Question: I am wondering if there are any cheap and easy science projects or learning tool type things that I can do with my tutee. He is just a kid, and is not getting into science at all. Any way to make it fun enough for him to learn something? Thanks! Signed, a science tutor emailing in from Madison, WI Answer: Hi, science tutor, thanks for the question! Science can be a great subject for kids, because there are so many fun ideas for learning. You didn't mention exactly how old your tutee is, so I'll toss out a lot of ideas for you here, and you can pick the ones that seem the best for him. 1. Static Electricity There are a lot of cool experiments you can do with static electricity. Rubbing two inflated balloons against fabric, and then watching them push away from one another is a classic. You can also rub a spoon against wool, put the spoon near running tap water, and watch the stream of water bend. Then there is always the simple but fun shuffling your feet on carpet, holding a key in your hand, and zapping a metal object. If the light is dim enough, you can even see a little arc of electricity form between the key and the metal object.

2. Nature If he is studying environmental science, biology, or natural world science, a quick field trip to his own backyard or a nearby park (with parental permission, of course) can be a great learning tool.  Find an interesting bug to talk about, collect some plant materials for paper rubbings (or to research online), talk about how tree bark is formed, talk about the things that live in a creek, or study bird behavior. Pretty much any type of environmental or biological science comes to life when you take the learning outdoors. You could even take the books outside so that he is surrounded by the nature he is studying. You can also encourage your tutee to grow a plant from a seedling so that he can watch it grow -- a perfect opportunity to talk about photosynthesis, chlorophyll, and other plant related science.

3. Fossils, Geology, or Dinosaurs Another fun category for learning! A trip to a natural history museum is always great, but there are other ways to learn here, too. When I was a kid, we used to go down to a local creek looking for flat rocks. On some of these rocks were fossils. It was always so exciting to be holding a link to the past in my own hands! You can also collect a few different types of rocks to talk about once the two of you meet up for tutoring. Even a subject that some consider boring is more exciting when you can hold the science in your own hands.  There are also some wonderful, interactive sites such as the Smithsonian's Virtual Dig.

4. Space This is another category that is tailor made for fun tutoring sessions. A trip to an observatory, a visit to NASA's website, a tutoring session at night with a telescope, watching a documentary about a shuttle launch, building your own solar system model, or checking out star charts can all help your tutee learn more about space.

Question: Hi, Micki. I'm a brand new tutor who needs a little guidance. I have a lot of different interests, and would like to tutor a few very different things.  Any advice for me? Is it a bad thing not to pick just one or two subjects?

Thanks! Ellie from AZ

Answer: Hi, there, Ellie! No, not at all.  You do not have to pick just one or two tutoring areas.  In fact, having a fairly broad range of subjects can be a great thing for you and your tutees.

Let's say you enjoy tutoring math, ESL, music, biology, and studio art. This may seem like a lot of variation, but for that one tutee who needs help learning to read sheet music, your tutoring services are perfect.  Likewise for a tutee who needs help learning algebra, English vocabulary, the basics of mitosis, or sculpting.

Variation can be a good thing for you, too. After all, variety will definitely keep you from getting bored, and you will have the added satisfaction of knowing that you are helping a lot of different people.

Question: Hi Micki, I was hoping for some advice about an idea that I have regarding a promotional discount type of thing.  I'm a math and biology tutor mostly for upper level high school and college students. 

For me during this time of year my appointments drop off for a while. They always pick back up during finals, midterms, or big class project times, that's when I get really busy. My question is this, I was thinking of offering a sort of "buy 3 get 1 free" deal for those tutees who stick it out with me all year.

Is it a good idea, or is it too similar to the coffee shop punch card type of promotion?

Thanks for the advice,

Jim in Anaheim

Answer: Hey, there, Jim, thanks for the question!  The way I see it, people love a good deal, especially when that good deal involves great tutoring.  Since you say you are busy during the "on" season of classes, it sounds to me like you are a good tutor with a good client base.

So, yes, I would definitely implement your "buy 3 get 1 tutoring session free" plan - it is a great idea!

