You have so far learned how to get started with tutoring journey, deliver an effective first session and exchange constructive feedback. The last and the most pivotal step for a talentmaster is to also give a fitting closure to a lesson.
It is possible that in the course of a lesson, you may forget or skip an effort to give a fitting ending to a stellar start. Hastening, trying to finish a lesson and leaving out important details towards the end can hamper your overall impact on a student. Ending a tutoring lesson on a positive note is quintessential for a lasting impact and garnering interest in repeat business from the student.
We had discussed in one of the previous articles about the ways in which a talentmaster can deliver a high-impact first lesson.
Let us now discuss what it takes to close a lesson - creatively, purposefully and impactfully:
1. Maintain a progress card - pre vs final assessment performance
You can choose to maintain a progress record on a diary/lesson summary documents or more systematic by using Talentnook’s online resources. You must have a clear comparison of pre-assessment (before the lesson) and final-assessment (after the lesson) performance.
Share the performance details with the student and parents. It will help them see the benefit of your tutoring right away.
For example, if in a pre-assessment a music student knew about only 2 notes, you must record that after the lesson the number rose to 4.
This record will become a direct and most legitimate testimony of your prowess as a talentmaster.
2. Handover an overview sheet, notes and practice sets (homework)
Always leave the session only after giving the student some kind of homework. Help them with printed cheat sheets, lesson notes, flashcards, etc. Leaving the student with some homework and resources makes a very positive last impression. It displays your sincerity and devotion to a long term interest in the student which increases the likelihood of repeat business.
3. Throw in a cliffhanger - make the student curious enough
Curiosity is something a student can never get enough of. A talentmaster who leaves a student with ‘points to ponder’, has a higher probability of repeat business.
A curious student will spend more time recalling and processing whatever you taught them during the lesson. The open question left in the end will, in turn, increase the likelihood of the student remembering you and seeking another lesson.
4. Ask for feedback, concerns, questions, etc. - keep calm and listen!
Asking for feedback always levies a very positive impression. It showcases your endeavor to collaborate rather than keep the association one-way. Parents especially like talentmasters who seek feedback and their participation in their child’s learning curve.
It is important to keep your composure while handling any negative feedback. Remember that all kinds of feedback are a part of any job. You must display a resolve to improvise and do your best for the student.
5. Share feedback - keep the tonality positive and constructive
It is also equally important to share your feedback with the student and their parents. Keep your feedback concise but make sure you don’t miss out on many details. Talentnook’s lesson page can also help you share feedback with the parents in a systematic, meaningful way.
Always keep the feedback’s tonality positive and constructive. Suggest improvement ideas and do not forget to praise the student for the positives as well! There is nothing like positive motivation that propels a student into better performance.
All of the above is true for both academics and arts (and also for sports, of course!). Give your scintillating opening a compelling closure and you’ll never have to look back. With every iteration of this exercise, you’ll see yourself evolve as a talentmaster. In this journey, always count on Talentnook whenever you need a platform to explore your target market, a word of wisdom, a note on best practices of the tutoring profession or even just some pep talk!