The Tutoring Session By: Eva Lam

Contents Table of Contents What is a tutor?………..………………………………...3 Introduction..…………………………………………..4 In Other Words………………………………………………..6 Cultural Differences ……….….……………………..7 The First Session..………………………………..8 Do’s……………………………………………………………..9 Don’ts……………………………………………..11

What is a tutor? According to dictionary.com, a tutor is defined as: 1. One who gives private instruction 2. A private instructor 3. One who gives additional, special, or remedial instruction First and foremost… Specifically, an English tutor helps a tutee to improve on their writing skills, in areas that range from grammar to self confidence.

Introduction A tutor is more than a source for strengthening specific skills, they’re also here for guidance, a boost in self confidence, and of course to support their respective tutees. Though tutors are often initially seen as intimidating superior figure heads, they often become something with much more meaning to their tutees - a friend. Tutors and tutees generally form closer, more trusting relationships when the two see each other more as peers than a teacher - pupil relationship. They must simply identify each others weaknesses and strengths to realize both parties excel in their own respective fields. It is that mutual respect that builds a successful tutor-tutee relationship.

Tutees are often not the only one aiming to gain something from a tutoring sessions; the tutor often learns more about themselves. For example, the might learn better ways to interact with their tutees as the sessions progress, and more than likely about cultures different from their own. As long as both parties are able to see that the experience can be beneficial, then a sense of trust can be established from the very beginning, allowing a beautiful tutor-tutee relationship to form.

In Other Words… A tutor is here to help the tutee improve.

Cultural Differences You are not the only one Tutors encounter many different types of people with various cultural backgrounds, which may affect their way of writing. Understanding this part of the tutee will enhance the English tutor’s ability to comprehend why their tutee is writing a certain way, and in affect, will make the tutoring session easier for both tutor and tutee.

First The First Session Hints & Tips on what and what not to do

Do’s… Sit side by side / an adjacent sides of a table -Make sure both you and your tutee are seated comfortably while being able to communicate without straining your voice. Appear confident and knowledgeable - Present yourself firmly yet friendly, speak clearly and enunciate. Give consistent & positive feedback - Re-assure your tutee, focus on the positive notes before going into the issues that need to be improved upon Introduce yourself

Do’s… (Con’t) Pay attention to the tutee - Focus your attention on your tutee as best as you can. Go over what they’re asking with them if necessary to make sure you’re both on the same page Get to know the tutee (especially culturally) - Because of potential vast cultural differences, establishing a solid base with a little background information from both tutee and tutor may be extremely beneficial Smile - A smile can go a long way, especially when you’re meeting your tutee for the first time

Don’ts Have an impatient tone of voice –Rushing your tutee will only have negative impacts. Putting on an impatient attitude can potentially make your tutee nervous, angry, or even become hopeless about future sessions Check the time too often –Showing signs of being impatient or giving the impression that you have some place better to be may ruin your tutees desire to learn Avoid eye contact –Eye contact lets your tutee know that s/he is your main focus; this thought is essential to many people, especially when they are trying to learn from you Fidget –Though this may simply be out of habit, it may focus your tutees’ attention elsewhere such as the pencil you’re twirling between your fingers.

And finally… Tutoring can be an excellent experience if one decides to pursue it. When done correctly, tutoring can be rewarding in more ways than one.

Don’ts – (Con’t) Talk fast or unclear –Pronouncing each word carefully is essential; some students may be too shy to ask you to repeat yourself. This is especially important in English tutoring sessions Appear nervous or lost –Many students rely on their tutors’ appearance as the main way to read their tutors’ mindset, or personality. Appearing nervous for the first session could be a sign that you’re new at the game, leaving the tutee with possible doubt Be late to the session –Many times, the student will need to make the most of their available time, being consistently late is also a sign of irresponsibility Appear clueless –Even as a joke, your tutee may misunderstand your intentions if you’re giving them the wrong signals, especially with students who have different cultural backgrounds