Ask Micki: Negative Tutee

Question: Hi, Micki! I'm an English tutor who has been having some trouble with a tutee being really negative. Every time we get together for tutoring, he tells me "my professor hates me," "English stinks," "my professor wants us all to fail," etc. I've tried boosting his confidence during tutoring, but it's not helping. The tutoring sessions are really negative, and I think it is preventing him from learning the material. What to do?

Thanks,
Michelle W., English Tutor from Madison, WI

Answer: Hi, Michelle. Sorry to hear that your tutoring session have been such a downer. Negativity can drag down even the most positive tutor, and can be tough on both the tutor and the tutee. Since your tutee is frustrated with his course, maybe you could approach his learning style during tutoring. Maybe respond with something like:

"Sorry to hear that this class is giving you a hard time this semester. Let's check out a few of the things that are giving you grief. I'm sure we'll be able to work through the problems together, and give you a good understanding of the material."

" I don't think that your professor hates you. He/she may just have a different learning style than you do. Let's go through the material together so that you'll have a great understanding of things, even if your professor isn't totally clear."

"Let's review how you've been studying and doing your essays/homework. Maybe we can find some ways to streamline things a bit, and make your homework (and lecture) time less stressful."

Notice, in all of these responses, you're getting your tutee actively involved in finding tutoring solutions with you.

Now there are those rare cases when a professor and student really don't get along, or the professor is simply (forgive my tactless word choice) a jerk. In those cases, your tutee may not be able to solve things through tutoring. If the professor is really awful, he/she may need to go to the school administration to figure things out.

That being said, a lot of students are convinced that they have a prfoessor who is trying to fail everyone in the class. In most of those cases, a different learning approach during tutoring can help. And remember, a positive tutor can work wonders for confidence, self-esteem, and learning.

Good luck an, as always, happy tutoring!

Delay in posting!

Hi, readers!
Just wanted to say a quick sorry for the delay since the last ITA Blog post. Apparently the entry I typed up last week disappeared into cyberspace. (side note - remind me not to use the auto-post feature next time :-)

As soon as I hunt the article down on my hard drive, I'll be posting it here - and you won't want to miss it! It is a posting about how to price your tutoring services, so stay tuned!

Micki

Ask Micki: Sports Tutoring

Question: Hi, Micki. I have a question about possibly tutoring a non-traditional subject.

I coach for a local little league team, and was recently contacted about tutoring a sport (baseball pitching, to be exact), but I have no clue if this is something that falls under the realm of tutoring, if it is possible, how much I should charge, etc. Any advice on this? Thanks!

~ Coach, math tutor, and science tutor from So. Cal.

Answer: You sound like one busy person! I would say, without a doubt, a big resounding YES, go for it! If you are helping someone learn a skill, then I would consider it tutoring - since you have an athlete with a need to learn better pitching techniques, you are acting as a tutor for that skill.

I have talked to a lot of tutors over the past few years who have tutored basketball, the physics of baseball, water polo, ice skating...pretty much every sport under the sun will have potential "tutees" who need to improve their skills.

As far as what to charge, my advice would be to stick with your typical rates, and treat this job exactly like any other tutoring gig. Think of it like this - you'll be the exact same professional, friendly tutor, charging an appropriate rate, except instead of meeting at a table, you'll be meeting on the field.

Good luck, and happy tutoring!

Ask Micki: Tutoring Website

Question: Hi, Micki. I have a question about advertising my tutoring via the web. I was thinking of setting up a website for my tutoring services, but am not sure how to get people to it. Any words of wisdom on how to get the word out about my (upcoming) tutoring site? Thanks!

~ Charlie, a tutor from Redlands, CA

Answer: Hi, Charlie - thanks for the great question!A lot of people, both tutors and other professionals, struggle with this. Here are 5 ways that you can make your tutoring website a success!

1. Get the word out the old fashioned way: business cards and word of mouth. Make sure that your tutoring site URL is listed on every piece of paper that leaves your hands (business cards, letterhead, etc). That way, when people need a tutor, they can look down at your card, and easily locate your site. Word of mouth is also a powerful way to get noticed. Tell *everyone* you know about your spiffy new site. Friends, family, and clients are great places to start - after all, you never know who those people may know!

2. Focus on Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and keywords. No, I don't mean using the words "tutor" and "tutoring" every other word. The trick to keywords is using them naturally in the text while still making sure that the words show up often. Also, keep in mind that there may be other variations on your chosen words, and you'll want to include them, too. For example, "tutors" and "tutoring" may also be listed as "learning specialist," or "homework helper." Use as many relevant keywords as you can related to tutors and tutees, and web crawlers will have no trouble finding your site!

3. Submit your tutor services site to places like Google. Submit your URL to a few search engines, and you will get noticed faster. You are trying to get your site noticed, so why not make it easier for people to search for you?

