Working Environment
My preferred tutoring environment is at a table such as dining table (not in front of a computer or at student desk) as I find the space lends itself to greater discussion of ideas.
I have also tutored in public libraries and found this to be a positive environment to work.
Willingness to Work/ Attitude
This is a big one. There’s an old adage that I’ve found to be particularly true for the students I’ve tutored; namely: “The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary”. If your son or daughter is not willing to put in the work required to improve, I can’t really help them.
Notice of Topic and Task before Each Session
In order for me to best help your son or daughter, I would appreciate any information you can give me about their topic and task before each session (a few days out is OK).
For example, if they have an assessment coming up on a particular topic, I’ll try to prepare appropriately, often with tasks that closely mirror what your son or daughter will be asked to do in their impending assessment. In fact, it’s not uncommon for students to get a source or question in their test that we actually worked on in our tutoring session. And when that happens, the student not only gets a jolt of confidence, they also tend to perform better:
Just wanted to write and say a big thank you to you from Jack. He was very happy with his ATAR History Exam. Everything you had said would come up – did; and he felt confident about his essay’s and the doc studies. Jack ended up getting a raw mark of 83% on the Exam which was scaled to 93% and an overall combined mark of 78% which was scaled to 75%. He is thrilled. Thanks again for all your great help and support for Jack throughout 2012.
Loretta, Mum of Male Student, Northern Suburbs, 2012
Assignment Tasks from the Beginning Please
Though I can help with research assignment tasks, I only do so when I have had some input from the beginning. This is because it is much easier (and less discouraging for your son or daughter) to help from the “ground up” rather than to try to “fix” something that may or may not be on the right track in terms of content or structure.
Please note: Research assignment tasks take time. As such, they are generally weighted more heavily than other assessment tasks. If I am working with your son or daughter on a major research assignment, you should factor in additional sessions.
Review with Parent
Following the first session, I will give you an appraisal of your son or daughter’s strengths and weaknesses in the subject and what I believe to be the best way forward. This usually takes a couple of minutes. There is no obligation to continue the sessions beyond that point.
Some people use me periodically. Most use me regularly.
Either is fine with me.