I also do not think that it is gimmicky in the least, and here's why - when you have people who want to hire you, and who like your tutoring services, they are already customers (albeit sometimes infrequent).  They will want to hire you anyway, this is just giving them incentive to hire you more often. 

Giving customers a loyalty discount is a great business move for you (securing a steady stream of clients) and for them (they are rewarded for their loyalty). 

If you are also offering this to new tutoring clients, it is still a good business move for both you and your tutees.  You are ensuring more steady clients, and your new customers will be more likely to stick with you for longer periods of time due to the nature of your discount (must buy 3 to get that 1 free session). 

Question: Hi, Micki. I need some help with a situation that could turn ugly.  Here's the deal: I'm a math tutor who is tutoring a student in algebra.  He just started his college algebra class, and he said that his high school math grades weren't too good.

Anyway, now he's doing really badly in the class, getting Ds on the homework, 60% grades on the tests, and he's having a really hard time.  He's trying very hard, I know that for sure.  I also know that we've been working problems every way possible, and it is not coming together for him no matter how hard we work together.

I think he needs to drop the class and take the next level down on the course list.

The main problem here is that I don't know how to tell him. Any ideas would be great, thanks.

Anonymous in CA

Answer: Hey, there, Anonymous, sounds like you are in an awkward spot.  What's great, though, is that you are stepping in to help your tutee by guiding him towards the appropriate math class for him and his current needs.  That's a good thing, and it is wonderful that you are such an involved tutor!

Mentioning the math class situation will be easier than you think, too - trust me.  First of all, I'm sure that your tutee already knows that his math grades are not going too well in his college algebra class.  After all, he  has been looking at the same grades that you have, so chances are he knows there is a problem. 

Start by letting him know that you want him to excel in his math class, and have noticed that he is having a bit of trouble.  Mention that you understand how hard he has been working, and that sometimes it is better to take a step back and approach learning from a different direction.

Next, mention that dropping this college algebra class and taking the prep algebra course one level lower may be a good choice for his situation.  Why? Because it will give him a great opportunity to master the preparatory algebra material before getting back into college algebra. He will then have a solid foundation for learning. 

Make sure to reassure your tutee that this does not reflect poorly on his intelligence, determination, or future school success - let him know that excelling in a lower course can help him prepare for the next level of algebra.  Also, let him know that you will be happy to keep tutoring him while he is taking the lower level math class. 

Keep the conversation direct, upbeat, and help your tutee understand that this is actually a good thing for his learning process. 

Lastly, understand your role as a tutor.  You can definitely suggest a course change for your tutee, but the decision is ultimately left up to him to decide.  In other words, don't be pushy. 

Question: Hi, Micki, I am having a tough time deciding something, and so I thought I'd ask your advice on it.  I am just getting started in the tutoring biz, and am trying to decide which subject I should tutor.  I enjoy math and chemistry, and am good enough at both of them that I would be comfortable tutoring either one, but I don't know which one to go with for my tutoring business.  I want a lot of business, so which one is more popular for tutoring? All suggestions welcome,

A.J.

Answer: Hi, A.J. - thanks for the question!  If I were you, I would tutor both subjects, without a doubt!  Mathematics and chemistry are both pretty difficult subjects for a lot of people, and I have a feeling that if you were to offer tutoring in both subjects, you would have a lot of business. 

Now if you are looking to simplify a bit, by all means scale back to one subject, or limit your tutoring to only specific educational levels.  However, if you are hoping to build up a busy tutoring business (and I get the feeling you are!), then you should definitely consider tutoring both math and chemistry.  Believe me, it will keep you and your tutoring business plenty busy.

Question: Hello, Micki, I have a fast question about my tutoring rates.  I've been charging $10-$15/hr. for about 20 years now --- should I up my rates? I'm having some trouble making ends meet nowadays, and am wondering if increasing my hourly rate is a good idea or a bad idea.

I have anywhere from 12-20 tutees depending on the time of year --- finals, midterm season, SAT time and other academic spikes happen throughout the year for me. Also, I tutor chemistry and math.

Thanks. Beatrice

Answer: Hi, Beatrice! Thanks so much for your question. The short answer is, "Definitely, increase those rates!"  In my area, math and chemistry tutors charge their clients anywhere from $25-$60 per hour, and $35-$40 is about average. 

