The logistics of tutoring

Where do you tutor?
Logistics is an important element of the tutoring experience. Some tutors are located in colleges and universities where there are tutoring centers; or the more profitable tutors rent their own offices in libraries, community centers, churches, etc. Others prefer to be "on-the-go" tutors and offer flexibility to their clients by going closer to their location or even their own home, office, etc. We can argue about which option is better but I would suggest that all are efficient if your clients like them. Still, when choosing a location tutors should have a few things in mind.

You will have to generally look for the following characteristics (not limited to only these though) of a learning space:

1. Size
   You don't want to feel cramped into a tiny room where there is hardly space for a table and two chairs. At the same time, you don't want to be hearing the echo of your words in a warehouse-like room where you feel too distant from your student. Choose a room where you will be able to stand up and walk around your desk/table; where you have space for your books, materials, paper; space for writing comfortably without having to constantly adjust your notebook because of lack of space.
2. Light
   Are there enough windows? If it is dark - are there enough lamps to provide light? What kind of artificial light is there? Remember that the white fluorescent light can be hard on the eyes and create a sleepy irritating mood both for you and your student. Try to choose a place with soft, neutral lighting which will provide comfort. Make sure the space is not too dark - you are not aiming for a lounge-like setting.
   
3. Temperature
   There is nothing more uncomfortable than a really cold or really hot room to study in. You want your student to concentrate on the lesson and be comfortable rather than be embarrassed that they sweat too much or their shivering is affecting their pronunciation. For example if you decide to have your lesson outside on a park bench, make sure it is a warm day outside and there is plenty of shade to sit under. You do not want your student (or you) to be worried about sunburn in the middle of the lesson. Consider the weather: is it windy, is it hot, is it cloudy, is it going to rain?
   
4. Noise
   How many times have you read a paragraph 8 times without understanding it because of a nasty noise outside your door or window? Your student will be distracted too. That is why I think the worst place to have a lesson is a coffee shop. You have people constantly coming in and going out, chatting, laughing, shouting. The coffee machine is loud and the steamer prevents you from hearing your own words. Make sure you choose a quiet place to study with your student. It is essential that they repeat a word in order to remember it, not in order to outshout the jackhammer under the window.
   
5. Aesthetics
   Last but not least: aesthetics. Ask yourself the question: Is my learning space pleasant to be in? Think about color, shape, texture, etc. The most unwelcoming space is the one which simulates a hospital - all white. Choose a place with more color. You want to provide a pleasant, natural colors and textures space. For example, plastic chairs and tables are cheap and easy to clean, but they also create static and are not breathable. You also do not want all metal furniture as it looks cold. The window coverings should also be appropriate for a study room - do they let enough light in; are they in harmony with the rest of the place? Photos and paintings on the walls also create comfort and a cosy feeling. You may want to avoid air-fresheners as many people are allergic to them.

Lets examine a few options for choosing a leaning place and see what we need to look for. I'll start with the most costly:

Renting a place
Often this option is preferred both by clients and tutors as it provides a neutral zone for both to meet and adjust to it together. The downside of it is, the tutor will have to pay for it. You can either increase your fees (be very careful though) and include the rent in the lesson fee or you can rely on volume of students you get and assume the cost as a nature expense on your side. Remember that as a self-employed individual, you will be able to deduct this cost from your income tax (consult your accountant).

Student's accommodation
Going to the student's home is convenient for the student and a good reason for you to ask for a higher fee. Make sure that you ask the student if the room where you will be studying is comfortable enough (use the characteristics above to assess the space). You must be careful though especially with new students you do not know because their location may not be in the safest part of town or they may not have the best intentions towards you. Get to know them better before you agree to visit their place.

Tutor's accommodation
If you are inviting students to your place, I would suggest taking into consideration the same concerns as going to a student's place. Safety. Do you really want to let people so close as to letting them into your home? I would leave that option to a later stage when you get to know your students better. Still, sometimes you think you know someone... Just be careful.

Library
Lots of libraries have special study rooms which can be rented free of charge for a limited time. Visit your local library and ask for such spaces. Also make sure they are at a reasonable distance for you and your student. Explain to the student exactly what to expect and what the rules of the library are before you go.

Coffee shops & public places
As I mentioned, coffee shops are not your best choice simply because of all distractions in them. Besides usually they ask you to buy something in order to stay there longer. Any public space will have lots of noise and people. Consider these places as last-resort choice.

No matter what learning space you choose, make sure it is comfortable for both you and your students. Bear in mind that it is the place where learning should be fostered.