Group session tutors are motivated and skilled undergraduate students who help facilitate discussion sections, hold tutor hours, and grade homework assignments and exams. Here are our recommendations for working with tutors in the classroom.
A typical discussion section with tutors consists of a flipped discussion section where the TA(s) are the main facilitators and the tutors circulate the room and answer student questions.
The TA(s) should always be in command of the classroom. Some examples:
The TA(s) should be the main facilitators for each discussion section. The tutors may assist facilitation but at the discretion of the TA(s).
The tutors should not be disruptive or interrupt the TA during facilitation.
You are in charge of the classroom, so you should choose the best way to program your sections. You can also experiment, with their feedback, on how to best incorporate their efforts in instruction.
"Golden rule" of group session tutors: If you have tutors in your discussion section, you need to utilize them. The format can vary from section to section, but you should always find a way for them to be involved actively.
TA(s) should provide their tutors with instructional materials at least 48 hours before each discussion section. This includes lesson plans, worksheets, etc.
Make an effort to introduce yourself and get to know the tutors working in your sections.