The First Tutoring Session
Before the First Tutoring Session
As the tutor, you will be sent an e-mail notifying you that a student has been assigned to you for tutoring. In the e-mail, you will be given the student's name, course, and e-mail address. It is your responsibility to contact the student within 24 hours of receiving the e-mail. Please remember that your initial e-mail communication with the student begins the tutoring relationship.
Information needed from the student:
- Student's first and last name
- Student's phone number and e-mail address
- Ask specific questions about the course
- Who is the professor?
- What textbook is being used?
- What assistance is needed in the course?
- Inquire about schedule and availability for first tutoring session.
Information to give the student:
- Tutoring is no less than one hour per week and no more than two hours if needed.
- Tutoring takes place in the CTLE Tutoring Center, STT 582. (If you need to meet in a different location, please request permission from Mary Ellen Pichiarello in STT 577.)
- Confirm the date and time of your first tutoring session.
- Ask the student to meet you in the reception area outside the Tutoring Center.
If student's schedule conflicts with yours, please contact Mary Ellen Pichiarello in the CTLE as soon as possible so that she can assign the student to another tutor.
Checklist for the First Tutoring Session
- Introduce yourself (give your name, phone number and e-mail address - share your preferred contact information with the tutee).
- Confirm the student's name and contact information. Find out if they have a nickname and take a few minutes getting to know the student.
- Review and sign the Tutorial Agreement (available in STT 582).
- Show the student where the blue sign in sheet is located on the wall in the Tutoring Center - make sure both of you sign in and out every session.
- Inform the student that the tutoring session is as important as class; therefore, cell phones and pagers should be turned off during the tutoring session. Phone calls can only be accepted on an emergency basis.
- Place emphasis on the need for the student to be prepared before the tutoring session by reviewing the material.
- Schedule a set time to meet each week so that there is consistency with the tutoring sessions. (EMPHASIZE: A student is not allowed to meet you only when he/she has a test - you are promoting good study skills).
- Any problems (e.g., lateness, absences, unprepared, or conflict) between the tutor and tutee need to be discussed as soon as possible with Mary Ellen Pichiarello.
Assignment:
How would you handle a tutee who doesn't show up on time? What would you tell a tutee who only wants to meet before exams?