As I sat at tutor orientation, I saw blue and red name tags -- one color meaning tutoring center, the other meaning writing. However, even though the name tags showed who was a new tutor, they did not specify what grade they were in. There are some new tutors who are going to be seniors, others who are now sophomores. Regardless of age or center, it is important that all new tutors know how important they are and how much they are about to make a difference at Providence College. My advice is to get ready, to get excited and to get a good night's sleep because you are going to need it-- especially during midterms when you're not only focused on your own essays but helping others achieve to the best of their ability as well. To help cope with the pressure this tutoring job can bring, here are some tips from a veteran to a newbie.
1. Small talk is key.
Before you jump right into tutoring, get to know your tutee. It will make both you and your tutee more comfortable, which will make for a more natural session. It's important to be a tutor but also a fellow Friar.
2. During that hour, don't think about anything except your tutee.
Even if you may have a lot going on in that moment, let it all go when you're with your tutee. That hour is their time. Be with them and only with them. Also, expect the same from them as well. If he or she is using their phone, call them out, as they should do in return.
3. Their bad grade is not your bad grade.
Although you can be extremely excited the moment your tutee comes up to you expressing a great grade they got on their paper, that was them, not you. So even if they did not receive the best grade, it is not on you to carry that burden around. However, maybe change the technique you used with your tutee or talk with them to do better next time.
4. Be yourself.
Don't act like a professor or a staff member; just act like yourself. If you're nervous, so is your tutee. Either side of that desk is a difficult position, but you both took the first step in showing up.
5. Don't rush.
It's important to take your time before the lesson, during the lesson and at the very end of the lesson. Even though you may have a class to run off too afterwards, make sure to set apart time to recap and to see if your tutee has any unanswered questions and/or concerns.