Do a quick search online for your type of tutoring services, and see what types of rates pop up for your local area.  There is no hard and fast rule for how much you increase your rates, of course.  You can charge towards the bottom of the scale, towards the top, or start low and increase over the next few years, it is up to you. 

That said, I understand your hesitation about raising your tutoring rates.  You have loyalties to the tutees who have stuck with you all these years, and you may even be worried about losing business. 

Regarding your loyalties to long time tutees (and likely friends, by now), simply talk to them up front prior to the rate increase taking place.  You could even make up a nicely printed rate sheet explaining the new prices. 

Be open, honest, and friendly.  Mention inflation, cost of living, and the necessity of increasing tutoring prices.  Gauge their reaction as you talk, and (if necessary) set them up on a lower or sliding pay rate system so that you are charging them a little less than your new rates. 

Truth be told, I usually do this with all of my long term clients, because I think that it is important to reward loyalty. ** (bolded because I think this is a really great idea for any tutoring business!)

As for losing tutees, I can't lie: you may lose a few clients.  Keep in mind, though, that you will be making more overall due to the higher rates.  For example, let's say you have 2 weekly tutees, each $10 per hour clients.

You raise your rates to $35 per hour, 1 tutee sticks with you, 1 cancels tutoring services.  You are now making $35 for 1 hour of work (and 1 tutee), rather than $20 for 2 hours of work (and 2 tutees).  You have an extra $15, and an extra hour, every week. 

Of course, these are all just numbers, and tutoring is all about people.  So, if you have a tutee you really want to help, and you wish to keep a low or sliding rate for a tutee who cannot afford it, by all means go for it.  Just be careful not to do it too often!

Question: Hi, Micki. I have four tutees who all manage to show up close to on time for our tutoring sessions, but my fifth tutee is becoming a problem.  He hardly ever shows up for sessions, and it has been this way for about a month and a half now. 

The first time, I figured he forgot, but when I called him to remind him about our appointment he said that he was "hanging out at a bar with friends" so he couldn't make it for tutoring. We talked about how important it was to communicate, and how I would really appreciate it if he could let me know before he had to cancel, but he said that when he couldn't make it, he couldn't make it, and I would have to just be ok with it.  He also suggested that, if 15 minutes has passed, that I can go home, because he likely won't be showing up for tutoring.

I also suggested that maybe he see an academic counselor for some more study tips and time management techniques, but he said that he was too busy to bother with that.

The second and third time my tutee didn't show up, he didn't answer his phone when I called.  This latest time, the fourth time he didn't show was a Saturday morning.  I called to remind him about 10 minutes after the session was supposed to begin, and he said that he was hungover, and didn't "feel like" being at tutoring today.

The problem is, he confided in me that his grade point average is extremely low, and that he is in danger of failing out of college.  I want to help him, but it is becoming frustrating.

He also pays at the time of tutoring, so every no show means that I am losing money.

Any ideas on this, or should I cut my losses, and find another tutee?

Thanks, Anonymous and irritated in CA

Answer: Hi there Anonymous and Irritated, sorry to hear about your predicament.  That sounds frustrating, indeed. This may sound a little harsh, but it sounds like your tutee is abusing your kindness, and taking advantage of the situation a bit.  It also sounds like he may be unprepared for college life, and is having trouble focusing on academics rather than partying. 

Unfortunately, sometimes things like this can happen in the tutoring world - you just get a tutee who is not motivated no matter what you do. 

You mentioned that you have tried talking to him about this, and I definitely applaud you for that - it was my first suggestion, but you beat me to it!  Also, you have given him several chances for improvement.  In other words, I think it is safe to say that you've gone above and beyond the call of duty trying to help your tutee. 

Your next step is to have one last talk with your tutee.  Keep it friendly, and light, but be honest.  Let him know that "no shows" can't happen any longer, and that you have a cancellation policy.  Think about instituting a new type of payment plan - maybe, getting paid for a few tutoring sessions upfront, and then counting "no shows" as a fully paid session. 

If all else fails, drop him as a tutee.  This might be necessary for the sake of your mental health, and the health of your tutoring business.