Question: Hi, Micki. I am pretty much done with my ITA training (tests, evaluations, and time log are all finished), but I can't figure out what to do for my project. Could you give me a few ideas?
Thanks for your help,
Jill, MA
Answer: Hi Jill, thanks for your question. The best part about the ITA project is that there are so many different things you can do.
Basically, you are creating an activity sheet, worksheet, or other resource for other tutors (and yourself) to use. For example, if you are an elementary school English tutor, maybe you could develop a vocabulary activity sheet (word search, crossword puzzle, etc.). If you are a junior high school science tutor, maybe you could come up with a step-by-step worksheet that lays out a biology or chemistry experiment. Math tutor? A worksheet that helps tutees understand geometry, algebra, or calculus would be a great project.
One tutor submitted a fractions worksheet for kids that broke down complicated fractions addition into adding pieces of pizza together - it was a big hit!
Or, maybe you'd rather develop a resource that helps tutors during their sessions - a time sheet, learning contract, or some other tool that tutors can take with them to their sessions. One tutor submitted a really useful learning contract that helps keep tutees accountable for their homework and study habits.
In other words, try to develop a resource that you could use during your tutoring sessions.
And don't forget to have fun!
Good luck and, as always, happy tutoring!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Ask Micki: Tutee is making me uncomfortable.
Question: Hi, Micki, I need some help with an really uncomfortable, really awkward situation. I just started tutoring someone a few weeks ago, and all of a sudden, out of the blue, he started making some really inappropriate comments. I tried to brush it off the first time, but it kept getting worse. Last time we met, he tried to rub my shoulders. What should I do? I don't want to be mean, or offend him and lose a client, but this is really awkward, and I dread our tutoring sessions.
Help!
[Name withheld by request] in CA
Answer: Hi there. Sorry to hear about your awkward situation. Any unwanted attention can be uncomfortable, but it is especially bad in a working environment.
First thing: you don't need to accept the unwanted attention. In a firm, but polite way, let your tutee know that you are uncomfortable with the touching and the comments. If you feel like you need a reason, tell your tutee that you aren't the touchy-feely type, that you are involved with someone else, etc.
Above all else, tell your tutee that you want to keep things professional between the two of you, and the comments and touching can't happen.
I know that you said that you do not want to lose a client over this, and I understand where you are coming from, but your safety and comfort needs to come before business. If he is making you uncomfortable, it is worth the risk of losing him as a tutee if he refuses to respect your boundaries.
That being said, I wouldn't worry too much about losing him as a client once you tell him to stop with the unwanted attention. I have been in a very similar circumstance a few times over the years, and typically the tutee will be a bit embarrassed, apologize, and after a few minutes of awkward tension, things will return to normal.
Last piece of advice,try to meet in a neutral, public area - believe me, it will make things much more comfortable in this situation.
Good luck, and as always, happy tutoring!
Help!
[Name withheld by request] in CA
Answer: Hi there. Sorry to hear about your awkward situation. Any unwanted attention can be uncomfortable, but it is especially bad in a working environment.
First thing: you don't need to accept the unwanted attention. In a firm, but polite way, let your tutee know that you are uncomfortable with the touching and the comments. If you feel like you need a reason, tell your tutee that you aren't the touchy-feely type, that you are involved with someone else, etc.
Above all else, tell your tutee that you want to keep things professional between the two of you, and the comments and touching can't happen.
I know that you said that you do not want to lose a client over this, and I understand where you are coming from, but your safety and comfort needs to come before business. If he is making you uncomfortable, it is worth the risk of losing him as a tutee if he refuses to respect your boundaries.
That being said, I wouldn't worry too much about losing him as a client once you tell him to stop with the unwanted attention. I have been in a very similar circumstance a few times over the years, and typically the tutee will be a bit embarrassed, apologize, and after a few minutes of awkward tension, things will return to normal.
Last piece of advice,try to meet in a neutral, public area - believe me, it will make things much more comfortable in this situation.
Good luck, and as always, happy tutoring!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Tips from Charlie: In honor of Earth Day...
In honor of the upcoming Earth Day, I'm going to be highlighting some green ideas that will make your tutoring more eco-friendly. So, without further ado, here are 3 simple ways to be a little kinder to the environment during your tutoring sessions!
1) Go paperless when you can
If you have learning tools or other handouts on your computer, send them via email to your tutee. If you are tutoring your tutee in history, a timeline may be helpful, but it doesn't need to be printed out to be useful. The same can be said of English grammar rules - many times the printed handout would be no more useful than having it on screen during essay writing.
Even if your tutee prints out what you send, think of it this way: at least you are not both printing out the same document - half as much paper will be generated.
2) Be energy conscious.
When possible, choose to tutor in an area with natural lighting - it's also easier on the eyes. Try to travel by the most environmentally friendly method possible, to and from your tutoring sessions. Even better would be to meet at a place where both of you are already going to be nearby, so you're combining trips.
3) Be mindful of your office supply choices.
Use refillable mechanical pencils, reliable (and refillable) pens that last, recycled paper, and other recycled office supply choices.
Don't be surprised if your tutee begins to mimic your good choices. Recently I had a tutee show off what she bought with the money her parents rewarded her with when she aced her final - a fancy schmancy mechanical pencil like mine!
1) Go paperless when you can
If you have learning tools or other handouts on your computer, send them via email to your tutee. If you are tutoring your tutee in history, a timeline may be helpful, but it doesn't need to be printed out to be useful. The same can be said of English grammar rules - many times the printed handout would be no more useful than having it on screen during essay writing.
Even if your tutee prints out what you send, think of it this way: at least you are not both printing out the same document - half as much paper will be generated.
2) Be energy conscious.
When possible, choose to tutor in an area with natural lighting - it's also easier on the eyes. Try to travel by the most environmentally friendly method possible, to and from your tutoring sessions. Even better would be to meet at a place where both of you are already going to be nearby, so you're combining trips.
3) Be mindful of your office supply choices.
Use refillable mechanical pencils, reliable (and refillable) pens that last, recycled paper, and other recycled office supply choices.
Don't be surprised if your tutee begins to mimic your good choices. Recently I had a tutee show off what she bought with the money her parents rewarded her with when she aced her final - a fancy schmancy mechanical pencil like mine!
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