An hour can go by fast! Even 2 hours, if the tutoring lasts that long, can go fast, and for it to be productive, there are some things that can maximize the time:

Be prepared

First of all, be prepared and start right on time! This applies to both student and tutor. Books, homework sheets, dictionaries, pens or pencils, and any other study props should be on the table, and both student and tutor should be ready to go.

Stay on track

Small talk should be kept to a bare minimum. Getting acquainted should be done in the first few minutes of the first session. After that, unless one of the goals is to practice speaking a foreign language, all conversation should relate to the subject matter, and not the weather, the student’s dog, sibling, or friend, how the school day went, or any other irrelevant topics. Every minute counts! It is up to the tutor to keep the student on track and to make the most of the time. Small talk can be allowed after the session is over.

Avoid distractions

The student should also have a snack and use the bathroom before the tutoring session so that he/she can concentrate on the lesson without getting hungry or needing a break.

It’s not just about answers

When working on homework or study sheets, the tutor should, whenever possible, guide the student towards figuring out the answers or completing assignments. The tutor should never just give the correct answer, but try to help the student figure it out him/herself. That way, he/she can apply what they learn to other challenges. Sometimes, solving a simpler problem can make the problem at hand easier, and will be remembered longer.

It should be a conversation

Lecturing belongs in a lecture hall. Too much talking on the part of the tutor can indicate that the student is not engaged in grappling with the material. Making mistakes is not something to be embarrassed about, as long as the student is encouraged to continue seeking a better understanding. What the student comes to understand will remain with him/her much longer than if simply told by the tutor.