Tutoring Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s
The tutor should always be on time for the tutoring session.
He or she should always be available to the tutee.
Show concern for the tutee and their work.
Approach the writer in a way that is student-centered and a collaborative tutoring style.
Review the instructions given by the Professor.
Make the students read their work aloud.
Take notes while the tutee is reading his or her paper.
Let the tutee talk and do the work.
Ask the tutees open-ended questions. Using the words What, Where, When, Why and How.
Give ideas on how to improve their paper.
Be specific in addressing something that needs to be revised in the tutee’s paper.
Always go for the Higher Order of Concerns (HOCs).

Don’ts
Don’t say things that are not true or give false praises.
Don’t simply proofread the paper of the tutee.
Do not have a therapy session.
Do not tell the tutee what to write or say on their papers.
Don’t take over responsibility of the paper. Let them think and do the work.
Do not simply dwell on their mistakes.
Do not focus on the Low Order of Concerns (LOCs).
The tutors do not have to be an expert or have all the answers.