Working for the Bear Claw

The Basics of One-on-One Tutoring

Created and presented byMichael Frizell, Director of the Writing CenterSarah Viehmann, Writing Center Consultant

What a Tutor/Consultant Does Help dispel the myth that learning this subject is an

impossible task Help students ask good questions Engage the student Help students recognize the value of different

approaches to teaching and learning Help students recognize

and solve the underlying difficulty

Help students do their own work

Pedagogical Principles

Customer ServiceFriendlinessUnderstanding and

empathyFairnessControlOptions and

alternativesInformation

The Basic Needs of Customers

What You Can DoForm good work habits

◦ Be on time◦ Maintain professionalism◦ Create a positive atmosphere

Make the first impression countTake the initiativeCommunicateRemember that your

actions affect everyoneCommit to making a

differenceBuild cooperation

among tutors

Tutor/Consultant ResponsibilitiesGuide and motivate students in

academic matters onlyAsk questionsListen carefully

◦ Paraphrase◦ Help students understand◦ Help students feel understood◦ It’s okay if you don’t know!

Recognize that each student has his/her own natural pace for learning

Recognize that this is not easy for the student

Develop and hone your own skills

The Session: First ImpressionsSessions begin the moment the client

walks into the room!We presume students are Apprehensive Confused about what to expectTutors/consultants show respect for the student by Being on time Having a perceived plan Listening actively Not doing the work for the student

First Impressions, ContinuedThe first five minutes:

establishing rapport◦Greet the client◦Ask his/her name◦Tell him/her your name

◦ Additionally, you may Ask what class the

project/homework is for Ask for the assignment

sheet (if applicable) Discuss the purpose of the

assignment (if applicable)

Objectives for a Tutoring/Consultation Session

Set goals for the session togetherFoster critical thinkingEnhance learningHelp students learn to

ask questionsPromote active learningHelp students learn how

to learn

Starting WorkIdentify the taskSet goals

together◦Prioritize goals

Work on the task◦Keep the client

focused on the work!

During the SessionIt Isn’t All About Us!Focus on the studentValidate whatever response

the student makesAllow silence after

questionsGive the student your full

attentionBecome involved with and

curious about the student’s work

ACTIVELY LISTEN!

Responding to the StudentAffirm, Do Not Evaluate

◦ DO: Use specifics to compliment, reinforce, question and explain.

◦ DO NOT: Criticize, be judgmental, look for perfection.

Don’t worry about sending the student off with imperfect work!

Emphasize progress by restating discoveries.

Closing the Session Remember to:

◦ Summarize in a sentence or two what YOU think was accomplished…

◦ The student must feel like he/she has progressed!

Ask the student if he/she has any questions

Ask the student his/her plan for further work

Leave the student with a lesson gleaned from the session…

Assign something for him/her to do

Remind him/her of the good practices learned in the

session!