Effective instructors commonly pride themselves on having positive student interactions
in and out of the classroom, provide prompt feedback, and encourage teamwork amongst
students (Hammer, Piascik, Medina, Pittenger, Rose, Creekmore, Soltis, Bouldin,
Schwarz, & Scott, 2010). The most impactful teachers also obtain and implement constructive feedback, and use different techniques to encourage active learning oriented towards students becoming self-directed, independent, and critical thinkers (Hammer et al.2010).
Exceptional tutors are culturally sensitive, respectful, passionate, and charismatic. They challenge students to work to their potential by setting high, yet reasonable expectations, emphasizing open communication, and asking higher-order thinking questions that stimulate discussion. Committed to their craft, they practice teaching as an art
that requires modification and mastery.
To connect with students and impact their lives personally and professionally, tutors must be student-centered and demonstrate respect for their background, ideologies, beliefs, and learning styles. The best instructors use differentiated instruction, display cultural sensitivity, accentuate open communication, offer positive feedback on students’ academic performance (Macsuga-Gage
et al., 2012), and foster student growth by allowing students to resubmit assignments prior to assigning a grade