7 Most Effective Teaching Strategies for Tutors

Today's world of education is changing rapidly. Both teachers and tutors face more and more challenges to find effective strategies.

As tutors, we must know what strategies are truly efficient. And then adapt them to meet the needs of 21st-century learners.

We should try different approaches. And define what works and what doesn't. But we both agree that it takes a lot of time and trials to define them.

In this article, I prepared for you several strategies, that through practice prove themselves effective in most cases.

Keep in mind, that the core of tutoring is an individual approach to each student. Hence, you will need to adjust these strategies on the go.

Differentiated Instruction

To begin with, the traditional "sage on the stage" model is no longer sufficient. We live in a world where information is accessible at hand and students are more connected and tech-savvy than ever.

At the heart of teaching lies an understanding that every person is unique. Every student of yours has a different learning style, strengths, and areas for improvement.

Differentiated instruction recognizes these differences and adapts teaching methods to meet individual needs.

Carol Ann Tomlinson, a pioneer in this field, says that differentiation means adapting to each student.

In other words, it means to adjust the content, process, or product, based on individual interests, or learning preferences.

The tutoring environment is different from formal teaching. Hence in tutoring, it is a very effective and easy-to-implement strategy.

Since tutors mostly conduct one-on-one or small group sessions it becomes easy to concentrate and adapt to each student.

To implement this strategy effectively you first need to assess student’s learning styles and preferences.

Different students perceive information differently. Some are better with visual content, some prefer auditory, and some kinesthetic.

For individual sessions, it is pretty easy. You can identify in what way your student learns best and focus on providing more content in that form. However, don’t overdo it, differentiate your materials.

For group sessions, you can offer content in multiple forms to adapt to each student.

One of the powerful techniques in this strategy is to provide a choice in assignments and assessments.

By providing options, you allow your students to select methods that align with their preferred learning style. Visual learners may choose to create infographics while kinesthetic ones may choose demonstration.

This flexibility ensures that every student can process and demonstrate understanding in a way that suits them best. It also positively influences their engagement and motivation.

Personalized Learning

Similar to differentiated instruction, this strategy is one of the most effective in tutoring. It involves creating a personalized learning plan.

The learning plan should address the specific needs, goals, and learning styles of each of your students.

To implement it effectively, you should start with an initial assessment to identify your student’s strengths and weaknesses. Then set achievable goals with your student.

The next step is to design a learning plan that targets specific areas for improvement. And regularly revise it,  based on progress and feedback.

Active Learning

Traditional lectures and passive learning still have their place. However, the days when students can passively absorb information have ended.

Instead, students prefer active learning. Where they can think critically, solve problems, and apply knowledge in real time. 

You can implement this strategy in several ways.

My favorite way is to present students with a real-world problem. Then let them work collaboratively or individually to find solutions. This approach encourages critical thinking and practical application of knowledge.

Another technique is to use interactive simulations. You can utilize digital tools or hands-on activities to explore concepts. Some examples are, through science simulations or reconstruction of historical events.

The next approach is known as think-pair-share. When you ask your students a question, let them think individually. Then, have them discuss their thoughts with a partner. Finally, have them share their insights with a larger group.

For your individual classes, you can be that partner with who your student shares initial thoughts. In turn, you can offer your perspective and create a dialog out of it.

When it comes to posing questions, it is best to use Socratic questioning. As a quick reminder, Socratic questioning is a method that uses investigative, open-ended questions. It aims to stimulate critical thinking and deeper understanding. 

This method is named after the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates. He used questions to challenge his students' beliefs and guide them to new insights.

The Socratic method aims to engage with ideas and promote independent, analytical thinking. It is not a test of knowledge.

Blended Learning

In our digital age, technology is a powerful tool for learning experiences. However, it's crucial to use technology purposefully, not just for the sake of using it.

Only when used effectively, technology can engage students and provide diverse learning opportunities.

One of the best techniques to implement this strategy is through the Flipped Classroom model. The model implies flipping the traditional way of teaching.

It works the following way. You provide your students with instructional content in the form of videos, or reading materials. They review them at home and then you use the session time for practice and interactive discussions.

Another way to blend technology into your lessons is to use different tools to create engaging real-time quizzes and polls. Or by using VR and AR experiences, like exploring museums, historical sites, etc.

Formative Assessment

There are two main types of assessment to evaluate student learning summative and formative. Both play crucial roles in the learning process but serve different purposes.

Summative assessment is like the final chapter of a book. Meaning they occur at the end of a learning period, to identify what students have learned and how well.

Formative assessments on the other hand are like check-ins or progress reports through the learning journey. They help you understand how well your student is grasping the material on the go and provide immediate feedback for improvement.

Formative assessments include quizzes, polls, discussions, and homework. They provide clear insights into whether your student understands new information well or needs additional explanation and practice.

Metacognitive modeling

Metacognitive modeling means showing your thoughts as you solve problems or analyze information.

This strategy works both ways for you and your student. It helps to understand not only what to think, but how to think.

In practice when you explain new information you verbalize your thought process as you solve a problem. Explain why you’re taking certain steps or considering specific factors.

In many cases, it is this logical chain of steps that students fail to grasp.

You can also ask your students to do the same. For example, they make a constant mistake, or they cannot solve a problem correctly. Ask them to verbalize their thinking process as they do it.

This is one of the ways that almost always work to identify the gap.

Growth Mindset

Carol Dweck's research on growth mindset has changed how we view student motivation and success. By promoting it you can help students overcome challenges and develop resilience.

A growth mindset needs to be cultivated both in young and adult students. A lot of students are afraid to make mistakes. And it is your job as a tutor to create a safe environment for them to try.

How to nurture it. Do not jump right away to correct your student’s mistakes without letting them finish, or judge when the same mistake is repeated non-stop.

Make sure to convince them that each mistake is an opportunity to learn.

You also don’t want to fossilize these mistakes, so make sure you still carefully correct them.

Also, find opportunities to praise your student’s effort and process, not just the results.

Many times your role as a tutor is not limited to subject instructions, you are also a guru in cognitive psychology. Your task is to explain to your student about neuroplasticity of the human brain and its ability to grow and change.

Students who believe in their capability to learn will try harder when faced with difficulties. Hence, they are more likely to succeed.

These strategies can greatly improve your teaching and engage your students.

Experiment with these strategies, and pay attention to what works best for your unique group of learners. Be willing to adapt and change your approach based on student feedback and outcomes.

It is important to remember that teaching is both an art and a science.

These evidence-based methods provide a solid foundation. But, tutors also bring creativity, passion, and a deep understanding of their students to the classroom.

Remember, the goal is not perfection, but continuous improvement and growth—both for you and your students.

In the end, effective teaching means creating a space where students feel valued, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential.

As we look to the future of education, it's clear that the role of the tutor is evolving.

It does not matter whether you are about to become a tutor or already practicing and trying to develop yourself. Remember, we are facilitators of learning, guides on the journey of discovery, and mentors helping to mold a new skill.

Embrace these changes, stay curious, and never stop learning.