The Tutoring Book - California State University, Sacramento

and that even the sessions that did not seem so stellar had taught some important things to the
student and myself. When I realized all this, I was able to finally relax and actually enjoy
tutoring! So, even though you will not believe this until you realize it for yourself, try to relax!”
(Faye).
• “Don't take the sessions too personally. It's easy to take on responsibility for the student writer,
but this often results in distracting the tutor and hinders the session overall. Tutors can't take
blame for the student's effort, received grades, or overall quality of their writing” (Kronzer).
Tutor Expectations
What is the one piece of advice you would like to pass on to a new tutor in next semester's class?
• “The one piece of advice I would give a new tutor is to not set too high of expectations for
themselves and/or the tutee when starting a new session. Tutoring is a process, both the tutor and
tutee are learning through practice. And remember to make learning fun” (Colombo).
• “Flexibility. As tutors, we need to think on our feet because different students require so many
different techniques. Even though we read the theory and think we know all there is to know
about teaching ESL students, or being minimalist tutors, or how to get passive students to become
more active, we constantly meet students who shatter our preparation and expectations. But that’s
okay, since it means we do not become machines, and that tutoring will never become a boring
auto-pilot activity! Being able to flex one’s techniques, comfort zone, and habits in different
situations is the proof of an outstanding tutor” (Faye).
Resources/Materials
What is the one piece of advice you would like to pass on to a new tutor in next semester's class?
• “Read the book... it will help you in many ways” (Ross).
• “Sometimes the way you actually tutor may differ from the way our textbooks tell us to teach,
(but) that doesn’t mean your way is wrong. It’s okay to alter the textbook’s technique if your
session neds it” (Tabrizi).
• “Check out that little whirly-gig thing with the handouts in it! There might be something in
one of those handouts that can really help your tutees! Also, there's a stack of binders in the
lounge that have some great resources in there. But I like the handouts in the whirly-gig
because the tutee can take them with him/her” (Uttinger).
What is one thing you wish you had been told when you started tutoring?
• “It would be incredibly useful if you had a folder with a handout for how to use MLA, APA, and
other citation methods” (Bains).
• “I would have liked to have covered the ESL and students with learning disabilities sections (in
our readings) at the beginning of the semester for the majority of the tutees I've been working
with fall within those categories” (Colombo).
• “Well, I was told, I think. But I forgot--make use of the WC handouts in that little twirly-gig
thing. I wish I would have checked some of these out before some of my tutoring sessions. They
really are helpful!” (Uttinger).
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