Blog 8-Tutoring Checklist

My Tutoring Checklist

-Greet students/ be friendly to build rapport with student
-Try to get them to relax, if they are nervous
-Observe student's body language, as well as staying aware of my own
-Address student's paper and ask what they would like to accomplish in the session
-Have the student take notes on the changes they will make to the paper- don't leave without doing writing!
-Be aware that sutdents learn differently
-Be aware of the student's uncertainties and help them overcome them
-Be helpful and encouraging, but don't do all the work for the student
-Ask questions to keep student motivated and keep the session on track (Also a good way to see if you and the student are on the same page)
-Give helpful resources, if needed (OWL Purdue,etc.)
-Have student tell me what they feel they have accomplished during the session.
-Suggest scheduling another appointment
-Understand that I will do the best I can with every student, that's all I can do.
-Dont' be discouraged and be so hard on myself if a session doesn't go perfectly

How to make the session work:

1. Building rapport with the student and helping them feel comfortable during the session is very important. They must feel comfortable and view you as a peer helping them. Because, thats what it is peer tutoring! I want to stay away from being the "authoritative figure" in my sessions.

2. Keep the session student-centered. Different students will have different learning styles. I believe letting the student take charge of the session will help address how they learn most effectively.

3.Listen to questions and concerns of the student. Give helpful feedback on how they can solve their own problem. It is important that the student understand that THEY are the ones improving their paper. This will help empower them to look at themselves as becoming better writers and create a positive atmosphere for the session.

4. Wrap up at the end of the session to make sure the student feels as if they accomplished something during the session. Schedule another appointment if necessary.

I'm sure these guidelines will change depending on how the student is. Tutoring sessions are unpredictable. There are no set plans, we just have to be prepared for anything. :)