The Structure of Guided
Tutoring
Student/Essay Assessment – Oneon -one tutoring session
(appointments or waiting list)
(FYE Students do not need appts)
20 Minutes
Through a sequence of
exploratory as well as
guided question, the
tutor helps the student
develop a study plan
designed to meet the
student’s needs
throughout the writing
process. The questions
asked during this step
can be about the
reading (to elicit critical
thinking about the text)
as well as the necessary
questions to elicit a
thesis.
The tutor identifies two
major issues in the essay
(major tasks) and
explains to the student
that once he or she
addresses these major
tasks, he or she will get
verification for the
session.
Assessment of previous minor task –
Introduction of the next minor task
or Instruction if previous task was
completed incorrectly
During the Student/Essay Assessment,
tutors ask the student for the essay
prompt, class notes, instructor’s
feedback, and summaries for the
readings. Using that information, the
tutor assesses the student’s essay or, if
the student has not yet begun the essay,
assesses the student’s understanding of
the assignment. The tutor then creates an
outline for the learning activities that the
student will complete to begin the essay
or to revise the essay.
Tutor will assign the first
minor task that will aid the
student in the completion of
a major task (the written
task must lead towards a
major part of the essay, not
just background knowledge).
Depending on student’s
level, the tutor may have to
assign
reading/highlighting/annotat
ion tasks if the student did
not read or did not
understand the reading or
both. Tutor will explain to
the student how and why
the completion of the task
can improve the essay.
5-10 Minutes
If the task was completed correctly, a
tutor can add a new minor task. The
tutor must explain to the student the
next step towards revising or
completing the essay (and help the
student identify where in the essay
the completed task will be
integrated). The tutor can also
engage with the student by asking
guided or exploratory question that
will lead to the successful completion
of the next task.
If a task was completed incorrectly,
the tutor will evaluate why the
student did not complete the task
correctly. Use extra time to teach the
student through verbal and/or
guided questions the necessary
understanding and/or skills required
to address the previous task. Provide
the student with a clarification task
that will aid the student in
completing the previous task.