Suggestions to Optimize the Tutoring Relationship
- Include the CAT Center in your syllabus and remind students of these services throughout the semester.
- Allow the tutor a few minutes during the first week of class to introduce him/herself and the CAT Center’s services to the class.
- Provide the tutor with a copy of your course syllabus and upcoming assignments, and add the tutor to your WebCAT course.
- Talk to the tutor about any assignments that are “off-limits” in tutoring sessions (e.g. take-home quizzes or tests).
- Encourage students to take advantage of this opportunity to engage with course content outside of class, and remind them that tutoring is an effective way to learn new study strategies.
- Remind students that they will need to plan ahead to schedule tutoring appointments (appointments must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance).
- Meet with the tutor periodically to clarify assignments or topics that may be discussed in tutoring sessions and to answer any questions the tutor has about course content.
- Post a CAT Center flyer on your office and classroom doors.
- Access information about your students’ visits to the CAT Center in TutorTrac. Generate grade comparisons between students who regularly visit the Center and those who don't; use this data to encourage students to participate in tutoring.
- Remember that tutoring is an excellent experiential learning opportunity for tutors; talk with your tutor about how his/her own learning is improved through tutoring.
- Share your students' feedback about tutoring with the tutor and with the CAT Center Director.
- Recommend other successful students as potential tutors for the CAT Center.