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“If that is all, we will see you next Monday!”
As you hang up the phone, you think to yourself, I swear there is something I forgot to ask, but what is it?
AH! I forgot to ask Stormy’s mom if she has her own assessment books!
You shake your head as you pick up your phone and send a text to the SmileTutor coordinator, asking them to relay your message to the tutee.
What could you have done better during the call? What other information could you have picked up?
This article is going to help you fully prepare for such calls and utilise it to the fullest!
Information About The Student
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The most common reason why tutors ask for a conference call with the tutee is to figure out the student’s weakness and needs.
This is crucial information as it allows tutors like yourself to properly plan lessons and tailor your teaching style accordingly.
Imagine if you go into tuition with a bunch of materials for open ended questions, but it turns out the student is just weak in composition writing.
All that effort will be wasted and the lesson will be awkward!
During the call, you may also ask about the student’s learning attitude. Is she playful? Attentive? Easily distracted?
This can help you plan your lesson style accordingly and incorporate elements of fun to keep the student engaged.
Lastly, you can also inquire about the student’s skill level for the subject.
This will help you ensure that the lessons won’t be overwhelmingly difficult for the student and make them feel unmotivated.
Materials Needed
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Sometimes, parents hire tutors to guide their kids as they do their homework, giving them pointers and whatnot.
Other times, parents expect tutors to provide worksheets, notes and assessment books.
While some assignments will have ‘Materials needed’ in the description, some assignments do not as the parents never mentioned it to us during the application stage.
It is important for you to clarify with the parent if any additional materials are needed, be it notes, worksheets or textbooks.
You may also discuss whether the parent is willing to foot the bill for the materials, and arrange accordingly.
Additionally, you can ask if the student has their own materials that you can use for lessons, such as school notes and workbooks.
Alleviating Any Concerns
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Last but not least, and probably most importantly, you should always answer any questions the parent may have for you with clarity.
Alleviating their fears helps them gain a level of trust with you, which creates a good first impression.
Alternatively, if you have any additional questions for the parent, feel free to ask away!
It is better to clarify any doubts than to walk into a lesson blind. The parents will appreciate it too!
Conclusion
Conference calls are the stepping stones for you and the tutee to connect and understand each other better, which is important in the long term.
Building trust is crucial in ensuring that future lessons go smoothly for both you and the client.
All the best for your next conference call!
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