Purpose: A consistent session structure helps students understand what is expected of them and builds a sense of safety and engagement. Predictability allows tutors to focus more on instruction and less on pacing and directions, leading to more practical sessions.
| Example Tutoring Session Structure | |
| Session Section | Description |
| Session Opening: Relationship Building | Build a strong student-tutor relationship. Check in about the student’s day or week, discuss interests or extracurriculars, or begin with an icebreaker or game (for small-group settings). |
| Data Touchpoint | Follow up on the previous session and assess the student’s skill level. Revisit unfinished learning or introduce a new, relevant skill. |
| Framing & Objective | Introduce the session’s topic and activate prior knowledge using guiding questions. State the learning objective aloud and display it visually. |
| Mini Lesson & Explicit Model | Model the process required to meet the session’s goal. Ensure the model is clear, aligned, and emphasizes key steps. In 1:1 tutoring, offer the student supportive reminders or prompts, as necessary. In small groups, prompt students to collaborate and discuss the practice exercise together. |
| Purposeful Independent Practice | Provide time for students to practice the targeted skill independently. Use guiding questions to support students without offering answers. Support student’s growth mindset with positive reinforcement. If student struggles persist, break the content into smaller, more manageable pieces. |
| Formative Assessment | Measure progress toward mastery using brief, aligned assessments—such as an exit ticket—that reflect what was modeled and practiced. |
| Relationship Building | End the session on a positive note by reinforcing the relationship, focusing on the day’s positive outcomes, or student grit. |