TrevorKleeTutor wrote:
GMAT tutor here, looking to hone my craft. Recently, I've been having a tough time keeping students motivated. I'm not sure if it's the weather or what, but a lot of my students have been slacking off on homework recently.
It gets me sort of worried, because I know they won't do well on the test, but I don't really want to nag them over it or anything. So, for those of you who have worked with tutors, how have they effectively motivated you? Alternatively, have any of them failed to motivate you? I'd be happy to hear about negative experiences as well.
Hi
TrevorKleeTutorI will try to help as a student who got tutored in verbal through Skype with a great instructor in the US.
I took some time in your website. Honestly, I read your teaching style section many times. I have the feel that you inspire your students through challenge. I know your good intention but many people know GMAT is hard but it seems you mention this in your first interaction or repeat it. Actually, this would grow subconsciously and you may see reaction when they face challenging question in term of slacking off homework. As you said, I do not prefer any kind of 'nagging'.
From my experience:
1- My tutor got to know me, career, age, proposed schools to apply, previous GMAT scores, weakness, annoying about GMAT and any important background.
2- In my style, I like to have some theory or rule or structure method before going to practice. I do not to learn directly through a question. I knew that no one can cover all questions through theory and sometimes there are endless exceptions and variations in questions. The target was warm me up about the topic.
3- He usually starts with basic or simple questions that helped me understand the theory.
4- In my homework, I solve questions in gradual difficulty. When I faced a problem, I shot him email or wait to the lesson to answer. Sometimes, my mind was blocked and I did not understand the question. He usually change his way in explanation.
I believe what motivated me was that he understood my mind and act accordingly. In our lesson, he tried to lead me really to answer the question. He gave me the trust to answer the questions.
Talking about negative, I would take about a TOEFL teacher who was just through the lesson and move. Also, he was so criticizing in his lessons in a way that I could not continue with him.
I hope it helps you.
Good luck with your students.