Minimalist Tutoring

The student should be the one actively solving equations while the tutor acts as more of a facilitator, asking questions to guide the student's thinking. We want to keep the pen in the student's hand, literally and metaphorically. Resist the urge to jump in and solve the problem. If the student is having a particularly hard time understanding the problem, you may solve an example problem with them. If it is absolutely necessary for you to write, don't solve anything without the student telling you what to write down.

Like Laura (probably) mentioned during orientation, students need at least TEN SECONDS to process the questions you ask them. Wait time is a strategy that involves intentionally pausing to give the students time to think and respond. There may be an awkward pause, but let the students follow their train of thought. So after you ask a question, sit there and count to ten slowly in your head! If the student still looks lost, offer to reword the question. (I have to physically clamp a hand over my mouth to give the students time to think :P ~ Emma, professional yapper)

Asking open-ended questions will guide a student through their thinking. This can include encouraging students to articulate their thought process. Not only does this help with developing the student's problem-solving skills, it helps you identify gaps in their understanding.

The QSC's mission is: we aim to help UW Bothell students develop skills and confidence with quantitative reasoning.