The Tutoring Environment

Keeping in mind the characteristics of your adult learner, make sure that the physical environment you choose for your tutoring session is conducive to learning. In assessing your potential meeting space, ask yourself:

• Is the lighting adequate? If your student still has difficulty reading under adequate lighting conditions and with large print materials, she might need glasses.
• Are there any disruptive noises such as traffic outside, a day nursery down the hall, or others using the same room/area?
• Is the table large enough for me to sit next to my student? This encourages interaction and says subliminally that your student is an equal partner in learning.
• Can all tutoring materials fit easily on the table?
• Are the chairs comfortable?
• Is the site convenient to parking or public transportation?
• Is the site open at convenient hours?
• Is privacy guaranteed?