Tutor Handbook
TLC Mission Statement
The Teaching and Learning Center of Haywood Community College believes that personal fulfillment, self-sufficiency, and student success can be fostered through instructional support services. These services include a peer tutoring program, diagnostic testing, online tutoring, and supplemental instructional materials. The center also provides proctoring for distance learning exams.
Tutor Confidentiality
As a tutor, you need to respect your tutee's privacy and confidentiality. Any information that is shared with you by your tutee that is of a sensitive nature, is not to be discussed with anyone else. Information such as test scores, family or personal problems, and grades are some examples of sensitive topics that must remain confidential. While it is not recommended that you encourage highly sensitive discussions regarding personal and family problems during your tutoring sessions, it would be helpful to refer your tutee to the counseling office at HCC or the Teaching and Learning staff for an appropriate referral.
Tutor Code of Ethics
This document is signed by each tutor and placed in their folder at the beginning of the semester.
1. I will keep all information about the students to whom I am assigned confidential.
2. I will be on time for tutoring appointments, not only out of courtesy but as a good example for students to follow.
3. I will maintain accurate records of tutoring sessions as expected and required.
4. I will give honest feedback to the student I tutor and will not insult him/her with false hope or empty flattery.
5. I will provide positive feedback and reinforcement to improve student learning and self-confidence.
6. I will show respect for students’ cultural background and personal value systems.
7. I understand that my role as a tutor is to NEVER do students’ homework for them, but is to help students better understand course concepts and ideas.
8. I recognize that I may not have all the answers to student questions. In this event, I will seek assistance in finding the correct information.
9. I will respect students’ personal dignity at all times.
10. I understand that my ultimate goal is to assist students to become independent learners.
11. I understand that my relationship to students is professional and not personal.
12. I understand that I am not to criticize the methods of any instructors.
13. I will share any concerns that I may have with TLC staff.
Tutor Tips
Here are some helpful tips that you will want to incorporate into each of your tutoring sessions:
1. Establish an open relationship with each tutee. Before you begin your session, "catch up" with your tutee in regard to how his/her classes are going, any problems he/she is experiencing with homework or new concepts he or she would like to cover. Start first with what your tutee's needs are and go from there.
2. Make every effort to be punctual. Exchange phone numbers with your tutee in the event that you'll be delayed or can't make it to your tutoring session. Don't forget, you're a role model for your tutee and it is your responsibility to keep in touch with him/her.
3. In your tutoring sessions, find the strengths and weaknesses of your student by asking him/her . If your tutee is hesitant to admit something he/she doesn't understand, you can talk with the student's instructors, ask the student to show you prior tests or give your tutee a short practice test or exercise to determine a starting point for learning new material.
4. Throughout the session, observe your tutee's non-verbal behaviors. Fidgeting, yawning, inattention are clues that your tutee has reached a "saturation point" and it's time to end the session. End your session on a positive note and don't forget to note his/her progress!
5. Be patient! It may take several weeks before you notice improvements for your tutee. All tutoring situations aren't one hundred percent successful. Sometimes there are personality differences, or other circumstances in which the tutoring session may have to end.
Tutor Tools
Here are some helpful tools that may assist you in your tutoring sessions:
1. ReadPlease - this program is available, with headsets, on each computer station in the TLC lab and can read information to/for your tutee. This information can be pasted from an existing document, BB site, or an external Web site. Be sure to try this software! For tutee with visual challenges, the font can also be enlarged for ease in viewing.
2. Noodletools.com-this program is a web site that is geared for grammar tips and tools.
3. Mathpower.com--will help your tutee with math anxiety, math test tips,math related topics.
Tutor Rules and Regulations
1. Peer tutors must be currently enrolled as curriculum students. Community volunteers are also welcome tutors.
2. Tutors must have an A or B in the course and approved by the instructor.
3. Tutors must complete all paper work (application and data forms).
4. All tutoring must be carried out with supervision and verification and tutoring can NOT involve HOMEWORK.
5. Tutors and tutees must show up on time and must inform the tutee and staff of tardiness or absence.
6. Tutors are responsible for keeping the TLC informed of any schedule changes or problems.
7. Tutors must attend tutor training workshops provided by the TLC staff.
Active Listening
Active listening means hearing and understanding what a person is really saying. Sometimes, a student may say something different from the actual words they are stating. For example, you may ask your tutee if he understands a particular formula. The tutee says he does but you know otherwise due to the uncertainty in his voice or puzzled look on his face. These non-verbal clues should prompt you to review the material again.
Remember, actions speak louder than words. Some students may have difficulty admitting their failure to understand or grasp the information. Patience and understanding are keys to helping your tutee. Feedback: What does that mean? If your tutee says they're "frustrated" or "lost", repeat that statement back to him and clarify by what she meant.....ie: What is frustrating you? What part of that lesson makes you feel "lost"....can you tell me about that? Don't be afraid to ask questions of your tutee for clarification.