4 Things to Do During a Tutoring Session

Tutoring can be a great way to help students reach their academic goals. But it's important to make sure that the tutoring session is productive and beneficial for both the student and the tutor. Here are four things that both students and guardians should do during an initial tutoring session. The first step is to establish a personal relationship. This is important for both the student and the tutor, as it helps create a comfortable and trusting environment.

Ask questions, get to know each other, and make sure that the student feels comfortable with the tutor. It's also important to verify that things are going at the right speed. Make sure that the student is understanding the material and not getting overwhelmed. If they are having difficulty, take a break or slow down.

You can also take “mini-tests” to ensure understanding. The way you dress as a tutor is also important. Do not overdo it or look below. Wear clean, simple clothes and nothing too distracting. Be professional, but don't forget that you don't work in a corporate environment. Finally, try to make the lesson fun so that your student is looking forward to the next one.

Give your student some independent, fun, academic work. You can also add a fun stretch break or some jumping jacks if your child is sleepy that day. Keep your main goals simple and achievable, and make sure you've reached the main part of your lesson plan no later than 15 minutes. Give your student some independent, fun, academic work. You can also add a fun stretch break or some jumping jacks if your child is sleepy that day. Keep your main goals simple and achievable, and make sure you've reached the main part of your lesson plan no later than 15 minutes.

Dr. Julian Mercer
Dr. Julian Mercer

Dr. Julian Mercer is a former IB Diploma Programme Coordinator and Theory of Knowledge teacher with eighteen years of experience in international schools across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East. He later transitioned into academic mentoring and tutor training, developing deep expertise in IB subject-specific tutoring across Maths AA/AI, the Sciences, and the Humanities, as well as academic coaching for the IB’s distinctive components such as the Extended Essay, Internal Assessments, and CAS. His background also includes university admissions guidance for IB students applying to institutions in the UK, US, and EU, alongside extensive work in tutoring pedagogy, high-impact session design, online tutoring business development, global tutoring platforms, marketing strategy, and helping parents make informed decisions about when and how to engage expert support. He writes in a voice that is measured, internationally informed, empathic, and strategically grounded—an ideal guide for families, tutors, and students navigating the complexities of the IB ecosystem.

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