Ask Micki: Last minute cancellations

Question: Hi, Micki, I have a question about a problem I've been having with one of my tutees.  We usually meet twice a week to go over his chemistry, but it seems like he has been canceling a lot of tutoring sessions lately.  I'm talking about 3 or 4 every month.

I understand if he is busy, or something unexpected comes up, but this is happening a lot. Plus, it is getting difficult to figure out my tutoring schedule, because I never know whether or not I'll be free for that hour of the week.  Well, that, and it is just plain frustrating to get a "I have to cancel" call 10 minutes before the session begins.

Any help you could give me would be unbelievablyappreciated, thanks!

~~~ Signed,
a Frustrated Chem Tutor in Alabama

Answer: Hey, there, Frustrated Chem Tutor - Last minute cancellations can be a huge pain to deal with, not only because they are irritating, but also because they interfere with your schedule planning.

The next time you meet with your tutee, take a few minutes to go over what has been happening lately.  Bring it up in a friendly manner, though - you don't want your tutee to feel attacked.

Mention that you have been noticing that about half of the tutoring sessions for the month have been canceled, and ask him if he wants to reschedule some of the sessions to days and times that work better for him.

If his schedule doesn't allow for rescheduling, mention that, if he is doing well in the chemistry course with only an hour per week of tutoring, maybe the second hour every week isn't necessary.

Now I know what you're thinking - you hate to lose the extra hours every month from an established client.  Trust me on this, in the long run your tutoring business will be better off - think of it this way, by freeing up that hour time slot every week, you will have the opportunity to schedule a more devoted tutee. 

If your tutee can't reschedule, and doesn't want to drop the extra hour per week, let him know (in a friendly tone of voice) that you need at least a few hours before the session begins for cancellations.

Let him know that because of your drive, your schedule that day, etc. that it would be really appreciated if he could let you know a few hours in advance that he will need to cancel...even better, ask if he could try to cancel 24 hours in advance if he thinks something may interfere with the tutoring appointment (i.e. a non-sick related reason, since sickness isn't planned).

Good luck and, as always, happy tutoring!
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Tips From Charlie: Respecting Different Learning Styles

Recently I was talking to James, a friend and fellow tutor; he's been a French and German language tutor for quite a few years now. 

We were talking about learning styles, and he mentioned that one of his tutees wasn't doing so well with French language retention and vocabulary.  James was perplexed.  He had pulled out virtually every worksheet, game, and flash card trick he could think of, and even tried to put together some fun quizzes hoping that they would help.  No luck.

Then suddenly it dawned on James that every technique he was trying had been visual in nature.  Maybe what his tutee needed was audio based learning tools.  True, many people are visual learners, but some respond best to the non-visual.

So, James' next French tutoring session included speaking drills, fun spoken word games, and an audio CD that included some basic French conversations. 

It was a success! James' tutee aced his next test, felt much more confident with his French language skills, and suddenly his vocabulary was improving dramatically. 

James' story got me thinking - how often do I stick to the same old routine, and not pay close attention to the non-visual learning styles that some tutees respond to? 

Maybe it's time for me to re-evaluate my tutees' needs and see if I can help them perform even better!

Ask Micki: Summer Tutoring

Question: Hello, Micki. I'm tutoring a 2nd grade kid in reading, and her parents have asked that I continue to tutor her once a week throughout the summer.  The thing is, right now we work with her school worksheets and homework.  Any ideas how we can stay on track during the summertime?

Thank you for the help!
Maricel from MN

Answer: Hi Maricel, thanks for the question - with summer coming up soon, I'm sure your question will help a lot of tutors out there who are wondering the same thing!

First of all, that is great news that the parents of your tutee have asked you to stay on during the summer months.  Not only is it a great professional tutoring opportunity for you, but it is an excellent way to keep your tutee on track (and give her a head start) for the next school year. 

Even better news: reading is one of those tutoring subjects that naturally lends itself to extracurricular work.  Get some fun, exciting books for the two of you to read together. 

Look into summer reading programs at your local library - I always loved those as a kid, and I felt a huge sense of accomplishment when I got my "Gold Medal Reading Award" for reading 50 books.  I was ecstatic!

If there isn't anything available locally, you can also set something up yourself.  Keep track of books your tutee reads, ask your tutee to give you short reports of what she has read, and have prizes on hand for when she meets certain goals. 

Last, but certainly not least, check out the resource page on the ITA site for some fun reading and language activities for kids.  There are a bunch of them on there, and it is always good to have a few surprise activities to keep things interesting.

Have fun and, as always, happy tutoring!

Great News! ITA is online again!

Edit:    

Hi, everyone!

