Tutoring @ TJ’s

The Good:

The GOOD in any tutor session comes from a positive learning experience for the client which has been fostered by a tutor who knows what he/she is doing. I’d say we’re all pretty good at this because we’ve taken and mastered the courses and the clients are motivated enough to make appointments and therefore motivated enough to engage in the positive learning experience. I’ve, thus far, had no bad or ugly in my tutor sessions because every client I’ve had has been very prepared and known what they want to improve or work on. And to me, intent is the most crucial trait of a good tutor session. That is, the client has the intent to learn and to accept the way I present my help. That’s not to say that it’s my way or no way, but that just as there are different learning styles there are also different teaching styles, and so long as there aren’t any huge differences between the two we can meld them to fulfill the intent. My best clients are usually repeat customers who want to keep improving upon similar skills–in this case exam study. I’ve found that I’m really able to help in this area because there are certain tricks to learning the information for the INB exams. It’s very helpful when you have a good textbook to teach with because when that’s the case the only thing you have to do is help them learn to use the book in the best way and let them start learning on their own with your help along the way…rather than be the book yourself.

The Bad:

As I said earlier, I really haven’t had any bad tutor sessions or sessions with much bad in them. Yet, there are things that can be improved upon. One thing that’s more bad than good would be the environment at TJs sometimes. It can get louder than I’d like at high traffic times, and that can distract my attention and make it hard to communicate. (more…)

I have seen myself progress as a tutor over the course of the semester so much that it is horrifying. Initially, I was extremely worried that I would not have any idea what to do when a client came and that he/she would know more than I would. However, after one or two meetings, I saw myself gradually improve as a tutor into one that may be the best in the world. (more…)