5 skills to be an effective tutor.

Last year the government set up the National Tutoring Programme (NTP) to offer schools the opportunity to access discounted programmes of tuition through approved tuition partners. The aim of this funding is to support schools in closing the attainment gap for pupils, caused by school closures due to the pandemic. At Randstad, we are delighted to be a Tuition Partner for the National Tutoring Programme for 2021/2022. 

why tutors are so important.

In order to make the NTP successful, we need people like you to provide tuition support to pupils across the country. Tutors play a vital role in bridging the attainment gap and helping pupils achieve their full potential.

what being a tutor involves.

Face to face and virtual support

Depending on the type of support required, all tutors are set up to provide face to face and online tuition where required.

Programme of tuition

You'll be required to detail how a programme of tuition is impacting a pupil's learning so that schools can check if each pupil is on track to achieve their desired learning outcomes.

Reporting success

You'll be using our bespoke session tracking platform to ensure that we can keep track of each session.

So, what does it take to be an effective tutor? Whether you’re a qualified teacher or Teaching Assistant (TA) with a passion for helping pupils succeed, this could be the role for you. In order for the tutoring sessions to be effective, it is essential that a good relationship is established between the tutor and the pupil. Often, this relationship is created quickly, but at other times, it may take a few sessions before the pupil(s) open up.  Five key skills you need to succeed as a tutor are as follows:

• Communication
• Energy
• Adaptability
• Empathy
• Team work

Communication

It goes without saying that strong communication skills are a vital part of being a tutor. You need to be able to explain subjects and information effectively to pupils, whilst also using written skills to provide comments and feedback on pupils’ work. You’ll also need to be patient and willing to listen actively to pupils to understand their individual needs.

Energy

In order to establish a positive relationship, you’ll need to be energetic and enthusiastic, ready to engage pupils with differing learning styles. A high energy level will likely have a positive impact on a child discouraged by school, or one who has been disengaged with learning. Through good mood and motivation, a tutor will be a role model for success, inspiring pupils to achieve their best.

Adaptability

As part of the NTP, tuition can be delivered in 1:1, 1:2 or 1:3 group settings, so it is key to be able to adapt your style to each individual group. This ties in to communication: you’ll need to be able to review pupils’ particular needs, and re-evaluate objectives as sessions progress. Don’t be afraid to create new action plans or ideas when needed!

Empathy

Listening to the needs of the pupil and demonstrating empathy will help to better understand a pupil’s situation. Your involvement and presence offers support and will hopefully make the student feel valued. A good tutor is likely to be someone who is interested in the pupil they are helping.

Team work

Even when providing individual or small group support, you’ll need to work as part of a team with the pupil’s school and/or parents. You’ll need to record pupils’ objectives and achievements, and report back to ensure they’re on track. Working with others effectively is a key part to success as a tutor.

If you’re someone with strong communication skills, you enjoy working as part of a team, and you are passionate about helping pupils of all ages succeed, then you could be the next person to join the Randstad tuition team!

Find out more here