Basics of Tutoring
6 Goals of Tutoring
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Promote independent learning
Personalize instruction
Facilitate tutee insights into learning and the
learning process
Provide a student perspective on learning
and school success
Respect individual differences; and
Follow your job descriptions
From The Master Tutor: A Guidebook for More Effective Tutoring
50/50 Rule
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As a rule, you should try not to talk more
than 50% of the time.
This allows student to be actively engaged in
the learning process
Also, students should handle the chalk,
marker, pen, pencil at least 50% of the time.
Remember, you are facilitating their learning
and their independence.
Socratic Method
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Tutor by asking questions rather than just
giving instructions.
Socratic dialogues are active discussions
between the tutor and a student that
require the student client to formulate and
express his/her thoughts.
This interactive exchange requires a student
to become involved.
Be sure to ask open-ended, probing and
leading questions.
Tutoring Dos
There are several things as a tutor that one
should do in order to maximize the
experience for the student. Below are some
basic characteristics and mannerisms that a
good tutor should possess:
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Punctuality: If meeting one-on-one or in a small group,
the tutor should certainly set an example by being on
time.
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Honesty: Don’t hesitate to say that you do not know
about a particular concept. Trying to bluff your way
through will only hurt the student and your reputation in
the long run. You will lose the trust of your tutees.
Tutoring Dos
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Enthusiasm: If tutors do not display a love for the
subject they are tutoring, how can they expect the
students to enjoy it? Come to the session with a positive
attitude that will motivate students.
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Hard work: Make sure you encourage the tutees to
familiarize themselves with their class notes and
textbooks. Tutors will need to familiarize themselves with
department policies and procedures, as well as available
computer software and resource material.
Tutoring Dos
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Listening: Tutors should develop good listening skills so
that they will better understand students’ misconceptions
and errors.
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Willingness: to assists students, fellow staff, and
supervisors in meeting our mission to create independent
learners and give students the opportunity to succeed.
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Maintain academic standards: Model good student
behavior in and out of the classroom.
Tutoring Dos
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Good personal hygiene: If you smoke, you may want to
use a breath mint. Avoid wearing excessive perfume. Do
not drink or eat during a session.
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Mobility: Sit beside the tutee and place the material
between you and the tutee. If in group tutoring sessions,
give equal time to all students. When appropriate, move
around the room. This helps the student get easier access
to the tutor.
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Good questions: The tutor should ask the tutee
questions in order to evaluate their understanding.
Tutoring Dos
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Encourage independence: You do not want the
student to rely on you at all times. Let them know that
they must put forth an effort to benefit from tutoring.
Encourage students to focus on learning how to learn.
Encourage the students to identify several alternative
study strategies from which to choose.
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Patience: This is probably one of the most important
characteristics of a tutor. Never act annoyed that the
student does not know something. Always demonstrate
your patience.
Tutoring Dos
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Silence: Allow for periods of silence. Avoid feeling like
you have to interrupt a moment of silence by
talking. Allow the student to reflect on the subject at hand
before going on. Consider the percentage of time you talk
versus the time the student talks.
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Involve tutees: Let students hold the pencil or pen; keep
the assignment between you instead of taking control of it.
Students should utilize their resources (textbooks, notes,
handouts, syllabi).
Tutoring Dos
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Maintain confidentiality: Any personal information
such as medical conditions, handicaps, or test scores
should be between only you, the student, and professional
staff, if necessary. Immediately notify the supervisor of any
problems or concerns you may have.
Adapted from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville Student Success Center Tutor Training Manual
Tutoring Don’ts
Sometimes a tutor can do more harm than
good. Below are some things not to do when
tutoring.
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Do not assume the role of the instructor. You are
only to help and assist students. As a tutor you are in the
position to greatly enhance a student’s perception and
understanding of a subject.
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Do not think of yourself as the dispenser of all
truth and knowledge. Try to relate to your tutees as
equals. Arrogance is unacceptable.
Tutoring Don’ts
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Do not judge someone's ability or intellect based on
appearance or age.
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Do not discourage your tutees. Challenge them to
excel rather than settle. Remember, do not give any
assignments a grade, even if the student asks.
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Do not use the tutoring center as your personal
dating service. It will jeopardize your future in the
department. Note: If you feel uncomfortable, immediately
notify the supervisor. Harassment of any kind will not be
tolerated.
Tutoring Don’ts
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Do not let one student monopolize all of your
time. Remember that you are trying to enable the
student to become an independent thinker.
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Do not confuse students. If there is a slight variation in
method that you know has worked well with others, you
may want to share it, but be cautious! Consider your
methods a suggestion that the students may choose to use
or reject. It may be a better idea to review their
instructor’s or textbook’s methods, based on their class
notes and/or class handouts.
Tutoring Don’ts
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Do not just sit in the chair staring out the window.
This lackadaisical method discourages students from
asking you questions and getting help or information
about the center. Ask the professional staff if you can be
of assistance. Let’s work together.
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Do not answer your cell phone during a tutoring
session. Please place your cell phone on vibrate and
stow it in your bag or pocket.
Tutoring Don’ts
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Do not work on the students' assignments for
them. In math, you may make up similar problems as
examples and let tutees do the actual homework. You
should never do a student’s homework for them. Watch
out for students who bring take home exams to the
session. For writing assignments, you will want to make
sure that you do not write their paper.You should only be
helping them generate their own ideas and helping them
with the structuring of their paper.
Adapted from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville Student Success Center Tutor Training Manual