New QSC Tutor Training Guide

Hi, I'm Emma and I help Laura and Erik run the Learning Commons. I'm also a QSC tutor (CSS and math) and was a peer facilitator for a couple quarters back in the day. I'm a go-to person if you're feeling stuck or have a question. You can reach me by email (larcane@uw.edu) or message me on Discord (@dj_geenie)! I helped Laura and Erik develop this training site, so if you are confused about anything, just let me know :)

As the QSC Director, I'm here to help you develop in your role as a peer tutor, as a student, as a professional, and settle into your life-long trajectory. I’m also your direct supervisor so I support you with everything related to scheduling, payroll, HR, general professionalism, and direct the work of the tutors and the workspace. The Lead Tutors will also work alongside you to mentor, scaffold your learning, answer questions, and generally support the day-to-day experience of tutoring. All of us -- me, leads, experienced tutors, and the other new tutors -- are here to guide your success here in the QSC and Learning Commons.

Here are some examples of scenarios that may arise and who you should approach. If you aren't sure who to come to with questions, reach out to both of us!

You’re part of a staff of peer tutors, front desk coordinators and peer facilitators. Some of us have been here for many years, and some are just starting out as peer student staff. Regardless of our experience or background, we each take a unique approach to upholding the QSC's mission of supporting UW Bothell students as they develop skills and confidence with quantitative reasoning.

Throughout your time working in the QSC, your tutoring practice will continually evolve. After you complete new tutor training, you'll continue participating in collaborative training and pursuing professional development opportunities.

As your practice grows, you’ll find and create your own resources. We'll add them to our storehouse of resources and curate a set of resources that can be shared with other tutors and the students they support!

Peer quantitative tutors assist other students with all types of quantitative content and levels of understanding. 

Peer quantitative tutors support students with all phases of quantitative learning. Students bring assignments, ideas, outlines, or clarifying questions to the QSC, and we meet with them individually or in small groups to provide student-based feedback. 

We listen, ask questions, and offer suggestions and resources. 

Our job is to coach, assist, and provide feedback all while honoring that students get to decide what to do with our suggestions. 

As I rewrite these, I’m placing emphasis on quantitative literacy. While training, we ask that you talk to peer tutors about what quantitative literacy is.  Also new—focus on learning as opposed to “teaching and testing.” 

1. Our goal is to assist students as they strive to develop skills and confidence with quantitative reasoning. We do this by celebrating what they're doing right and providing feedback and resources at every stage in their learning process. 

2. Tutors actively listen and ask open-ended questions to help students clarify their ideas, read deeply, think critically, and develop problem-solving strategies for their own work. Stay away from giving students ideas that add to their thinking.  

3. We emphasize that there is no such thing as "good" or "bad" levels of quantitative literacy. Rather than giving praise or criticism, we offer feedback focused on what makes learning effective for them, aiming to create a safe, non-judgmental space. 

4. We recognize and celebrate the diverse backgrounds, learning styles, and life that students bring to the QSC, and we work to support them in all the ways they choose to build on their existing skills. 

5. We guide students as they develop an understanding of what it means to communicate their quantitative learning effectively in their academic, personal, and professional lives.

First Quarter Training