Learn To Be Foundation

1. Take turns talking.

• Because of possible delays in VoIP techonology, wait until a student is finished speaking before you talk to avoid interrupting the student.
  

2. Change pen colors.  

• Use different colors on the whiteboard to help keep the work visually organized.
  

3. Use the red pointer as often as possible.  

• Because the student cannot see the movements of your mouse or where on the whiteboard you are directing, use the pointer tool to guide the student to where he or she should be looking or working.
  

4. Have the student complete as much of the work as possible.

• Guide the student through the process, but have the student do the actual writing, drawing, or reading.
  

5. Continuously provide the student with verbal feedback.

• With online tutoring, students cannot receive visual feedback from you because they cannot see your body language or facial expressions.  Therefore, keep the student aware that you are attentive.
  

6. Continuously give positive feedback.  

• Affirm the student both verbally (e.g. “that’s correct”, “good job”, “keep it up”, “uh-huh”) and visually (e.g. star correct answers, draw a smiley face on a completed worksheet).  Use the student’s name when giving positive feedback (e.g.  “Great job, William”, “Awesome, Samantha, I’ll bet you always pay attention in class.  That’s great!”).
  

7. Refrain from giving negative feedback.  

• Avoid using phrases such as “that’s wrong”, “you’re incorrect”, etc.  Replace these negative comments with encouraging phrases such as  “let’s try that again”, etc.
  

8. Don’t be afraid to engage the student.

• Talk about the student's interests and favorite subjects, books, etc.   However, be sure not to cross the line into personal or private information.
  

9. If you don’t know the answer, be honest with the student.  

• Advise the student to ask a teacher, an adult or another student for help.  It is better to be unsure and give a right answer than to be sure and give a wrong answer.
  

10. Make use of your resources.  

• Remember, you have the power of the Internet at your hands to find the correct answers.