A common misconception about tutoring is that it is a way to “get your work done” by a tutor. Nothing, however, could be further from the truth when dealing with a well-trained tutor.
Simply put, active learning is learning by doing. The job of any tutor is to focus the responsibility of learning on the tutee. Ideas, concepts, relationships, and processes are stressed over individual problems.
The ultimate goal is to turn the tutee into an independent learner by developing their general problem solving and study skills.
Although specific example problems are often used by tutors, working through a tutee’s actual homework assignment is not good tutoring.
Typically, a well trained tutor will address the skills and process needed to solve the types of problems in the homework, using similar problems. On occasion, the tutor may even allow the tutee to tackle one of their homework problems while they sit back and observe. In this way, the tutor can assess the tutee’s progress and determine if they are prepared to succeed on their homework.
To sum up, tutees are responsible for their own homework. Tutoring is simply a way for students to get the skills necessary to ultimately succeed on their own. If a tutee starts pressuring you into doing his or her homework, it's time to put the pencils down and talk about tutoring session goals (i.e. not being a homework service)!
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The International Tutoring Association (ITA) stresses “active learning” as part of its web-based Training and Tutor Certification program. Become a stellar tutor today with ITA.
The International Tutoring Association (ITA) stresses “active learning” as part of its web-based Training and Tutor Certification program. Become a stellar tutor today with ITA.
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