7 Tips to Keep You Focused With Your Tutor

By Alicia Geigel on August 30, 2017

Every once in awhile, we all need a helping hand in one subject or area that we just cannot seem to progress in. Subjects like math, science, or history can be tough areas of study, making it hard to even stay motivated to succeed.

Tutors, second to teachers and professors, are the angels of learning. When you need that extra help, but on your own time and terms and outside of the standard office hours schedule, tutors are there to save you. Though you may feel dumb or silly seeking extra help, tutors are there to help you learn, understand, and progress in the field you are having trouble with — so erase those negative thoughts right now!

The biggest struggle during a tutoring session? Distractions. Distractions can come at you from all directions whether you are in the classroom, taking online classes, or during your tutoring sessions. If you aren’t jumping for joy at the thought of learning, then you will find the temptations to distract yourself all too real.

Are you seeking help from a tutor but are not confident in your ability to remain focused during your session? Check out my seven tips on how to make the most out of your sessions and minimize distractions!

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1. Get an early start: Even though you will most likely have a specific time allotted for your session, arriving early may get you started earlier, which can motivate you to work and get done faster!

2. Come prepared: Before you even arrive at your session, be sure to have all of the materials you need, such as textbooks, notebooks, supplies (i.e. calculator), or additional documents. Being prepared will not only make your session go by quickly and smoothly but also alleviate the stress you may have thinking you forgot some important item.

3. Choose an appropriate location: When you are being tutored, you do not want to be in a hectic food court or noisy student center. Instead, places like the library, a coffee shop, or even a common area in your dorm/apartment building can be ideal places to hold a session. Location is key to having a successful tutoring session because the quieter and more peaceful the area is, the more you will be able to focus and less you will be distracted!

4. Create a list of problems/questions: One great way to eliminate distractions during a session is to come with a list of questions to ask your tutor or a set of problems to work on with your tutor. When you do this, you not only show your tutor that you have an interest in what you are learning but also become more engaged because your questions and problems are being addressed (which makes you feel more involved)!

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5. Distractions, distractions, distractions: This may be obvious, but in this day and age, we are bombarded by all sorts of distractions that can take away from the important tasks we work on. One of the largest (if not the largest) distractions is our cell phone. Cell phones today not only are vessels of communicating via text and phone calls, but they are also places where we can lose ourselves for hours with apps like Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Youtube, etc.

My advice is to keep your phone away from your working area and on vibrate. Trust me, dogs riding skateboards on Facebook and President Trump’s next tweet can wait the hour you are in your session. Along with your cell phone, keep other distractions like tablets, magazines, loud music, etc. away too.

6. Create a study playlist: I am a huge fan of playlists, as they can set the mood for anything you are looking to do. From your mom’s birthday to tailgating at the football game, you can put together a list for just about anything.

For your tutoring session, put together a list of songs that can motivate, inspire, and help you to focus and work hard. I wouldn’t suggest any fist bumping tracks or serious head bangers, but instead, music that will not distract you — the kind you can play softly in the background to keep you on track.

7. Create a goal: Setting a goal is a great way to keep you focused and motivated, no matter what it is! Perhaps you want to go to a party this weekend. Tell yourself that if you attend one tutor session this week and complete any post-session assignments, you can go. If you set goals and limits for yourself, you’ll be more prone to paying attention and focusing during your session!

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Going to a tutor and seeking outside help is never easy, but if you trust yourself and communicate openly with your tutor, you can and will succeed! Never give up and as always, good luck!

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