Guidelines for Online Tutors-Understand Language Differences

It can always be a challenge to manage a tutoring session when the tutor and tutee do not speak the same native language

While giving the lesson

• Personalize the environment
• Encourage introductions – introduce yourself. do it with empathy, using a friendly, on-patronizing tone
• Use names when addressing responses to students – comment on personal things they have mentioned
• Speak clearly, and naturally
• Use an informal writing style but model correct grammar and spelling
• Use repetition
• Frequently ask the student if what you are saying makes sense
• Ask students to become the tutor and explain the concept to you
• Use restatement to clarify the student's response--I think you said...
• If the student does not understand you, write down what you are saying.
• If you do not understand the student, ask them to write what they are saying
• Encourage students to read and to use their dictionaries
• Be aware that students cannot see your nonverbal behavior – avoid sarcasm
• Do so clearly and concisely, avoiding unnecessary use of jargon
• Avoid sexism, racism, ageism or other discriminatory behavior