Section 3: Tutor Resources
Answer Key
Here are some potential answers to Overcoming Common Challenges in Tutoring (page 7) and Mindsets (page 13)
Challenge
Your peer arrives late or unprepared to work (no books, pencils, calculator, etc.)
Potential Solutions
- Remind them how important it is to be on time
- Remind them to bring necessary materials or let them borrow yours for the session
Your peer has completed a problem incorrectly and wants to give up
- Guide them through correcting mistakes with constructive feedback
- Encourage perseverance and offer support in overcoming challenges
Your peer is not sticking to the plan you’ve created together
- Remind them of the importance of setting goals and why they created these goals in the first place
When tutoring online, your peer's connection drops
- Troubleshoot connection issues and suggest rescheduling if necessary.
Your peer is always on their cell phone
- Reinforce the importance of active participation
Your peer is easily distracted, and/or is distracting others
- Address distractions kindly and encourage focus for effective learning
Your peer needs more help on an old question
- Provide extra help on previous questions with additional explanations.
INSTEAD OF ...
TRY THINKING ...
I’m not good at this!
I give up!
My friend can do it but I can’t.
I made a mistake!
This is too hard!
Plan A didn’t work.
I’m afraid I’ll make a mistake.
I’m not good enough.
I’m not good at this yet! What am I missing
I’ll try a different approach!
I will learn how my friend does it!
Mistakes help me to learn
I will figure it out, I just need some time
There’s always Plan B!
If I make a mistake, I’ll learn from it!
How can I improve at this?