Being a tutor

venom_prince91

Recently I was asked if I wanted to tutor another student from my school.

I've never undertaken such a thing before, but I think it would be a good idea, and really help myself, personally. Not just because I could charge about $AU30-40 an hour, but because I might actually remember some of the similar content from previous years.

I'm a senior, and the student who needs tutoring is two years below me. I'll be tutoring him in Mandarin Chinese. As far as I know, he has very little prior knowledge of the subject, but has proven to be good with languages in the past.

I was just hoping maybe some Smogoners would be able to give me some tips, as I really don't know how to be a teacher. When preparing lessons, what techniques or study methods do you use, and how do you explain language concepts? Where do you start?

Anything is appreciated.
 
I tutored for a while in my sophomore and junior years of high school (pays better than most jobs for high school students) and you really have to meet the kid first before you come up with anything. Most kids have a unique learning style and you have to figure that out first before you come up with a "method."
 
Make sure to say cheesy stuff like "good job", and "nice". Though uncomforatbale it actually helps, even if both of you feel it doesn't. Try to remember that he is a beginner. Positive reinforcement!
 
i tutored one summer for a family friend's tutoring firm. ended up making a kid cry because he just couldn't pronounce 'black' and kept on saying 'blah'. my advice to you is to explain things in different ways when the student is confused :D.
 
30 aussie bucks an hour is about right for an hour long session for a year 10 kid. I recommend using little 'tests' at the start of every session as this gives you time to assess their level of comprehension of the lessons taught in previous sessions.

I have only tutored VCE (Year 12) chemistry and biology, but i guess the basic concepts remain the same:

- make sure your kid DOES NOT get lazy or complacent
- push them, especially with languages
- encouragements go a long way
- little rewards act to positively reinforce and encourage learning
 
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