I have an individual appointment with a college kid, and then two hours of tutoring with high school kids. It's my first time doing this. I'm excited but anxious. Can you give me any advice?! :) (It's English if that matters)
2007-02-12 06:30:20 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Teaching
High school kids are SO much fun! I teach 8th grade now but have taught high schoo in the past. Here are a few quick thoughts:
Grade makes a difference:
9th GRADERS---even this late in the year are just glorified 8th graders. They're at the start of really figuring out who they are and where they fit in. Be nice, praise often, and be patient. Break the lesson up into small chunks of 5-15 minutes. If a 9th grader seems frustrated, back off that part of the lesson and return to it later. There's a biological basis for this--teenagers' brains are developing higher-level cognitive skills at this time, and there are times when even the brightest early/mid teen needs a little extra processing time.
10th and 11th GRADERS--(I lumped these together because an immature 11th grader is really basically a 10th grader, and a mature one is basically a senior) These guys are funny. They are more confident than ninth graders, but they still seem to be searching for their place in the scheme of things. They're starting to seriously think about college/life after high school, but at the same time 90% of their attention is on day to day life in high school. Take a little time to find out what their interests are, and tailor your lesson to that. They can handle longer chunks of lesson in the tutoring session, and will tend to be honest if you ask if they "get it" or not.
11th and 12th GRADERS: These guys are basically young college kids. Treat them as such, but keep in mind that it's still illegal for most of them to have sex, drink or smoke (so those aren't great topics to let lessons stray into). These kids will appreciate being taken seriously and having their ideas/concerns given the same gravity as adults. Many are starting to chafe at the restrictions of high school. . .while others are afraid of what's waiting them after graduation. Expect in-depth thought and hard work from them. They can be held to the same standard of behavior and academic work as your college freshmen tutees.
For all grade levels: You are working with these kids at an important time in their lives. They are very open to suggestion, and they notice everything! So, no matter what you do, you will have an impact on them. By behaving like the perfect big brother, and being a good person, you will help them grow up to be good people too. This malleability is the difference between high school and college.
Here are a few ideas:
1. make dull tasks into games
2. take breaks
3. get to know them first
4. be patient
5. Don't let the lesson stray too far from topic
6. enjoy!!! high schoolers are fun!
2007-02-12 06:59:35 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Create a detailed needs analysis survey that you can give to your students on the first day. Ask them directly what they want to learn, and then ask them questions that will indirectly show you what they need to learn. Then, strike a balance between the two. Use the needs analysis to set a plan for your next few lessons- what linguistic goals do you plan to accomplish within two months?
Come prepared with a pad of paper, two pencils and a dictionary. Also, bring a homework assignment to determine the student's writing abilities. For example, write them a letter introducing yourself and ask them to write a response for your next lesson. Request that the students bring any school ESL materials that they work from.
Use Excel to create an attendance sheet where you record the date of each lesson, the duration of the lesson and what you did during the class. At the end of the lesson have the student initial the attendance sheet so you have a written record of what they've studied, which materials you've already used, and how much they owe if (if they pay weekly or monthly).
2007-02-13 11:45:48 · answer #2 · answered by Jetgirly 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Treat them like adults. Most kids just want to be treated with respect. However, if you get a kid who is disrepectful of you right off the bat make sure you let them know that you will not put up with it and then get over it. Teenagers are tough animals but if you can somehow figure out what they like and hone in on that you can get a lot out of them. Teen years are difficult....I would not want to do it again!!! Another thing is hopefull it was a choice for them to have tutoring or not and if it were their choice to do it you are already in. You also have to think of a way to make English interesting....not an easy subject for a lot of kids.
2007-02-12 06:37:22 · answer #3 · answered by jlcaughlan 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Darlin, as a teacher, I have 24 kids in my class. I cover the current grade curriculum + 1 grade above and below so as to tailor the information to the needs of the students and their individual levels. I already have a lot to do. Why don't you consider doing 20 minutes homework with your child 5 days a week? Have you read to your child or heard your child read every day? If parents would do their job it would be much easier for the teacher to do theirs.
2016-05-24 01:28:54 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Relax. Enjoy them. Let them do the talking. Sometimes they don't know what questions to ask. You may pick up on something that could be helpful to them.
2007-02-12 07:22:16 · answer #5 · answered by Konswayla 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes..
The first impression u give is all-important.
U shouldn't be over-familiar, u need to set and keep a professional distance.
Make sure your notes are well prepared, relax and be yourself
2007-02-12 06:35:11 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