Philosophy of Tutoring***
15 ~ 30 minutes
We believe that the ultimate goal of tutoring is to develop independent learners. In order to reach this goal, we will work with students to help them grasp the content of the course as well as the study skills necessary to master course content. Effective tutoring is helping students become self-reliant, resourceful, independent learners.
What’s your tutoring philosophy?
Many different organizations have developed their own ethics codes for peer tutors. Below are three sets of guidelines for ethical peer tutoring, developed by various national associations. While all of these are important ethical issues for tutors to be aware of, it is also important for each individual tutor to develop their own, personal code of ethics. Read through each of the guidelines and then select the five (5) that you feel to be the most important to your own tutoring code of ethics.
After you have selected your top five, answer the assessment questions.
National Association of Tutorial Services Code of Ethics
Subject proficiency knowledge & ability have top priority in my task as Tutor.
My major motivation is building the student's self-confidence.
My student deserves and will receive my total attention.
The language my student and I share must be mutually understandable at all times.
I must be able to admit my own weaknesses and will seek assistance whenever I need it.
Respect for my student's personal dignity means that I must accept that individual without judgment.
My student will constantly be encouraged but never insulted by false hope or empty flattery.
I will strive for a mutual relationship of openness and honesty as I tutor.
I will not impose my personal value system or life style on my student.
I will not use a tutoring situation to proselytize my personal belief systems.
Both the student and I will always understand my role is never to do the student's work.
I count on my student to also be my tutor and teach me ways to do a better job.
I will do my best to be punctual and keep appointments, not only out of courtesy, but as an example for my students to follow.
I will maintain records and evaluations as expected and required.
I will do my best to stay abreast of the current tutoring as it relates to my work.
Good tutoring enables my students to transfer learning from one situation to another.
Making learning real for the student is what tutoring means, and is a vital part of my goal.
My ultimate goal is my student's independence.
National Tutoring Association’s Code of Ethics
I understand my role as a tutor is to guide students’ to do their own work using the best learning approach possible.
I will provide honest feedback in the form of positive praise and/or constructive suggestions to students I serve in a manner beneficial to their overall learning.
I will demonstrate faith in each student's learning abilities understanding my primary goal is helping them discover and develop skills needed to reach their desired educational outcomes.
I understand my relationship to each student I tutor is professional and not personal.
I will respect and be sensitive to students’ cultural background and personal value system; keeping in mind their personal dignity.
I recognize I will not have answers to every question asked. Therefore, I will seek assistance in finding answers to the student's questions and/or directing the student to “how” and “where” appropriate resources are for the information needed.
I will maintain accurate records of tutoring sessions to fulfill expectations & requirements which exemplify excellence in tutoring.
I will respect each student's personal dignity at all times.
I will be on time for tutoring all appointments understanding excellence does not compromise time nor make excuses.
I will keep information about all students I work with confidential.
I understand the ultimate goal is to assist students in discovering how he/she best learns. I will accomplish this by helping each student develop the skills needed to achieve their best educational outcome.
I will share any concerns I have with my supervisor.
I recognize the win-win relationship tutoring fosters. I expect to learn along with each student I assist.
I will keep current in both my subject area(s) and learning methodologies.
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will remain flexible to my approach to student learning, respectful of the various learning styles and preferences.
I will share techniques for improving study skills with students; respecting their differing learning styles and preferences while exhibiting excellence in my approach to the content being tutored.
Best Interest: Tutors will be committed to acting in the best interest of tutees as specified by the employing organization or institute.
Responsibility: Tutors will take responsibility for their own behavior and work to resolve conflicts that may arise between themselves and a client.
Integrity: Tutors will practice and promote accuracy, honesty, and truthfulness.
Fairness: Tutors will exercise reasonable judgment and take precautions to ensure that their potential biases, the boundaries of their competence, and the limitations of their expertise do not lead to or condone unjust practices.
Commitment: Tutors will fulfill commitments made to learners.
Respect for Others Rights and Dignity: Tutors will respect the dignity and worth of all people, and the rights of individuals to privacy, confidentiality and self-determination.
Excellence: Tutors will strive to maintain excellence by continuing to improve their tutoring skills and engage in applicable professional development activities.
Respect for Individual Differences: Tutors will respect cultural, individual, and role differences, including those based on age, sex, gender identity, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, language and socioeconomic status.
Professionalism: Tutors will not engage in inappropriate relations with tutees.
Confidentiality: Tutors will maintain the highest privacy standards in terms of protecting personal information relative to those whom they tutor.