The First Session
Assess Student Learning Styles

  1. Give the Student a learning task to assess how she or he approaches learning.

  2. Assess how the Student manages time, both within the tutoring session and in general. Make the Student aware of strategies for using time efficiently.

  3. Ask to see the Student's lecture and study notes and offer suggestions for successful note-taking.

  4. Assess how the Student manages her or his energy. Make the Student aware that energy levels peak and ebb during the day and that study and schoolwork should be done at energy-peaks whenever possible.

  5. Ask the Student to describe the environment for study. If necessary, help the Student find times and places for efficient studying.

  6. Determine the level of commitment to school. This may shed light on the reason(s) for academic difficulties.

  7. Ask the Student how she or he would like to be helped (practice quizzes, Tutor-explain, Student-explain, learning games etc.)