The Tutoring Book - California State University, Sacramento

Tutoring Process
What is the one piece of advice you would like to pass on to a new tutor in next semester's class?
• “I guess one thing I would tell an incoming tutor is: be creative. This may sound like a vague
piece of advice but I think there's something to it. There have been times that, as I worked with a
student writer I could tell that the point I was going for wasn't getting through. So, I would tell
new tutors to (1) be willing to check-in with students for comprehension and whether they
understand what you're saying, and (2) be willing to try different approaches to get through to a
student” (Anglesey).
• “Be consistent with your long term students. Of course, every session will be different, and the
paper's will all require a unique approach. However, by focusing in on one or two specific areas,
e.g. structure, incorporating quotes, etc., you'll achieve a long-term impact on the student's
writing capability” (Kronzer).
• “My advice, especially for someone who's never tutored before, is that you will get the hang of it.
Applying the ideas you learn in class actually pays off and makes you a better tutor. You are
learning just as much in any session as the person you're tutoring” (Parker).
Collaboration
What is the one piece of advice you would like to pass on to a new tutor in next semester's class?
• “Become a part of the Writing Center. Hang out in the lounge, get to know your peers, immerse
yourself in the experience. Eat lunch in the break room and do your homework in the lounge... the
more time you spend in and around the Writing Center, the more you will become a part of it.
The more you become a part of this community, the more support you'll receive, the more you'll
be able to share your experiences to help others, the more you will grow as a tutor” (Perkins).
“I don't know. I've learned many ideas from fellow tutors that it's hard to decipher one idea from another
with the advice given. So I guess the best advice would be to listen to fellow tutors, and always be willing
to seek advice as much as you give it” (Ross).
General Advice Concerning Tutees
What is the one piece of advice you would like to pass on to a new tutor in next semester's class?
• “Don’t panic when you don’t understand what the tutee’s paper is about on the first read. Relax!
It can be difficult to understand what a struggling writer is trying to say when there are so many
grammar and punctuation errors in the way. This is when minimalist tutoring skills come in
handy. Stop reading those convoluted sentences, and start asking questions. Encourage the writer
to tell you what the paper is about. With patience, there will almost always be an “ah ha” moment
when you and the writer connect” (Kincaid).
• “The one thing I would want to tell a tutee is that one helpful dictum for not being too directive is
that it's ok to direct a tutee's attention, but it's not ok to direct their actions. By all means, tell
them clearly and unequivocally that there's a serious problem (whatever it might be) if it's
absolutely necessary, but DON'T give them the solution” (Louie).
• “Whether older, younger, different curriculum, or learning disability treat them like a peer you
want to get to know. They will appreciate you for it and conversations will become a great
student to student professional advice conversation during free time” (Nicolas).
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