Greet the student immediately. If a tutor is stationed in a learning lab, she should wear a name tag, which will make it easier for the student to find her. For the first meeting, tutors should discuss her background relevant to her being qualified to tutor. The tutor should get to know the student's major, interests and experience in classes. Developing a rapport, particularly during the first meeting, can increase the effectiveness of a tutoring session and the likelihood the student will return for additional tutoring.
Identify the student's concerns and struggles. Start this process by asking why the student is seeking assistance. Did he fail a recent test or not understand material presented in a textbook chapter? Was the student required to attend tutoring as part of an academic probation requirement? In any case, go over tests, quizzes and homework assignments with the student and try to identify areas where he is struggling. If the student is doing well and was simply mandated to attend tutoring, the tutor should review study skills or discuss areas of the respective class that tend to become problems for students.
Collaborate on action. Tutoring is a partnership, which requires student involvement in deciding what material to cover. Ignoring this truth often causes students to discount and avoid tutoring. Tutors should ask students if they wish to cover anything specifically in the context of that tutoring session. Doing so will encourage students to be active participants during and after the session. Additionally, it is important for the tutor to allow students to ask questions whenever necessary. While the student may frustratingly cut off a tutor mid-sentence, discouraging student queries will likely reduce the effectiveness of the session and the likelihood the student will return for assistance in the future.
Set a study plan for future work. When a session ends, it is imperative that a tutor help a student develop a study plan. One of the major goals of tutoring is to guide students to become independent learners, which developing a study plan will help accomplish. Encourage the student to set daily times for coursework, eating, sleeping, working and relaxing. Likewise, tutors should encourage students to set aside time for tutoring in the coming weeks. Even if the student never attends tutoring again, establishing a plan of action could increase the chances of academic success for the student. This is the ultimate goal of tutoring.