Tutor training fa21 tutor role (1)

Editor's Notes

• #3 Understanding and supporting the mission statement is key to the success of any organization.  Our objective is to serve students in a way that works for them with the goal of equipping them with tools to eventually learn and succeed on their own. "Give a man a fish, he eats for a day; teach a man to fish, he eats for forever."  
• #4 But, what does "student-centered" mean? According to the Glossary of Education Reform, the term student-centered learning refers to a wide variety of educational programs, learning experiences, instructional approaches, and academic-support strategies that are intended to address the distinct learning needs, interests, aspirations, or cultural backgrounds of individual students and groups of students. While Tutorial Services falls under the academic support part of this definition, we too can adapt to our tutees through variety, different learning experiences and tutoring approaches while addressing learning needs, interests, aspirations, and cultural backgrounds.
• #5 Discuss socratic method... This afternoon, we will discuss some strategies of the Socratic Method.  It can be instinct to correct errors for our students, but that doesn't help them become independent learners.  Instead, we will use probing questions and affirming responses to guide students in identifying and correcting their own errors.
• #6 Tutors may be the first to identify areas of weakness with our students.  It is a fine line to deliver this information in an empathetic, non-judgmental way.  However, identifying strengths and weaknesses can be the impetus for breakthroughs!
• #7 It will be important for you to know when you are stepping out (or being asked to step out) of your job description.  The good thing is, Montco provides plenty of resources for students, and it is okay to make those referrals.  I always recommend following up with an email with contact information.
• #8 It is okay for you to say, let's look that up! This will let the student know that they do not need to know everything and there are resources available to them.
• #9 Remember to check the request in tutor.com before accepting. You are not the instructor, and you are not here to complete assignments for students. Remember, everyone has a different background and perspective.  Be patient and let the student "settle in" for a few minutes. While the students have many resources available to them, you also have resources.  Attend weekly check-ins and tutor training
• #10 This should be a given. However, sometimes we are tested.  Remember, the student is our customer, and our job is to support them.