Great news to report - Thanks to our brilliant IT guru, ITA is back up and running!  

She managed to restore all of our data, and get the ITA site back online in record time.  Most of the site is now 100% functional.  

The login area will remain offline, but will tentatively be back online by tomorrow morning.  We are switching servers after tonight's incident, and the full switchover takes a few hours to complete.
 

Thank you all so much, again, for your patience while we get this sorted out tonight!

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Hi everyone,

We just want to let you all know that our web host (IX Web Hosting) is currently down, so the ITA site is not active at this moment.  Apparently our web host had a server crash, and it has temporarily wiped out a few sites.  Unfortunately ITA was one of them.

The good news is that we have been in constant communication with our web host, and they are promising us that their servers will be up and running (and all backups restored) very soon.

We also have our best IT person on the job, and she is working like crazy to get the site switched over to a backup server.  

Hopefully, due to the late evening hour, this isn't affecting too many of you...We are very sorry for any inconvenience this is causing; things should be back to normal very soon, and we here at ITA thank all of you for your patience!

~ The ITA team

Ask Micki: Tutee with helicopter parents

Question: Hi, Micki, I really need your advice on this moderately annoying situation.

I am tutoring a 17 year old in French.  He is a really bright kid, is already pulling As and Bs on all the tests, has a good grade point average, and pays attention during tutoring.  He isn't the problem - his mom, unfortunately, is.  She hovers throughout the tutoring, interrupts every 5 minutes (no, I'm not exaggerating, it really is every 5 minutes), asks a ton of questions about the session, tells me how to go over the French flashcards, gives me "advice" on how to tutor, etc. 

Parental involvement is great, but this is getting difficult to work with every week.  My tutee is getting annoyed with her (he told me this himself), and I'm not too excited about these tutoring sessions either.  Any ideas how I can get her to not hover over the tutoring sessions?

Thanks for your help!
A.R.

Answer: Heya, A.R., I feel your pain.  Having someone hover, and try to "help" during a tutoring session can be really distracting for both the tutor and the tutee.  Reminds me of those old signs that used to be in mechanics shops - the ones that read:

Standard rate: $50/hour
If you watch me work: $75/hour
If you try to help while I work: $100/hour  :-)

All joking aside, though, it can be a really frustrating experience.  Unfortunately, from what I have heard from other tutors (and experienced myself), the parental hovering during tutoring sessions seems to be a growing phenomenon.

One thing that you can try is dropping hints to the parent.  Mentioning that tutoring takes a lot of concentration, making a show of having no music or television during the session, and letting her know that her son does great when he can fully focus are all hints that may let the mom know that tutoring is one hour when she doesn't need to "help." 

If the hints don't work, you may try moving tutoring locations.  Try mentioning that it would be a good idea to tutor at her son's school or at the local library.  You can mention that the environment is quiet, conducive to studying, and that there are plenty of resources there (i.e. reference books, dictionaries, etc.) to use during tutoring.

If, for some reason, she doesn't like that idea, you can always try talking to her directly about the problem.  This can be tricky, and you'll need to tread lightly.

Mention that, while you appreciate her help and her enthusiasm about her son's eduction, the tutoring hour is really a time when he needs to have his focus fully on the French language.  Make sure she knows how important concentration is during a tutoring session. 

If all else fails, insist that if she interrupts, it must be in French.  Chances are, that will cut back on the interruptions...or at least give him an opportunity to practice French! :-)

Good luck and, as always, happy tutoring!

Tips from Charlie: The fun of math...no kidding!

Recently I had my fifth tutoring session with a 13 year old who hated (and I mean HATED) math.  He did everything he could to avoid doing his math homework, looked bummed out during tutoring, and dreaded going to math class. 

So, I did what every tutor is renowned for doing - I communicated with him about why he hated math so much.  His two main complaints:

1) Math is boring, and he'd never use it (how many times have I heard that one?)
2) He felt freaked out and unprepared during tests (which caused him to get low grades, increasing his dislike for math in general)

Well, the second issue I knew I could handle.  After all, tutoring not only increases a student's preparedness for classes and tests, but it also raises a student's confidence level. 

The first "I hate math" issue, on the other hand, would be a little bit more of a challenge. 

After all, my tutee was 13 years old, and I knew the standard "kid stuff" wouldn't fly.  He was working on Geometry at the junior high level.  So, I put away the worksheets aimed at the elementary school crowd, and started wracking my brain for fun activities that would engage (not insult) a teenager with a dislike for the mathematical arts.

We talked for a little while during our first tutoring session together, and eventually wound up on the subject of hobbies.  As it turned out (luckily for me), my tutee loved anything to do with space, astronomy, and rockets.

