How to be present and engaged while tutoring online
For tutors
Kids spend a lot of time on screens. In fact, the average teen spends up to nine hours in front of a screen each day. By the time students get to your tutoring sessions, they may be screen-timed out. You not only need to work with the student to help improve their understanding of a subject, but you also need to find methods to combat screen fatigue.
That said, we live in a digital world where video communications are convenient, and the possibilities extend beyond a typical classroom setting. As an online tutor, you can use this to your advantage as you keep students engaged.
Here are five ways to help your student stay interested and involved while tutoring.
Create stimulating, two-way conversations by encouraging students to ask questions or share. This time could be a show-and-tell activity where the object shared on-screen relates to the subject matter. For example, if you're tutoring a student in reading, try asking them to show you their favorite book.
A student will likely remain focused if the content is wrapped into a theme they appreciate. Choose their favorite color, sport, movie character, or animal to enhance the visuals and material you review. Wearing funny hats or other costume elements that change with each meeting can work, too.
Sketch a doodle or select a background that aligns with the day's topic to get the student excited about the session. Whether you appear to be on a safari or in outer space, visuals and backgrounds can be a light-touch way to change up a child's typical online learning experience.
You will appreciate the break times as much as your students. Use the time to go to the restroom, get a snack, or stretch. This small bit of time will help make a big difference in terms of a student's engagement and retention rate.
Try offering a digital reward, like a link to a game that reinforces your tutoring content. You can also start the meeting with a written message on Remind's interactive whiteboard that celebrates their progress.
Do what you love and enrich students' lives with Remind Tutoring. Remind will take care of making sure your students have the tools they need to be ready for each Remind Tutoring session while you work together with those students to improve their knowledge and their grades. Apply to become a Remind tutor today!