4. Start a tutoring blog. A tutoring or learning blog can be a great way to drive traffic to your tutor site. After all, you will be offering people valuable (and entertaining) information relevant to tutoring, and you will be including a lot of tutor relevant keywords, too! Plus, writing about what you do is great way to learn more about it - keep up the life long learning, and both you and your tutees will benefit!

5. Offer easy ways for others to spread the word. Include "tell a friend" buttons, offer promotional tutoring discounts for referrals, and think of ways to get other people excited about your site. Keeping people coming back, and having loyal customers talk about your site, is a great way to get repeat visits.

Good luck and, as always, happy tutoring!

Ask Micki: Do tutoring/learning contracts work?

Question: Hi, Micki. I am pretty new to the world of math and science tutoring and was wondering whether I should bother with a learning contract. Do they work, or is it a waste of time?

Thanks!
Joe, a math and science tutor from Northern California.

Answer: Hi, Joe - thanks for the great question! I've been hearing quite a bit about learning and tutoring contracts lately, and I happen to think that they can be a great tool for your tutoring sessions.

A tutoring or learning contract is basically an informal document that the tutor and tutee (and/or tutee's parents) sign. It is a written promise that the tutor will provide stellar tutoring, and that the tutee will put in his or her best effort, do all of the tutoring assignments, be at the tutoring sessions on time, participate in the tutoring sessions, etc.

Essentially, it helps keep the tutee accountable for learning the material, taking an active role in the tutoring sesisons, and giving 100% at each tutoring session. It also (from the tutee's point of view) keeps the tutor accountable for providing the best tutoring possible.

Some people also choose to incorporate the business contract (i.e. pay rate, when the tutor will be paid, etc.) into the learning contract, but I choose not to do this.

In my opinion, it is a better idea to keep the business contract separate from the learning contract. The tutoring/learning contract should be all about learning, not clouded by business details.

It is also a great idea to make a copy of the contract so that you, your tutee, and (if needed) your tutee's parents all have the document to reference at a later date.

There are some great learning contracts available in the ITA Resource Bank, so take a look around, and try using one of these great tools out at your next tutoring session!

Good luck and, as always, happy tutoring!

Tips from Charlie: Learning Tools

I used to think that tutoring was all about using my own knowledge and my tutee's textbook.

Then I started tutoring younger kids and it changed the way I tutored forever.

Kids can be great to work with.  They are enthusiastic (most of the time), are honest about what they do and don't know, and have a very different way of learning...they also, like myself, have shorter attention spans than most grown adults!

I started realizing that my tutoring sessions with kids were just not as exciting and full of zest as they could be.  So, I sat down and did some thinking.  What did I respond to at a younger age? What bored me?  What got me enthusiastic about learning?

The answer, as it turns out, was using learning tools during our tutoring sessions.

Learning tools can turn a drab tutoring session into an exciting learning opportunity!

I used simple experiments to tutor the concepts of electricity and chemistry.  I brought games and activities that showcased the exciting world of math.  I dug out my old microscope and brought simple slides to go over biology concepts and make them more interesting.

In other words, any tutoring tool I could get my hands on (that related to the subjects I tutored), I brought with me to tutoring sessions.

The results were amazing, and I noticed that not only was I getting more excited learners, but I was getting happier parents.  One mom told me that I was the only person who had managed to get her son excited about science.  He had hated the subject before our tutoring had started.

An unexpected benefit to this new technique were the referrals I was getting from other parents.  I was known as the fun tutor who could actually get kids to learn boring subjects.  I was honored, and thrilled to have the "title."

So, if you are looking for a way to spice up your sessions, thrill parents, and garner referrals, look no further than tutoring and learning tools!

~ Charlie

Ask Micki: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Tutee

Question: Hello, Micki. I'm having a small problem that I am hoping you could help me with. My tutee, I'll call him Charlie, is a really friendly guy normally. We are actually friends at our university (we're freshmen), and I tutor him in Calculus on the weekends.

The problem is, during our tutoring sessions, Charlie is a totally different person. He gets really defensive when he doesn't know the answer to a question, criticizes the way I try to help him, is generally cranky, and sometimes he outright lies about knowing how to do a problem even when he really doesn't.

I don't know what to do. We're pretty good friends outside of the tutoring sessions, so it is kind of an awkward situation.

Thanks for your help!
~ Anonymous Math Tutor from Lansing, MI

Answer: Hi, there, Anonymous Math Tutor - sounds like an awkward situation, without a doubt!

First off, if the situation is really bad, and it is truly uncomfortable tutoring Charlie, it may be best to look elsewhere for a tutee. Dropping a tutee is difficult, but can become necessary if the sessions are uncomfortable to the point of being unproductive.

