Boarding Tutor Reference Guide

Study Skills Development

Effective study skills are foundational to academic success. Boarding tutors play a crucial role in helping students develop these skills, which will serve them throughout their educational journey and beyond.

Core Study Skills

Focus on developing these essential skills with your students:

• Time management: Teaching students to create realistic schedules, prioritize tasks, and avoid procrastination
• Note-taking: Introducing various methods (Cornell, mapping, outlining) and helping students find what works for them
• Active reading: Developing strategies for engaging with texts, including previewing, questioning, and summarizing
• Memory techniques: Teaching methods like spaced repetition, mnemonics, and concept mapping
• Test preparation: Guiding students in creating study plans, practicing with past papers, and managing test anxiety
• Organization: Supporting systems for managing materials, assignments, and deadlines

Implementation Strategies

Consider these approaches to help students develop study skills:

• Model effective study techniques during supervised study sessions
• Provide direct instruction on specific skills in small group workshops
• Work with individual students to identify areas for improvement
• Create visual aids and reference materials for common study techniques
• Recognize and celebrate progress in skill development
• Collaborate with classroom teachers to reinforce skills across contexts

Understanding Learning Styles

While the concept of fixed learning styles has been challenged by recent research, understanding different approaches to learning can help tutors provide varied and effective support.

Diverse Approaches to Learning

Consider these different dimensions of learning when supporting students:

• Sensory preferences: Some students benefit from visual aids, others from discussion or hands-on activities
• Environmental factors: Students vary in their preferences for noise levels, lighting, and study settings
• Social dimensions: Some students learn best in collaborative settings, while others prefer independent work
• Processing approaches: Students may prefer sequential, analytical approaches or more holistic, big-picture thinking

Practical Applications

Apply understanding of learning differences in these ways:

• Offer multiple ways to engage with material during study sessions
• Help students identify their own preferences and strengths
• Teach students to adapt their approach based on the task requirements
• Create flexible study spaces that accommodate different preferences
• Encourage students to experiment with various study methods

Creating Effective Study Environments

The physical and social environment of study sessions significantly impacts student focus, engagement, and productivity.

Physical Environment

Optimize these aspects of the study space:

• Ensure adequate lighting to reduce eye strain
• Maintain comfortable temperature and ventilation
• Minimize distractions, including noise and visual disruptions
• Provide appropriate furniture and work surfaces
• Make necessary resources readily available
• Consider creating zones for different types of activities

Structured Study Sessions

Implement these practices for effective supervised study:

• Establish clear routines and expectations
• Begin sessions with goal-setting and planning
• Incorporate breaks using techniques like the Pomodoro method
• Balance independent work with available support
• End sessions with reflection and planning for next steps
• Maintain appropriate supervision while fostering independence

Technology Management

Develop thoughtful approaches to technology use:

• Create clear policies about device use during study time
• Teach students to use technology productively while minimizing distractions
• Introduce helpful digital tools for organization, research, and learning
• Model appropriate technology use and boundaries

Academic Intervention Strategies

Early identification and support for students experiencing academic challenges is a key responsibility for boarding tutors.

Identifying Academic Concerns

Watch for these indicators that a student may need additional support:

• Declining grades or inconsistent performance
• Difficulty completing assignments on time
• Avoidance behaviors related to specific subjects
• Expressions of frustration or negative self-concept as a learner
• Disengagement during study sessions
• Excessive anxiety about academic performance

Intervention Approaches

Consider these strategies when supporting struggling students:

• Conduct one-on-one conversations to understand the student's perspective
• Break down assignments into manageable steps
• Provide additional structure and check-ins
• Connect students with peer support when appropriate
• Liaise with subject teachers to coordinate approaches
• Help students access additional resources or specialized support
• Develop individualized study plans with clear goals and monitoring

Motivation and Engagement

Support student motivation through these approaches:

• Help students connect academic work to personal interests and goals
• Recognize effort and improvement, not just achievement
• Foster a growth mindset through language and feedback
• Create opportunities for success and build on strengths
• Address underlying issues that may affect motivation

Supporting Diverse Learning Needs

Boarding communities include students with a wide range of learning profiles, requiring tutors to adapt their support approaches.

Learning Differences and Disabilities

Support students with specific learning needs through these approaches:

• Familiarize yourself with students' learning plans and accommodations
• Implement recommended strategies consistently
• Advocate for appropriate accommodations in the boarding environment
• Help students develop self-advocacy skills
• Focus on strengths while providing support for challenges
• Maintain regular communication with learning support staff

English as an Additional Language

Support international students with these strategies:

• Allow additional time for processing and completing tasks
• Provide access to appropriate language resources
• Encourage use of translation tools when needed
• Create opportunities for language development in informal settings
• Be aware of cultural differences in educational approaches
• Connect students with peer language partners

Advanced Learners

Support high-achieving students with these approaches:

• Provide appropriate challenge and extension
• Encourage depth and complexity in learning
• Support balanced approaches to achievement and wellbeing
• Help students manage perfectionism and pressure
• Connect students with enrichment opportunities