Respectful

• Learners may not know the language, but they will have a lot of "life experience." Value their experiences and find ways to connect the new concepts and information to the knowledge and expertise your learners already have.
• Do not approach teaching your learner as you would a child. Learners may be offended if, for example, you use a grade one workbook. Opt to modify adult resources rather than use materials that could be considered "childish." The language used doesn't need to be complicated but the ideas should be mature.
• Tutoring will enable you to learn a lot about your learner, another culture, your own culture and yourself. Let your learner know what you have learnt as well. Let her know that you are equal partners in this relationship.

Creative

• Great lessons cannot be cut and pasted off the Internet or out of a book. It will take knowledge of basic teaching techniques, knowledge of learner needs and creativity to make the best lessons possible.

Adaptable

• All learners are different. Your learner may even have a different learning style than you do. Your challenge is to adapt your teaching to your learners' learning styles.
• Do not feel tied down to the lesson plan. Sometimes, you will be presented with "teachable moments" where the learner shows interest in something other than the material presented. Feel free to change plans to include these newly discovered learner interests.

Culturally sensitive

• Learn as much as you can about your learner's background. While it isn't necessary to learn another language, having some basic cultural knowledge can go a long way. This basic knowledge can include family structure, common religious beliefs and even holidays. Learners will generally be receptive when you ask them, for example, if they are doing something special to celebrate the Lunar New Year or Buddha's birthday.