Eureka!  I had found something that related to geometry, and knew I had a way to connect with him during tutoring. 

I came up with a few worksheets that laid out geometry and angles as they related to rocket launches, related angles to various space concepts (such as meteors or UFOs falling to earth and casting shadows), and pretty much presented every math tutoring session as something to do with space and rockets.

So far it has been a huge hit, my tutee is excited about learning the new concepts, and he is even talking about being an astronomer or Air Force pilot someday. 

Best of all, he just got his last geometry test back this week, and we were both thrilled to see the "Great job! A-" at the top of the paper!

Ask Micki: Field trips?

Question: Heya, Micki. I was wondering what you think about tutoring field trips? 

I am tutoring an elementary school kid in science, and right now we're working on astronomy.  I was thinking it might be fun to head over to a planetarium, you know, to bring the subject to life, but I wasn't sure if that is appropriate. 

A little background: Usually I tutor the kid at his home, he is an only child, and a parent is always home.  He's also a bit nervous being away from Mom or Dad for too long at a time.  We get along great, and he is eager to learn all he can about science.

Thanks for your advice on this!

Judy

Answer:  Heya, back, Judy! First of all, I think it is really cool that you want to bring science to life, and get your young tutee excited about learning.  You sound really involved, and your tutee is a lucky kid to be able to work with you.

I would definitely head out on a field trip - it sounds like a really educational experience that would also be loads of fun!  Since he is interested in science, that will make the field trip even more successful.

I would also invite Mom or Dad along for the field trip.  First of all, they'll appreciate the invite. 

Second, it will most likely make them (and the young tutee) feel much more comfortable, especially since the little guy isn't too excited about being away from Mom or Dad for too long. 

Third, it will be great for the parent(s) to get involved, know what their son is studying, know what he is interested in within the sciences, etc.

It is an all around great idea that will be good for the kid, good for his parents, and good for your tutoring!

Have fun, and as always, happy tutoring!

Ask Micki: Crossword puzzle as a project?

Question: Hello, Micki, thanks in advance for your help.  I was thinking of creating a crossword puzzle for my ITA certification project? It will be a world geography crossword puzzle aimed at elementary school (1st-3rd grade) students.  Would that be all right? 

A.L., in San Diego, CA

Answer:  Hi, A.L., great question!  Yes, I would definitely make a crossword puzzle as your final project! 

Here's why:

1. It is a fun, educational worksheet to take with you for your tutoring sessions.
2. Crossword puzzles are an entertaining tool that help tutees learn facts in a repetitious way, allowing them to recall the information more easily at a later date.
3. Crossword puzzles reinforce grammar skills and spelling through reading and writing.
4. Crossword puzzles promote critical thinking and reasoning.
5. Crossword learning tools get kids (and adults) excited and interested, making them want to learn.

As you can see, crossword puzzles are little dynamos in the world of learning tools. 
Looking forward to seeing your finished project and, as always, happy tutoring!

Tips from Charlie: Never too old to learn

Hi, all!  Just wanted to relay a really great experience I had a few days ago.

I got a call over the weekend from an elderly gentleman (87 years "young" he tells me!).  He asked me about math tutoring, inquired about my rates, etc.  Long story short, we set up an appointment to meet this past Wednesday. 

Now this may make me seem a bit close-minded, but for the first half of our phone conversation, I had assumed that the tutoring would be for his grandchild.  You see, Hank* had mentioned that this math tutoring was for a college course that would eventually lead to a degree in agriculture.  Hank also mentioned that it was a Sophmore level course.  Hearing the words "college," "degree," and "Sophmore," I am ashamed to admit that I jumped to the conclusion that Hank was seeking help for a 18-20 year old grandchild. 

I was completely and utterly wrong.

Hank (who is now officially one of my heroes!), decided last year, at the age of 86, to finally go back to school and get his Bachelor's degree.  In my opinion, that takes a lot of drive, a hefty dose of courage, and a huge amount of passion. 

Hank is officially one of the coolest college kids I know :)


* Name changed.

Ask Micki: How do I find tutoring clients?

Question: I just finished all of the ITA quizzes, and now I am moving on to finding tutoring clients so that I can get in some hours and evaluations (positive evaluations, I hope!).  I don't have any experience, and to be honest, I'm not feeling too confident. How do I find these clients? 

Thanks for your help, Micki,
Eleanor

Answer: Hi, Eleanor, thanks for your question!  Believe it or not, it is actually not as hard as you may think to find new tutoring clients.  Whether the economy is good or bad, tutoring is still a respected and valuable service that many people (students and parents alike) consistently support. 

