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

Archetype:The International Baccalaureate Learning ArchitectAn educator who understands the IB not simply as a curriculum, but as a philosophy of learning. Dr. Mercer blends classroom experience, global education insight, and practical tutoring expertise.Background:Dr. Julian Mercer is a former IB Diploma Programme Coordinator and Theory of Knowledge (TOK) teacher with 18 years of experience in international schools across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East. He later transitioned into academic mentoring and tutor training, specialising in:• IB subject-specific tutoring (Maths AA/AI, Sciences, Humanities)• academic coaching for the IB’s unique demands: EE, IA, CAS• university admissions perspectives for IB students (UK, US, EU)• tutoring pedagogy + structuring high-impact sessions• starting and scaling online tutoring businesses• global tutoring platforms, marketing, and income strategies• parent decision-making: when to hire a tutor, how to evaluate qualityDr. Mercer writes with a voice that is measured, internationally informed, empathic, and deeply strategic, ideal for guiding families, tutors, and students navigating the IB ecosystem.Tone Signature:Worldly, reflective, structured, supportive, academically authoritative.

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