5.4 Strengthening Instructional Practices and Establishing Routines and Structures

Establishing consistent routines and structures can enhance students' feelings of safety and optimize instructional time. Developing these routines can be time-intensive, especially when different approaches are employed in the classroom and tutoring sessions. However, high-impact tutoring programs that implement well-defined session structures foster predictable, engaging environments that promote accelerated student learning. Section 5.4 addresses session structure, session facilitation, session preparation and planning, and positive mindsets for instruction.

Before You Begin
Session Structure
Key RecommendationsCorresponding Resources
  • Establish a consistent tutoring session structure.
Example: Tutoring Session Structure
  • Set a clear, data-informed goal for each session focused on key missed concepts and skills needed to access the upcoming content.
  • Prepare all necessary materials (e.g., examples, worksheets, templates, digital resources) in advance.
Session Facilitation
Key RecommendationsCorresponding Resources
  • Use facilitation moves, such as prompting, questioning, and revoicing—to guide student thinking, encourage participation, increase student talk ratio, and deepen understanding (differentiate for one-on-one and small group tutoring settings).

Checklist: Facilitation Moves: One-on-One Tutoring

Checklist: Facilitation Moves: Small Group Tutoring

  • Engage students in using learning tools (including virtual learning platforms) that support productive struggle.

Reading: Choosing and Using Virtual Tutoring Platforms

Website: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines

Reading: Student Engagement in Distance Learning

  • Present multiple representations of new knowledge and provide repeated opportunities to apply skills. For virtual tutoring, integrate a digital whiteboard to support facilitation and share content.

Website: The UDL Guidelines

Reading: Math Guidelines for Distance Learning Models

Reading: ELA Guidelines for Distance Learning Models

  • Restrict access to non-essential applications during virtual or blended sessions to minimize distractions and reduce cognitive load.
 
Positive Mindsets for Instruction
Key RecommendationsCorresponding Resources
  • Set and clearly communicate expectations for successful participation during directions to establish a safe and predictable environment.

Website: What is culturally responsive teaching?

Reflection Guide: Behavior Re-Engagement Strategies

  • Maintain an asset-based (e.g., reinforcing positive behaviors) and motivating tone in all interactions.
Example: Mentoring Mindset Training - Facilitator's Guide
  • Reinforce a growth mindset when students make mistakes or experience challenges.
  • Build relationships through structured activities and strategies.
Toolkit Section: 5.2 Creating Tutor Consistency and Building Student-Tutor Relationships

Planning for the Long Term
Tutoring Quality Standards and Self-Assessment Indicators

Take the free, 15-minute, and research-based Tutoring Organization Self-Assessment. This subsection addresses these tutoring quality standards and Self-Assessment indicators.

Instruction
Instructional Practices		Tutors use research-based instructional practices aimed at fostering academic success and overall student well-being. 
3e.1 | A set of clearly articulated instructional practices used by tutors and aligned with the program design
3e.2 | A system to ensure tutors consistently implement effective instructional strategies (e.g., explicit modeling, effective questioning, high quality student feedback, opportunities for productive struggle, etc.) in virtual and/or in-person sessions
3e.3 | A system to ensure tutors consistently implement strategies that support overall student well-being in virtual and/or in-person sessions
3e.4 | A system of supports and interventions for meeting language needs of multilingual learners (MLL)
3e.5 | A system of supports and interventions for meeting the needs of students with IEPs
3e.6 | A system (minimum of a bi-weekly frequency) for instructional observation, coaching and feedback to support effective instruction
Instruction
Routines and Structures		The program has consistent lesson structure, set instructional routines, and standard procedures to maximize learning. Tutor-specific modifications are intentional and informed by student needs.
3f.1 | Consistent tutoring session structure with space for instructional delivery, relationship-building, independent practice time, and formative assessment
3f.2 | Set of consistent instructional routines
3f.3 | Routines and structures that are culturally responsive and relevant to the backgrounds and experiences of the students served were intentionally created and are consistently implemented