Chapter I. The benefits of private tutoring

CHAPTER II. FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A PRIVATE TUTOR
2.1. Teaching Style and Methods
Teaching style refers to the overall approach that a tutor uses to interact with students and deliver content. Different teaching styles can be more effective depending on the student's learning style, personality, and goals. Some common teaching styles include:
Direct instruction: This is a teacher-centered approach where the tutor delivers lectures and provides structured lessons to students.
Interactive instruction: This is a student-centered approach where the tutor encourages students to participate in discussions, ask questions, and take an active role in their learning.
Inquiry-based instruction: This approach involves asking open-ended questions and encouraging students to explore and discover answers on their own.
Collaborative instruction: In this approach, the tutor facilitates group activities and encourages students to work together to solve problems. ¹⁶Teaching methods refer to specific techniques or tools that tutors use to teach a particular subject or concept. Some common teaching methods include:
1. Visual aids: Using visual aids such as diagrams, charts, or videos can help make complex information more accessible for students.
2. Practice exercises: Providing practice exercises or homework assignments can help reinforce learning and improve retention.
3. Role-playing: Encouraging students to act out scenarios related to the subject matter can help them understand concepts in a more practical way.
4. Games and simulations: Incorporating games or simulations into lessons can make learning more engaging and fun for students. Ultimately, the most effective teaching style and method will depend on the individual student's needs and preferences. A good private tutor will be able to adapt their approach based on each student's unique situation.
2.2. Compatibility and Rapport
Compatibility and rapport are essential components of successful private tutoring. Compatibility refers to the match between the tutor and the student's personalities, learning styles, and goals. A good tutor should be able to identify the student's learning style and tailor their teaching approach accordingly. This helps to create a comfortable learning environment that facilitates effective communication. Rapport, on the other hand, refers to the relationship between the tutor and the student. A good rapport is built on trust, respect, and open communication. When there is a good rapport between the tutor and the student, it creates a positive learning environment that promotes engagement and motivation. When there is compatibility and rapport in private tutoring, it enhances the effectiveness of the tutoring sessions.
The student is more likely to feel comfortable asking questions or seeking clarification on difficult topics. The tutor can provide personalized instruction that aligns with the student's learning style. This leads to improved academic performance as well as increased confidence in their abilities.¹⁷
In summary, compatibility and rapport are critical elements of private tutoring that facilitate effective communication, personalized instruction, and improved academic performance. Tutors should prioritize building a good relationship with their students by understanding their needs, respecting their boundaries, and creating a positive learning environment where they feel supported and encouraged.
When first meeting a new person, in any social context, it can be a daunting prospect. When you include that there is meant to be a teacher/student dynamic and this dynamic can become even more daunting. It is important for tutors to build rapport with a tutee to establish trust, comfort on the student’s part that their tutor knows the subject and comfort from the tutor’s perspective to know the tutee will learn.¹⁸
To help build rapport, we would suggest you begin by not talking about the subject at all. Students open up more naturally when you take an interest in what they do outside of the lesson environment: their hobbies, a TV show they’re currently watching or their main motivations are all key ways to get to know and build rapport. A light bit of humour, appropriately applied, will also allow your tutee to see you as a human first, tutor second. This can then lead to a fruitful tutoring relationship, all started from the initial procedure of taking an interest in the person behind the student.
Once this rapport foundation is laid, you can then move forward to show them that you are a person to be trusted in guiding them through their education and/or skill building. The aim is not to be their friend, but to reach a plateau where they feel comfortable to learn and you to tutor.