There are many skills that tutors can share with students to help them achieve
higher scores on the SATs - none more important than motivation and dedication.
Here are a few tips to keep you and your students motivated and focused on Test
Day success:
Give praise and encouragement throughout the session.
Set short-term goals. Test day looms large on the horizon but it
also helps to define goals in terms of specific short-term accomplishments;
this assists in associating effort with success.
Don't get caught in the 'okay' syndrome.
Don't assume to know what your student does or does not understand. Always
ask them to explain what they know and what they are having trouble understanding.
Explain why you are doing something or using a certain method.
Always be clear in your explanations during a task.
Take a break if you sense that you or your student is getting
frustrated with a task. Try looking at another topic or just do something
relaxing or silly for a bit. Things often look clearer after a break.
Take note of topics or tasks that are especially difficult for your student.
You can ask the Team Leader or New York Cares staff for resources that can help you in these areas.
Share your story. Did you take the SAT? Was it hard for you?
What other challenging tasks did you have to work hard to be successful at doing?
Give praise and encouragement throughout the session. We can't say this enough!
