Section 1: Getting Started

Session Cheat Sheet

What should a tutoring session look like? Feel free to use this cheat sheet to guide your time with your peers!
Starting

Break the ice and learn about your peer

First session: use the next page to guide your first session with a new peer.

All other sessions: check in on your peer: How is their day going? What’s been hard for them since the last session? What’s been easy?

Set goals

Consider both short-term (for this session), and long-term (for their course). For example: practice factoring (short term) to do better on the next test and understand math better (long term).

Establish an outline and expectations

Plan ahead: what will you be working on together? How will you support your peer in this session?
If you need help structuring your session, ask your Co-ordinator, your Trainer, or fellow tutors.
During

Check in frequently

Ask your peer if they have any questions. Use page 8 – Checking for Understanding to help you formulate your questions and discuss the content. Always be kind and empathetic.

Give positive reinforcement

Let your peer know when they are doing something right. You will help them build self-confidence, and reinforce good habits and behaviours.

Give constructive feedback

Balance praise and constructive criticism. Be kind, avoid placing blame. Be specific and direct. Always think back to the goals you set and celebrate success.
Wrapping up

Summarize

Review the progress you’ve made together. Go over any key concepts learned.

Assign

Discuss what your peer should do for the next L2L tutoring session.

Plan

Discuss when you will meet next. Reassess your plans to meet your peer’s needs. Do you need longer or more sessions?