How to Prepare for an Online Tutoring Session
A few minutes of preparation can help students get the most out of an online tutoring session. In most cases, students do not need to have a complicated setup. Having a goal, the relevant study materials and technology at hand, and a good mindset can help students get more out of their tutoring sessions.
Whether the students are getting ready for an exam, completing their homework or studying a difficult concept, these tips can be a good foundation for any online tutoring session.
1. Know What You Want to Learn
Before a tutoring session, know what you want to learn to make sure that both the student and the tutor have a clear understanding of the lesson objective.
This could include:
Difficult chapter or concept
Homework questions
Exam preparation
Understanding of a specific concept
Practice exercises
2. Keep Your Study Materials Ready
Before your session, have the relevant books, worksheets, previous work, assignments, and notes ready.
The previous work can be especially useful as the tutor wants to see what the student has tried already and where they need help.
3. Prepare Your Questions
Make sure your questions are prepared for the session.
Even small questions should be asked during your session to get the most out of your learning. Make sure to keep a list of your questions handy in case you forget them or have more questions to ask during the session.
If any questions come to mind while you are reviewing your study materials before your session, add them to the list of questions.
4. Check Your Internet Connection
A stable and steady internet connection can prevent disruptions during the online tutoring session.
Make sure to test your internet connection before logging in to your tutoring session. It might be best to refrain from downloading any other files or streaming videos during your session to avoid any interruptions.
5. Test Your Devices
Make sure that your microphone, camera, headphones and speakers, laptop, tablet, or other technology are working well.
Testing them before the session can prevent technology problems and save valuable lesson time.
6. Choose a Suitable Study Environment
Find a suitable and quiet place for your online tutoring session.
Make sure there are minimal distractions and you have enough room and materials to study. A good study environment enables a student to stay focused on their learning.
7. Join a Few Minutes Early
Join a few minutes early to prepare your materials, technology, and mindset for the online session.
It will also prevent loss of valuable learning time if you have any problems logging in or during the session.
8. Stay Actively Involved
Good preparation for an online tutoring session does not stop once the lesson has started. During the session, make sure to ask questions, take notes, do practice exercises, explain things out loud, and inform your tutor about any questions or problems.
Active participation during an online tutoring session helps the student learn and get the most out of their lesson.
Quick Online Tutoring Preparation Checklist
Before a session, make sure to:
☑ Have a learning goal
☑ Prepare your questions
☑ Keep your books and notes ready
☑ Have your assignments available
☑ Check your internet connection
☑ Test your microphone
☑ Test your camera
☑ Check your headphones
☑ Prepare a quiet study space
☑ Join a few minutes early
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I prepare for an online tutoring session?
Know what you want to learn to make sure that both the student and the tutor have a clear understanding of the session objective. Have your questions and study materials ready. Check your internet connection and other necessary devices before your session and choose a quiet place for your online tutoring session.
What should I bring to an online tutoring session?
Make sure to keep your books, notebook, assignments, previous work, questions, and relevant digital files handy and ready to use.
Should I prepare questions before tutoring?
Yes, students should always have questions ready to ask before their online tutoring session. This helps them get the most out of their session and make sure their questions get answered.
How early should I join an online tutoring session?
Join a few minutes early to make sure that your connection and microphone are working correctly and have your study materials ready before your session.
How can students get more out of online tutoring?
Settle clear learning goals, participate actively, ask questions, take notes, practise after lessons, and inform your tutor about any questions or problems.
Final Thoughts
Good preparation can help students get more out of an online tutoring session. In most cases, students do not need a complicated setup. Having a goal, the relevant study materials and technology at hand, and a good mindset can help students get more out of their tutoring sessions.
A prepared student can spend more of the session learning rather than getting ready to learn.
