Establishing and maintaining rapport is an important element in determining the success of a tutoring session. The interaction between the student and the tutor is important because of the amount of time the tutor spends with the individual student.

Before You Begin a Lesson

Before beginning a lesson it is important to make the student aware of the instructional plan. You may accomplish this by:

• Differentiating lesson objectives to the student,
• Outlining the lesson, and
• Ask the student if they have any questions, before you begin.

Encouraging the Student

The more trust the student has in the tutor, the easier it is to encourage the student to master learning in areas they might be reluctant to try. As students develop confidence in their academic skills, the tutor can encourage independence in using those skills. Specific techniques which encourage students are:

• Meet the student in a relaxed, friendly manner,
• Set an example by being courteous and respectful,
• Be supportive and provide encouragement,
• Communicate that learning is an important and worthwhile task, and
• Maintain a sense of humor.

Conducting the Lesson

Maintenance of rapport during a lesson is important to ensure the success of the lesson. Some of this will depend upon the tutor making decisions on the spot, such as taking a break if a child appears tired of frustrated. There are other techniques which may be used throughout a lesson. These include:

• Work beside the learner,
• Read verbal, eye, hand, and posture cues of the learner, and
• Provide encouragement and praise throughout the lesson.

The more trust the student has in the tutor, the easier it is to encourage the student to master learning in areas which they may be reluctant to try. As students develop confidence in their academic skills, the tutor can encourage independence in using those skills.

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