Some personalities mesh wonderfully in friendship, but not so well professionally.

That being said...Believe it or not, I've heard of this happening quite a bit with friends who start tutoring together. The thing is your friend/tutee is feeling kind of self-conscious right now because he is, essentially, admitting that you may know a bit more about math than he does.

He's putting himself out there and accepting help, not an easy thing for some people to do.

Charlie may also be having a tough time separating the business side of his life (tutoring sessions) with the personal side of his life (your friendship).

Add to that the fact that he is probably a little apprehensive about his class, new environment, grades, etc., and you can see how the situation may be a bit more tense than your usual tutoring sessions.

The good news is that practically every one I have talked to who has had this problem has told me that it just takes time and patience for the situation to take care of itself.

Be patient with Charlie, let him know that he is doing a great job, ask him about his class outside of your usual tutoring sessions, and let him know that you understand how difficult Calculus can be.

Most of all, stay friendly and professional during tutoring, and eventually you and Charlie will have a much better tutoring relationship.

Good luck, and as always, happy tutoring!

Ask Micki: Adding zest to your tutoring sessions

Question: Hi, Micki. I have a question about encouraging my tutee to be more excited about the subject matter we're working with during our sessions.

I absolutely love tutoring, and my tutee and I get along wonderfully. He's a bright kid, funny, and pays close attention to the math that we go over together.

The thing is, I feel bad that he is so bored by math, and would love to be able to make things more interesting for him. Just for a little background, he loves music, soccer, and guitars. Thanks!

Answer: Great question! I'm always happy to get emails from people who love what they do, and get along well with their tutees.

Even better, you're going above and beyond the call of tutoring duty to make the material jump off the page for your tutee. Good for you!

Now, how to get him more enthusiastic and involved in math?

The good news is that your tutee likes music! That is good news because a lot of music relies on math, right down to the quarter and half notes used to compose tunes. So, definitely go with that interest. Find articles about math and music being related, put together music related problems, and try to tie the two subjects together whenever you can.

As for his other interests - soccer and guitars - those can work, too. Make up some problems using soccer lingo or guitar talk. Trigonometry that deals with shadows on a soccer field, algebra that focuses on guitar-centric word problems...pretty much anything that even mentions his favorite hobbies can be useful in peaking interest in a less exciting subject.

You can also come up with some games that fuse his hobbies with mathematics. A music worksheet that deals with fractions, for example. These games work especially well with younger tutees, but if you can find some more sophisticated, complex games they would also work for older tutees.

And don't forget about short breaks. Even the sharpest mind can reach overload status pretty quick after staring at the same material for hours on end. Try to take a few short breaks in between problems. Let your tutee know that he's doing a great job, talk about school, and get away from the hardcore math for a minute or two.

Good luck and, as always, happy tutoring!

Ask Micki: Annoying tutee

Question: Hi, Micki. My question is about how to work with an annoying tutee. I don't want to sound like I'm complaining, but one of my tutees is, well, really irritating.

A few examples: last week we had a 2:00 pm session scheduled. I got there at 2:00, but according to his watch, I was 3 minutes late. He said that, at the end of the session, he wanted a partial refund for the missing time.

On another occasion, he got angry at me because he had received a B on his last exam. He said that, since I was tutoring him, he should have received at least an A-; of course, he wanted some kind of refund for his trouble.

I am seriously thinking of dropping him as a client, because every one of our sessions together seems to leave me incredibly frustrated. What do I do?

Signed,
Ellen - a frustrated tutor in CA

Answer: Sorry to hear about your tough time - this tutee doesn't sound like too much fun to be around.

Unfortunately, there have been an increasing number of people who use the current economy as an excuse to abuse and intimidate businesses and freelancers (including tutors) into giving them refunds even when they are not legitimate. The current economy seems to be a gateway for people who feel entitled to everything under the sun and see no problem with making ridiculous demands.

Sorry to rant, but this is one of my pet peeves, and one that I have seen way too much of recently.

If you feel like you want to work this out with your tutee, sit down and have a quick talk with him about your expectations for the sessions, how perfect grades aren't guaranteed, how learning the material is just as important as the grade, how learning the material will gradually increase his grade point average over time, etc. Get his input on how he thinks things are going.

It would also be a good idea to mention that, while you can't refund minutes from a session, you would be more than happy to stay a bit longer to make up the time.

If none of this works, and you are still having problems with him, I would suggest dropping him from your client list.

People like him are stressful to work with, and in the long run your energy would be better spent finding new (better) clients, developing learning materials for your existing customers, etc.

Don't let this bad tutee get you down! There are plenty of wonderful tutees out there just waiting for a great tutor.

Good luck, and as always, happy tutoring!

