When you have an excellent tutor, it can be tempting to stay in constant contact. However, it is likely that you are not your tutor’s only student and you should be respectful of both their time and your time. Organize your time and plan your communication so that you can get the help you need efficiently.

Talk About Communication

Start by communicating with your tutor about their expectations for contact outside of sessions. Ask if they prefer texts, phone calls, emails, or some other messaging format. Then ask if they have specific boundaries, such as don’t text after 9:00, or cancel appointments 24 hours ahead of time. 

Record Questions

As you study on your own, write down questions you have for your tutor. Don’t text them immediately. Wait until you are done with your study session, then try to work through the questions yourself. Continue to collect and hold on to these questions. Then, two days before your tutoring session, pass them along to your tutor. This will give your tutor time to find the answers to your questions and bring them to work through during your session. It will also give you time to try and find some of the answers on your own. 

Weekly E-mail

Sending questions in a single, weekly email will be much easier for you and your tutor to keep track of. Do this instead of sending off an email every time you encounter something tough. This will also help you problem solve and keep you from relying solely on your tutor. Don’t expect your tutor to give you an immediate reply. 

Plan for Emergencies

Ask you tutor if there is a plan for emergencies. For example, you have an exam in the morning and just can’t figure how to use an important equation. They may throw you one or two lifelines, encouraging you to call in case of emergency. However, don’t expect to do this more than once or twice. And, don’t expect them to be able to drop everything to help you. You should be studying far enough in advance that you can address trouble spots during regular sessions. Emergencies happen, but they shouldn’t be a regular occurrence. 

Stick to the Schedule

If you diligently keep to a study schedule and ask questions on a regular basis, you won’t need to email your tutor too much. Once a week is a good goal to aim for. Talk with you tutor about your expectations and their expectations for communication. Be respectful of their wishes and you will develop a great working relationship with your tutor.

 

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