BEGINNING A SESSION I

Establishing the Right Environment

The Basics

Everyone knows it is important to display good common sense when dealing with others, but you might be surprised by how easy it is to fall into some physical environmental traps when tutoring. If you keep the following topics in mind, you will overcome your first tutoring obstacle. Watch your step. Physical environmental hurdles are easily forgotten.

Where Should I Tutor?

What Should I Wear?

Choosing a Table

Personal Hygiene

What About Food and Drinks?

Where Should I Tutor?

The TASC and the staff are involved in a wide range of activities on campus. Because of this, tutors, students, and TASC staff will be moving in and about the Centers. The tutoring tables and computer stations are appropriate for tutoring, while keeping the distractions in the Center minimal. While the distinct rooms in TASC have their individual labels (Math Computer Lab, Writing Center Lab, Language Arts Lab), activities in these areas are not limited to the rooms' labels; you are free to take a space anywhere. Due to everyone's close proximity in TASC, try to be mindful of your volume level (especially if you aren't tutoring!)

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Choosing a Table

Make sure to choose a table large enough to accommodate the activities you and your tutee(s) will be doing. Do you have room for books, notes, and any other materials you and your tutee may need? Also, try to sit side-by-side with your tutee. This will make it easier to share materials, and it encourages interaction.
Occasionally, it will be necessary to transfer from one space to another based on the amount of room available and the number of tutees. If you anticipate a large number of tutees, you may have to use the group study room in the library (if available), so that everyone is comfortable with the space allotted to them for the session.

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What About Food and Drinks? no food ?

Although the TASC strives to provide flexible schedules that meet the demands of an average student, we ask that you plan eating times that do not interfere with when you are on duty. In any case, drinks and "liquidy" foods are not allowed at the computer stations, and, unless it is a mutual thing, you should not be eating while the tutoring session is going on (it can be viewed as rude), no matter where you are tutoring. One tutee recently complained about her tutor, who had been eating a meal with melted cheese, leaving greasy fingerprints all over her textbook. Above all, be considerate of your tutees!

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What Should I Wear? two students outside

The TASC does not have a dress code, but does ask that you dress appropriately. Risqué clothing, although attention getting, can make others perceive you as less than credible. On the other hand, you should also avoid coming in over-dressed. Tutees relate to tutors as students - not teachers or professionals. Use this to your advantage by dressing like an average student. By choosing appropriate clothing, you add value to your session without a lot of effort.

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Personal Hygiene

We've all been distracted by the girl wearing too much perfume and the guy who just got back from the gym. Be mindful of these things BEFORE coming on duty. Smells are distracting and cheesy fingerprints are annoying. Keep in mind that coffee and smoking can also cause odors.

Beginning a Session

Establishing the Right Environment