Communication skills for online tutors
Elton Rodrigues 2 min read
Online tutoring has become a popular and effective way to impart knowledge and support students’ learning journeys. Communication skills are essential for online tutors, along with effective time management and technical expertise. In this blog post, we will explore some essential communication skills that can elevate your online tutoring sessions and help you become a successful and impactful tutor
✈ Clear and concise communication
Online tutoring lacks the immediacy of face-to-face interactions. To reduce ambiguity, communicate concisely with your students. Use simple language, and take extra time to explain subject-specific terminology. To avoid losing your student in nuance, spend some time organizing your thoughts beforehand when planning your lesson so that you can present information in a logical and structured manner
🩺 Active listening and non-verbal communication
Active listening is very important for any tutor, especially when teaching online because you can’t see body language as easily. You should really focus on your students and let them know you’re listening by acknowledging them. Asking questions and guiding them through their thoughts is a great way to connect with them, show interest, and help them think critically
Even though online tutoring mostly involves written or spoken communication, nonverbal cues still matter. Use webcams during lessons so you can see facial expressions and other nonverbal cues. If you don’t have one, refer to our guide on setting up your phone as an external webcam
During video calls or recorded sessions, be aware of your own facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language. It’s essential to maintain an enthusiastic and friendly attitude to make the learning environment welcoming. Encourage your students to use emojis, gestures, or visual aids to express themselves better and improve communication overall
➰ Feedback and encouragement
In online tutoring, giving constructive feedback is very important. Assess your students’ progress as they go through the lesson and provide feedback regularly while they work on tasks. Point out mistakes, but try to focus more on finding solutions. Allow your students to think about their ideas before you offer feedback, as they may notice their own mistakes, and this is essential for their development
With any student, it’s beneficial to have both short-term and long-term goals to work towards together. It’s a good idea to establish these goals during the first session. During the lessons, provide brief and clear feedback on their progress and achieving the short-term goals. After lessons or when they have tests or exams, offer feedback that connects to the long-term goal
Always remember to celebrate your students’ successes and encourage their efforts, no matter how small those successes may be. Positive reinforcement boosts their confidence and motivation, which can significantly impact their performance
🧠 Technological competence
As an online tutor, you need to know how to use digital tools to work with your students. Get to know video conferencing software, online whiteboards, file-sharing platforms, and other educational tools. Make sure your internet connection is reliable, your audio is clear, and you have good lighting for video sessions. Learn how to solve basic technical issues, as they can interrupt the lesson
🤘 Conclusion
To engage better with your students and create a positive online experience, focus on clear communication, active listening, positive feedback, and developing technological skills. Communication is not just about sharing information; it builds connections, boosts confidence, and empowers students to reach their full potential
