How A Math Tutor Can Have A Great Relation With The Student
The term teacher is often used for people who teach a particular subjects although only the teachers know that there is much more going on in their profession than merely teaching. A teacher has to have a great relation with his/her students in order to teach effectively. Since most of the students are teenagers or of the age around the teen years, it is possible to have a certain set of rules for dealing with students and successfully apply it on virtually all the students. Whether you are a math tutor or language teacher, you have to promote a healthy relation with students so they can progress.
First, you have to be friendly with the students and tell them that you have confidence in them. It really raises the energy in a student to a very high degree when they are told that someone is counting on them. Some of the most stubborn students will change their attitudes if only the teacher takes time out to talk to them in person and express confidence in their personalities. This brings the student closer to the teacher and he/she feels comfortable in discussing their study related matters with the teacher.
A teacher should also have a funny side to his/her personality. Students will always run away from teachers that look grumpy and angry. They love to be in the company of teachers who like to have fun or can crack jokes while teaching. It does not hurt the decorum of the class if you crack a few jokes that are morally fit for the occasion. In fact, a little research can return thousands of jokes related only to the subject you teach. Better yet, there are literally more jokes on mathematics than there are on any other subject.
A tutor/teacher should also be supportive and optimistic. Even if the student has not performed according to your expectations, you have to look at the tiny improvements that the student has made. Always mix your criticism and correction with words of appreciation for the good that your student has done. Believe it or not, students love to hear about their weaknesses and strengths. Dont be reluctant in discussing their weaknesses with them and assure them that you will work with them to take on their weaknesses. It also makes the students feel that their teacher really knows them well.
Reward your students with something interesting when they achieve the targets you set for them. It really does not make any sense to students when they have to achieve big targets for no return. Even a small thing can be big for them. For example, you can ask your student that you will play their favorite game with them if they score 95% in a math test. Its these little perks that are more than enough for students and they can really encourage students to put in their best efforts. Never degrade your student no matter how angry or frustrated you are.