If you’re interested in becoming a tutor for adult learners, it’s important to understand that teaching adults can be quite different from teaching children. Here are some tips on how to be an effective tutor for adults.
- Start with a needs assessment
Begin by assessing the adult learner’s needs. Find out what they want to achieve and what their current level of literacy is. This will help you tailor your tutoring sessions to meet their specific needs.
Here at Turning Pages SC, we take care of this step! When you accept a tutoring assignment, you will receive a Curriculum Kit packed with leveled readers and workbooks that fit with the learner’s needs. After 24 sessions, we will bring the learner back in for another assessment while you take a break.
- Establish clear goals and objectives
Using the lessons in your Curriculum Kit, you can set clear goals and objectives for each tutoring session. This will help the adult learner stay focused and motivated, and will also give you a roadmap to follow during each session.
- Use a variety of teaching methods
Adult learners have different learning styles and preferences. Use a variety of teaching methods, such as visual aids, hands-on activities, and real-life scenarios, to keep the adult learner engaged and motivated. Multiple books are provided in our Curriculum Kit so you can find suitable lessons each week. Often, tutors will have learners bring “realia”, or materials, from home to practice with such as personal mail, a favorite magazine, or a job application.
- Be patient and encouraging
Adult learners may feel embarrassed or frustrated about their lack of literacy skills. Be patient and encouraging, and praise their efforts and progress. Remember that everyone learns at their own pace.
If you feel like you are both burning out, it is ok to take a break for a week. At Turning Pages SC, we encourage pairs to keep their lessons to just one hour to help prevent stress and overtiring.
- Focus on practical skills
Adult learners often need to learn practical skills that they can use in their daily lives. Focus on teaching them skills such as reading job applications, writing emails, and managing finances.
- Provide regular feedback
Provide regular feedback to the adult learner on their progress. Let them know what they are doing well and what they need to work on. This will help them stay motivated and on track. Smiles, compliments and positive words go a long way.
- Make the tutoring sessions enjoyable
Adult learners are more likely to stick with tutoring if they enjoy it. Make the sessions enjoyable by incorporating humor, positive reinforcement, and relevant topics. Always remember that your learner is a valuable human being with a rich history and strengths they bring to the table outside of literacy.
- Respect their time and commitments
Adult learners often have busy schedules and commitments. Respect their time by being punctual, keeping to a schedule, and being flexible when necessary.
- Build a rapport
Building a rapport with the adult learner is important. Get to know them as a person, and find common ground. This will help them feel comfortable and build trust.
- Continuously evaluate and adjust
Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of your tutoring sessions and adjust as necessary. Solicit feedback from the adult learner and make changes to the tutoring plan as needed.
By following these tips, you can become an effective tutor for adult learners enrolled at Turning Pages SC and elsewhere. Remember that teaching adults can be a rewarding experience, and you have the power to make a real difference in someone’s life.
Do you live in Columbia area of South Carolina? Join us as we change lives through the power of reading.
