My first tutoring session, utilizing my new found skills, went great. Her first test in math is tomorrow, I was pleasantly surprised that she came prepared. After introductions we discussed her other classes that she does feel confident in and how we could bring those same skills to Math. She already had good study skills. As we have learned in the modules, I felt what she really wanted was reassurance.
Her one obstacle was she felt unsure of the instructors expectations. I reassured her that he does want his students to succeed and gives them many opportunities to do so. She could see that by the different options he makes available he does want that but in the same time makes them accountable whether they will or won't. I let her know that obviously she was taking the action to be successful by seeking tutoring.
I feel she left confidant that she will be able to pass the test tomorrow and I believe she will.
This is something that tutors even need a little extra support with. Often tutees, as well as their tutor counter-parts, are lacking a little confidence. If I am helping with math, I will sometimes have to do a problem or two myself before I am completely sure that I remember what I am doing. Part of our job as tutors is simply to be a reassuring figure for a student. We must remember this, even when we are struggling to understand why a student just doesn't get something, and help make their experience as painless as possible.
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