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Tutoring may be needed and expected, especially in introductory courses. It should be provided before difficulties become overwhelming.
In light of the varied backgrounds and expectations of students in most classrooms, it is essential that you know how to refer students to academic and non-academic resources they are likely to need. Tutoring may be needed and expected, especially in introductory courses. It should be provided before difficulties become overwhelming. Accordingly, you can be most helpful by providing students with opportunities for obtaining prompt feedback, comments, and assessment (short papers, quizzes, lab reports, etc.) early in the term.
You also may have to help students revise their expectations of tutoring. Students from different backgrounds might view tutoring in very different ways. Some students come to tutoring for clarification, some expect to be shown how to get the answers, and others come to be shown the answers. It is important to explain what tutoring and problem sessions can do; what topics, questions, and problems will be addressed; and what students should do before, during, and after such sessions. Scheduling tutoring sessions before or after assignments are due emphasizes the function of the sessions.
A stigma can be attached to seeking tutoring services because needs or other deficiencies in preparation are viewed as signs of innate inability.
A stigma can be attached to seeking tutoring services because needs or other deficiencies in preparation are viewed as signs of innate inability. However, the students who do best are usually those who take advantage of every learning situation. Tutoring and problem-solving sessions should be portrayed positively. These sessions are frequently the best opportunities for students to get to know the teachers and to see how they think. Methods and answers are important, but personal contact can be crucial to a student’s success.
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