No tutor wants to think that their subject is dull, but unfortunately, sometimes students won’t share the same passion for it that you have. In many cases, this is why they’re struggling and need your help. So, how do you make your lessons interesting and fun – and not just a recital of facts and figures? Maintaining a balance between being light-hearted and learning properly can be tricky to achieve, but with our tips, you should be well on your way. We’d also love to know what secrets you use to keep your students entertained, and looking forwards to your sessions.
Keep it active
This is harder for online tutors, as we don’t have the ability to re-enact battles or build molecular compounds (although you could always ask your student to do this, if you think they would!). What you can do, however, is bring the reality of the subject into play. Find real life examples and case studies that aren’t out of a text book: make the topic relevant to your tutee’s life and interests.
Revolve around them
A session that revolves uniquely around your student’s personality, academic requirements and interests will always be more interesting than a cut and dry tutorial that you’ve used twenty times before. See if you can guide your student into self-learning: set the aims and achievements for the session, but start giving them more control when it comes to the details. Having the freedom to dictate what they learn about and how makes any subject more appealing.
Peer marking
This activity might be something your student is familiar with from school, so try it out in a smaller, less intimidating environment. Spend 10 – 15 minutes each writing about the same topic or in response to the same prompt, formula or question, and then swap answers. Once you’ve spent time alone marking and making comments, go through both together. Not only will your student get to see an example of your work, but it’s a great way to learn.
Play games
Nearly all subjects can be adapted into games – you might just have to use your imagination and creative side a bit! Devise your own versions of shows on the TV – think Britain’s Got Talent does Shakespeare, or Countdown for chemistry! If you prefer something slightly more subtle, invent quizzes, puzzles or card games that can relate to the topics you’re working on.
Robert Grabiner – Founder of MyTutorWeb