Also, keep in mind that many tutors start out exactly where you are, without experience or tutees, so don't be intimidated by that - just get out there and be the best tutor you can be! Have confidence in your tutoring abilities and everything else will fall into place. 

All right, I know - enough with the pep talk, what you need are actual ideas! :-)

1. Go for the old fashioned technique:
Try posting flyers at local schools, colleges, libraries...anywhere that students and/or parents may frequent.  I have gotten quite a few tutoring clients this way over the years.  My most successful flyers have been the ones that include the little tear off tabs at the bottom of the page.  These are great because, if a person is busy, they can snag your contact info quickly without digging around for a pen and paper. 

I also make sure to include my name, phone number(s), subjects I tutor, that I am certified, and the age ranges I tutor.  When you get a little more experience, you may also want to include the number of years you've been tutoring, a few testimonials, and any other credentials that give you credibility.  If you don't have these things right now, don't worry - you'll develop them over time.

2. Go high tech:
There are online resources out there that will help you find tutees in your local area, or people who are seeking tutoring online.   TutorNation.com, for example, is a fantastic resource that we have partnered with for years.  Here's how it works: You enter your information (your location, subjects tutored, etc.), and TutorNation.com goes to work for you, finding you a tutoring client match!  It is a really easy to find tutoring clients in pretty much any subject and any age range, and I would recommend checking it out.

You may also think about signing up to be an online tutor.  This can be a great option for tutors who are looking for tutoring work, but need to work non-traditional hours, or want to broaden their geographic availability. 

*Full Disclosure: TutorNation.com is a website we have partnered with for years, and they offer a 30% discount to TutorNation.com members who are interested in ITA tutor training.

3. Word of Mouth:
Having a happy student or parent talk about you ("...a great tutor!") is often the only advertising you need to build a successful tutoring business.   Word of mouth is a powerful marketing tool, and will help you build your tutoring client base really quickly. 

4. Do some pro bono work: 
If you can afford to, offer some tutoring free of charge to friends, friends' children, co-workers, relatives...pretty much anyone who will be willing to provide you with tutoring experience and evaluations.  They may even be able to provide you with some word of mouth advertising, and a positive testimonial for your flyers. 

I hope that I've been able to help give you a few good ideas to build on and use when looking for new tutoring clients.  Get creative, be tenacious, and try to stay confident.  Implement these ideas, stay focused, and pretty soon you'll be so busy tutoring that you'll need to turn down work!

Good luck out there, and as always, happy tutoring!

Ask Micki: Constant Swearing

Question: Hey Micki, I have a situation with one of my tutees, and I am hoping you can shed some light on what I can do about it.  I am tutoring a junior high student who swears nonstop. I'm not talking about a mid-level swear word thrown out here and there, I'm talking full on swearing throughout the entire tutoring session.  It is like tutoring Eddie Murphy in the 1980s, and I am getting tired of every other word out of this kids mouth being the f-bomb.  Any ideas?  Oh, and, ironically, I am tutoring him in English.

Thanks!
James in CA

Answer:  Hey, James.I know where you're coming from - I've been in similar situations before and it is funny on one level and downright awkward on another.  First thing I did when I was tutoring a 14 year old with a "potty mouth" (ironically, also in English)  was talk to his parents.  I wasn't trying to get him in trouble, but I wanted to make sure that they knew. 

I let them know that their son and I were supposed to be working on English together, and that their son not expanding his vocabulary outside of the swear words was going to hurt his English grades.  I also let them know that tutoring would be much more effective if my tutee was able to challenge his vocabulary during the sessions rather than falling back on sub-par language choices.

They were aware of the problem, and agreed to try working with him a little more often to get him to clean up his language. 

I also talked to my tutee, and told him pretty much the same thing that I told his parents -  that his grades, and the tutoring, would be even better if he challenged himself when it came to his vocabulary.  I even helped him come up with some impressive sounding words that conveyed the feelings he was trying to relay using the swear words. 

I did this by asking him what he wanted to convey with each swear word.  For example, my tutee chose one particular swear word as a way to express disgust with a situation.  So, we replaced that particular swear word with words like, "abominable," "dreadful," "appalling," "gruesome," "ghastly," "grungy"...you get the idea.  It worked really well, the tutee had fun with the new words, and he stopped the constant swearing during the tutoring sessions.

In another situation, unfortunately the parents knew of their 13 year old son's swearing, but didn't feel that it was a problem.  So, I did what I had done before - I talked to the tutee directly, and helped him improve his vocabulary.  When a student has a bank of words from which to borrow, the swearing tends to clear itself up pretty quickly.

Good luck and, as always, happy tutoring!