Time Cards

If you are like most tutors, your main focus is probably on your tutoring sessions; communicating with your tutee, being able to present a problem in clear steps, and making sure that your tutee is able to improve in whatever subject he or she needs tutoring.

If these are the kinds of thoughts that are your main focus, congratulations! You are undoubtedly a great tutor.

But now I'd like to talk about another important, often overlooked, aspect of tutoring sessions - the time card.

I’ve always hated paperwork. It seems like a waste of time that could be spent on more worthwhile things. But a tutor’s time card is probably one of the more valuable parts of any tutoring business.

Besides lending an air of professionalism when working with tutees, a well designed time card can assist in billing, help with future appointments, and maintain good customer relations.

I like to use a time card that includes the following:
1) Date of session
2) Subject tutored
3) Tutee name
4) Start/stop times of the session
5) Tutee/parent initials

Date and start/stop times are pretty obvious. Both my tutees and I need this info for billing purposes. Subject helps me remember what I worked on with a particular tutee. In fact, I tutor a few tutees in more than one subject. In those cases, the subject info is especially useful to both of us. I like having session time so that my tutee and I can verify that the stop-start calculation was correct. Tutee/parent initials adds some proof that the tutoring actually occurred as logged.

Although I’ve never had a problem, I’ve had a few friends who have had issues with tutees regarding a particular tutoring session or the times. Including the initials on the time card helps to avoid any billing issues that may otherwise arise.

When it is time to bill my tutees I total up the session times, multiply by my hourly rate, and send a copy to the tutee.

One last thing. I only include one tutee per time card. Otherwise the billing scheme doesn ’t work. By doing these things, I have always had an easy time with billing, and with balancing the books. Keep track of everything that happens during a session, use the time card methods listed above, and soon you will be on your way to a well organized tutoring business.

Why Tutoring?

"Why Tutoring?" I have been asked this on more than one occasion by friends and family.

Some of them are curious, others are just making conversation, and still others are telling me that I should have chosen a more traditionally defined "high powered career." You see, I do not work a traditional 40 hour week job. Since I freelance, I work varying hours (anywhere from 5-45 per week), from varying locations.

Every time I am asked, my answer to all of these people is always the same - I chose tutoring as a career so I can do what I love and help others. Simple as that.

A lot of children dream of being doctors, firefighters, or veterinarians, but I cannot remember a time when I didn't want to be a tutor. I would help classmates out during lunch period, tutor my brothers with their math, and help my best friend with his book reports. Whoever needed tutoring help, I was thrilled to provide what knowledge I could in the subject.

Interestingly, I never wanted to be a teacher; I preferred the one-to-one interaction with my tutees that tutoring offered me. I am also addicted to the rewarding feeling that I get when someone understands a new concept for the first time.

After college, when I made a conscious decision to make freelance math tutoring my career, I knew I was making a decision that would allow me to do the kind of work I was passionate about, even after I hit retirement age.

It may not be a traditional 40 hour per week career path, but it is a path that I am enthusiastic about and very proud of - every day is a new chance to help someone succeed in the educational world. That, combined with working for myself, makes tutoring a dream career!

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For the last 12 years, Brian has been a freelance math tutor who specializes in helping tutees grapple with the basics of elementary math concepts. He has recently completed ITA training and can be reached at BL@itatutor.org.

Resources for Writing Tutors

As a writing tutor, I’m always looking for ways to liven up my tutoring sessions. Let’s face it, when it comes to writing, there are a lot of rules and exceptions to learn. Pretty dry stuff!
I often use colorful handouts. They are visually more exciting than hand written notes, plus my tutees can keep them for future reference. But even my handouts get stale over time. It really doesn’t matter how cool they look. Ultimately, they are just more material for my tutees to read and memorize. There is nothing engaging about a paper handout.
Enter technology. Except for word processing software on computers, I’ve never been a big fan of technology. I generally find myself spending more time trying to figure out how to use it rather than actually using it. I’d rather do things the old fashion way and save myself the frustration. Well that all changed, at least as far as my tutoring goes, a couple of months ago.
I was talking with another writing tutor about her views on handouts. I was hoping for some fresh ideas and she gave me a great one: Grammar Bytes. It is a website that covers tons of writing topics.
Examples and explanations are presented along with interactive practice questions. For some reason my tutees prefer the web over paper handouts. In fact, I now regularly use this site to motivate tutees to familiarize themselves with a topic before we meet! It is a lot more productive.
Grammar Bytes can be found at: http://www.chompchomp.com/exercises.htm.
I’m now on the lookout for more of these kinds of resources!
~ Katie M.
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Katie is a certified tutor and has been tutoring writing for over 10 years. Her work load spans generations, from elementary school students to elderly ESL tutees. Thanks, Katie, for this fantastic contribution to the ITA blog!

Tutoring Does Not Equal "Homework Service."

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.