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As adapted from the following websites:http://crs.uvm.edu/gopher/nerl/personal/comm/e.htmlhttp://frank.mtsu.edu/~smcdanie/ACA_3000F/TutorTrainingHandbook.htm

Definition of Tutoring and Responsibilities1Definition of TutoringPeer tutoring occurs when an individual assists or guides a student to the point at which the student becomes an independent learner. The purpose of tutoring is to instill independence and confidence in the student so that they will eventually no longer need a tutor.2What Tutoring Is NotTutors are not teachersTutors are not error-checkers or proof-readersTutoring is not a substitute for attending classTutoring is not an instant means of raising a students grade3Your Responsibility as a LAP & DSS and SSS Learning AssistantYour primary responsibility is to the studentProvide an atmosphere conducive to learningIdentify present academic goalsHelp the student gain independence in his/her learningProvide reinforcement and constructive feedback4Your Responsibility as a LAP & DSS and SSS Learning AssistantYour other responsibilities:Attend scheduled trainingsComplete accurate timesheets and other paperwork and turn in on timeUtilize Appointment-Plus to keep track of all study sessionsTake an active role in supervision with the Tutorial Coordinator and/or the SSS Academic SpecialistProvide a timely response to all e-mails sent by the tutorial staff

5 Communication Skills6Communication SkillsDevelop rapport with the tuteeBe an active listenerUse nonverbal listening (only a small portion of communication is verbal)

Some communication barriers:Poor eye contactBeing easily distractedIrrelevant talkClosed postureHaving a bored lookPhysical tics (leg shaking, finger tapping)7 Active Listening/Paraphrasing8Active ListeningActive listening can be demonstrated by:making eye contactleaning slightly toward the studentnodding appropriatelyresponding with appropriate facial expressionsrelaxing when you are watching the student communicate9Active Listening/ParaphrasingAn active response may be to:paraphrase what the student communicatedask questions that will lead the student to her/his own solutionoffer constructive feedback rather than criticizeguide students to make appropriate choicesask the student if there is anything else s/he can share

10ParaphrasingParaphrasing communicates accurately what is heard by reflecting and then summarizing. The purpose is to organize the tutees remarks into one concise statement by listening completely to the tutees own concerns and then summarizing the problemhopefully providing new light to the tutee.

Some useful phrases might be:What I hear you saying isIt seems to me what you are saying isYou soundIt sounds to me like11Tutoring in Specific Subject Areas12Tips for Tutoring MathGuide the studentTeach concepts rather than just proceduresEncourage students to attend classAddress math anxietyDont confuse the student by using an approach different from the instructor or textbook13Basic Steps for Tutoring Math/ScienceStep 1: Look at the problem in the book to make sure it is set up correctlyStep 2: Ask the student to explain the procedure he/she is using to solve the problemStep 3: Reinforce correct procedures and identify incorrect logicStep 4: To reinforce that the student understands, have them re-explain the procedureStep 5: Disengage. Encourage the student to work the next problem on his/her own14Tips for Tutoring WritingHave the tutee explain the assignment to youFind out the teachers preferred format and documentation styleDo not simply proofread. The goal is to teach students to edit their own papers.Strategies for helping a student with a finished paper:Q&A StrategyParaphrase the students statementsUnderliningGrammar rule abbreviationsOutlining and mapping

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