sessions. Sometimes, a student may need to spend more time on a particular topic than expected, or they may benefit from a different approach on the day. Being responsive to the student’s needs in real-time ensures they get the most out of each session.
Adapt to the Student’s Mood: If a student arrives feeling tired or overwhelmed, it may be more beneficial to focus on lighter activities or provide extra encouragement.
Re-evaluate as Needed: As students progress, their needs and goals may change. Revisiting the plan and making adjustments when needed keeps sessions relevant and engaging.
Maintain Open Communication with Parents
Parents play a significant role in the success of tutoring sessions. Keeping parents informed of their child’s progress and any areas of concern fosters a supportive learning environment. Regular updates help parents stay engaged and allow them to offer additional support at home.
Progress Reports: Brief updates on what was covered in each session and any progress made can be very useful for parents.
Feedback on Homework: If the tutor assigns homework, feedback on completed tasks can highlight strengths and areas for improvement.
How Tutor Doctor Supports Tutors in Making a Difference
At Tutor Doctor, we believe every student deserves personalised support to reach their potential, and our tutors are the heart of that mission. When you become a Tutor Doctor tutor, you’ll join a community dedicated to understanding and meeting the unique needs of each learner.
Working one-on-one with students, you’ll be able to create customised tutoring plans that align with each child’s learning style, academic level, and goals—whether that’s boosting confidence, preparing for exams, or supporting Special Educational Needs (SEN).
A Flexible and Rewarding Tutoring Experience
As a Tutor Doctor tutor, you’re given the flexibility to design sessions that truly make a difference. We match tutors with families in their area, allowing you to work locally while making a significant impact. You’ll receive ongoing support from our local education consultants, who help you tailor your approach for each student, ensuring you can focus on helping them succeed.
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you’re passionate about education and want a rewarding experience helping students thrive, become a tutor with Tutor Doctor and join a team that values your expertise and dedication. Together, we can help every student achieve their full potential!
