Some Lessons I’ve Learned as an Online Tutor
One of the many things the pandemic taught us is that we can really think outside the box when it comes to education. A common criticism of online tutoring is that if a student and tutor are not in the same room face to face, students get too distracted to to retain information. Well, ever since shifting my tutoring sessions online back in 2020, I’m proud to report that I have had much more success than I originally thought possible. I’ve learned a lot about perseverance, connection, and improvisation, and I always look forward to seeing my students continue to meet and exceed their goals. Here are some points to consider if you're curious or maybe skeptical about online tutoring.
Outlook is Key
I always urge students to change the phrase "I don't get it" to "I don't get it YET". The first one closes you off to possibilities. The second shows potential, alleviates stress, and allows you the breathing room you need. Similarly, rather than assuming online tutoring won't work, simply being willing to try it out can open you up to surprising outcomes. Starting off with a positive mindset makes all the difference. You get out what you put in!
Vibe is Translatable
It’s the teacher’s personality and surroundings that create a unique, welcoming atmosphere.
Whatever you bring to the classroom can also be conveyed online, especially a sense of humor.
Nothing cements a friendship like cracking up together! Ironically, being limited to the confines
of a computer screen actually feels limitless in a lot of ways. Seeing my home, my guitars, my plants, my cat, etc. gives students more of an opportunity to see what we have in common, which of course only strengthens our bond and makes learning much more fun.
When tutors and students work together in-person, they're actually side by side. Seeing each other on a computer screen means faceTime is actually face-to-face, which makes it easier to notice when students get distracted. At these times, I can always tell what they need in order to get back on track. Redirection? Changing gears? A brain break? A quick conversation? Even taking one minute together to watch a youtube video of a puppy can make the rest of the session even more focused than before.
Being in the Driver’s Seat Opens the Road Ahead
My students know that they can only succeed if they meet me halfway. Signing into sessions on their own, taking initiative, and asking clarifying questions encourages and empowers them to take their education into their own hands. Of course, these feelings contribute to their ongoing ability to consistently surpass expectations throughout their academic career and beyond.
As a classroom teacher, I always utilized one-on-one time to help students make more progress. The only issue what that there were just not enough minutes in the day for every student to receive as much help as they needed. Online tutoring allows for an hour or more of one-on-one time tailored to assess a student’s specific needs, reinforce unclear concepts, and even identify and repair past educational misunderstandings that might have normally gone undetected.
I look forward to seeing the many ways in which learning will change from now on. Regardless of lessons being taught online or in person, I take comfort in knowing that the connection between the teacher and the student will always remain the most important aspect of education.
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