Ask Micki: Homework Problems

Question: Hi, Micki, I have an issue with a tutee (I tutor her in trigonometry) who is constantly trying to sneak in her homework during the sessions.  In other words, she tells me that we are working on practice problems, but in reality, she is trying to get me to do her homework for her so that she can go hang out with her friends.

It's getting kind of annoying.  Any ideas for how to handle this?

Thanks!
Becky

Answer: Hi, Becky - I think you hit on a good topic here.  A lot of tutors have been where you are, and many of them have had to (at some point in time) deal with a dishonest tutee who would rather you were a homework completion service. 

It's a common misconception that tutors are, essentially, glorified homework services.  It doesn't help that there are a ton of places out there that use the name "tutor" for their business when, in reality, they are simply completing the student's homework. 

Although the students may love this service short term, in the long run it will be detrimental to their overall learning.  True "tutoring" takes place when tutors help students actively learn the *techniques* needed to solve problems, allowing the tutee to use the skills on his or her own - a gift that will last them a lifetime.

Okay - rant over :-)

Your ultimate goal during a tutoring session is to allow your tutee to take responsibility for his or her learning.  You are working together to create an independent learner who can master the techniques needed not only for homework, but for tests as well.

So how do you do that?

First, create an environment where your tutee is holding the pencil, working on the problems herself.  You simply sit back, and watch her work.  If you notice that your tutee is having trouble with a problem, jump in, and help her remember the techniques and steps in solving the problem.  Trust me, if you repeatedly remind her of the principles of trigonometry, and how they work in practice, eventually she'll be doing them on her own, and feeling great about her progress.

Second, let her know that you two can work on some of her homework, as long as she is doing the work and implementing the principles and math techniques that you two are going over during the session. 

No, you won't be doing her homework, but you will be arming her with the tools she needs to do her own homework.  She'll eventually be working out problems right in front of you. 

You see, the issue isn't the homework, per se, it is who is doing the homework.  If you two go over some trig. principles, and she is able to master them via her homework problems, then you've done your job!

Also, by letting her know that you are on to her homework-sneaking tricks, you can stop the issue in its tracks while still offering your help.  It is a win-win!

Good luck out there, and happy tutoring!