You have decided to offer online tutoring, great! But what do you need to bear in mind to make your first online tutoring session a success? We have put together a few tips for you so that you can present yourself as an online tutor in the best possible light. These are designed to show you the most important things you need to know about preparing for and running online lessons.
Only a few differences to traditional tutoring
Online tutorin is not much different from the encounter during a classic tutoring session. Accordingly, the same rules apply in front of the screen as during a normal lesson. The same preparations and the same demands on your working environment are required. The screen of your computer, your headset and your camera are therefore not a ‘hiding place’, but allow for face-to-face communication, as would be the case in the real world between teacher and student. Don't forget that your students are your customers. Only those who are convinced by you will recommend you to others and review you favourably.
Online tutoring: the preparation process
Before you can get started with an online session, it is important to prepare well so that you feel comfortable during the lesson, can present well and always find your way around. In addition to the device, browser and accessories, the following points are also part of the preparation process:
1. Your environment is your workplace
Firstly, it is crucial to choose a suitable place to work for the online session. It is best to find a quiet room where you can give the lesson undisturbed. Teaching outside in nature or in a park is not a good idea. Why? It has too much noise and either blinding or too dark light. Also, the background can distract the student and a working internet connection may not always be available.
So please make sure that your workplace is tidy and that all sources of noise (e.g. radio, TV etc.) are removed. The background should be as plain as possible. Our recommendation: a pleasantly bright light source on the right or left side. Finally, please make sure that all the utensils required for the lesson (notepad, books, pens, etc.) are within easy reach.
2. your appearance is your business card
Your appearance is crucial if you are to make a professional impression from the first meeting with the student and beyond. It is therefore not appropriate to teach lying in bed, sitting on the floor, unkempt or half asleep. Why not? These working postures make a bad impression (the pupil can see everything!) and if there is no firm base, this can lead to a blurred image. In addition, you may give insights into your private life that you would rather keep to yourself.
So make sure that you have a suitable workstation (e.g. office desk). A well-groomed appearance and neat clothing are also important. Of course, you don't have to be perfectly shaved or have flawless make-up, a little effort is enough: freshen up and put on suitable clothes.
Online tutoring: behaviour during the online session
It is important that you listen first before you speak. Focussing on the camera also allows you to make eye contact, which increases the trust between you and your student. To ensure that communication runs smoothly, make sure you speak clearly and not too quickly. Patience, understanding and an open posture will make your student feel comfortable during the lesson. Don't forget that not everyone learns at the same pace. You should also make sure that you always have your work materials (pen, notepad, books, etc.) to hand.
It is not advisable to eat during the lesson or to constantly look at your mobile phone. As a general rule, you should refrain from any secondary occupation that is not tutoring should be avoided as far as possible. In addition, turning away from the camera or switching off the camera/microphone for no reason can lead to confusion for your student. You should also be careful not to walk around with the notebook or constantly change workstations.
If you follow these tips, nothing will stand in the way of a successful tutoring session. Good luck!