Creating An Effective Learning Environment For Home Tutoring

The Right Environment For Home Tutoring

The personal preferences of your student plays an important role in creating an effective learning environment for home tutoring. Some students like to work with some light background music, others prefer open space, while others prefer a quiet room. Get feed back and solicit the help of your student in creating an effective learning environment. Here are some things that you might like to discuss with your student during your first home tutoring session:

Ideas To Implement For Home Tutoring

Dress Code
Students relate to tutors as peers, and not to teachers and tutors. Dress as an average student when tutoring to a college student and observe the office dress code when tutoring to a white collar worker. There is no hard or fast rule when you come to a tutoring session, dress in a way that is appropriate and suited to the situation. If you wear clothing that is sexually suggestive, it can make others perceive you as less than credible or professional. On the other hand, if you are over-dressed you may feel uncomfortable or you may find it hard to relate to your students. Be aware of your body odor and be careful not to wear too much perfume. Some people are sensitive, even to the little things that you may take for granted, such as the smell of tobacco or a particular perfume.

Tables
Choose a table that is large enough to accommodate both you and your students, and whatever activities you will be doing on it. You might like to have additional space for books, references and notes close at hand. If you are are tutoring to a small group, you might prefer to work on a round table, or have everybody sit facing each other to encourage discussion.

Eating
Other than water and coffee, eating and drinking should be discouraged during the tutoring session. Even if you use sweets as prizes for younger children, they can soon become a distraction. It's best to set aside snacks for when you have short breaks.

Noise
Some students like to have some light music, such as classical music or jazz playing in the background while they're working. Generally most tutors don't mind this, and it can create a very pleasant atmosphere to work in. However if this is not conducive to learning for you, you should talk about it with your student.

Creating an effective learning environment for home tutoring is a matter of personal preference. Putting some thought and creating some rules can help you establish a pleasant working environment during your first home tutoring session. It should be the first thing that both you and your student agree upon before you begin your regular tutoring sessions.