How do you address potential biases or stereotypes in online tutoring interactions?

In an online tutoring session, one of the most effective ways to avoid bias while also promoting inclusiveness is to get to know your student. In business, this is called providing a great customer experience by listening to your customers. In online tutoring, there is no difference; providing excellent customer service is key to building relationships and understanding what each student needs to be successful. Every student comes to tutoring with a specific objective or goal in mind. Having an honest conversation where students can express themselves will also allow the tutor to understand how to better provide their service, creating a great customer service experience.

Understanding your students beyond superficial labels fosters an inclusive learning environment. Prioritize learning their unique backgrounds, preferences, and aspirations. This personalized approach not only enhances educational outcomes but also promotes a culture of respect and empathy, key to overcoming biases and building meaningful connections.

As an online tutor and owner of an educational service company, one of the most important step in teaching whether it is online or in-person is getting to know your student. Build a relationship of trust and have open dialogue. This will help you to have conversations with your student and find out what their likes are and how they prefer to be instructed. This will allow you the instructor to implement individualized plans. The learner process should not be a one-size- fits all approach.

Tailor lesson plans to your students and their learning style! Although this can be challenging, it is essential towards building a dynamic teaching style! It’s also a critical way to make students feel heard and acknowledged while also being able to teach in a way that is conducive to producing positive learning outcomes.

In the world of online tutoring, knowing your students is the compass against biases. Imagine a bridge builder understanding the terrain. Students aren't just learners; they're unique stories. It's not just about teaching; it's about connection. Your choice to know them isn't just curiosity; it's the armor against stereotypes. In this educational landscape, knowing your students isn't just formality; it's the commitment to creating an inclusive, respectful space where biases dissolve and learning blooms.

I absolutely agree with these statements because we all need to celebrate individuality. All students learn differently and our instruction should reflect that. When a student sees that you are including something in your lesson based on their culture or background, they get excited. When they see that you are working hard to include them as part of the learning community, this fosters trust and a great environment for learning.

As I already said before— learning to develop a dynamic teaching style to tailor lesson plans to individual students learning styles is essential! But also being open in communication and never shutting down curiosity or creativity. Lead by example. To this day, I think “treat others the way you want to be treated” is by far one of the most important mottos.

Respecting diversity, in my experience, means creating a curriculum that includes multiple viewpoints. I’ve found it helpful to use a variety of resources that represent different cultures and perspectives.

Self reflection is a great thing in teaching. In an effort to help all of our students, we have to first get rid of our preconceived biases and teach based on best practices. We want to be inclusive with all student, not just some students. All students want to feel that they are apart of a community that they can thrive in. We need to create that for them.

One thing I’ve realized in my lifetime is that we all have innate biases. Biases aren’t necessarily a bad thing as long as we learn to distinguish it from fact and don’t let it cloud our judgement. The minute we use our biases to prejudice others is the minute we’re using a power incorrectly and irresponsibly.

Addressing bias is a continuous process. In my experience, it’s important to challenge your own preconceptions as an educator. One helpful method I’ve used is to regularly participate in peer review sessions to gain feedback on my teaching approach.

Collaboration is important to the teaching/learning process. Many times we collaborate with other colleagues but we also need to collaborate with students to get their input about how they like to learn. When we do this, we motivate our students.

Promoting inclusion, in my experience, is about ensuring every student feels valued and heard. One thing I have found helpful is to establish clear guidelines for respectful communication among students.

Teaching whether it is online or in-person requires on going training. This should be provided by the organization that is providing tutoring services or they can employ experts like me to provide that training. An inclusive learning environment benefits teachers, students, administrators and the community as a whole.

Seeking professional development has been key in my experience for staying informed about inclusive teaching practices. I’ve found it helpful to attend workshops and seminars focused on equity in education.

I absolutely agree with this point that self-reflection is an important part of the teaching/learning process. When you self-reflect, you are able to celebrate the great parts of your lessons as well as see the areas that you need to make improvements on. You are able to see your strengths to reinforce and your refinement areas. Reflection also allows you to look at your students and to see what they need as individuals and what they are good at. This will allow you an opportunity to keep activities that work and improve the ones that did not work.

Reflecting on your practice is something I consider essential. In my experience, keeping a teaching journal has been helpful for noting observations and insights, which I can then use to improve my teaching strategies.