Common Issues

When there is a long line of students in the queue, it is important to remember to limit sessions to 30 minutes, even if it is a hard stop to the session. We want to make sure that each student gets an equal amount of time to get the help they need. Remember to let students know about the 30-minute limit, especially on long queue days. 

To avoid feeling like you're leaving the student without much structure, we implemented an objective(s) policy, which you've probably heard about in one or more of the staff meetings. Please make sure you are setting objectives during the first five minutes of the session and regularly check in with the student to make sure you both are staying on track to complete the session objective.

Don't take more than three back-to-back sessions without a break. It can get stressful on busy days, but remember to greet every student in a friendly manner.

It is important to encourage students to re-queue if they still have questions. Gently ask them to attempt the problem on their own for 15 minutes or until they get stuck. If a student immediately re-queues and you have told them to attempt something on their own, it is ok for you to let the Coordinator know that you are giving the student some time to work on the problem before helping them.

A common issue is that students will immediately re-queue, then use their phones until you meet with them again. It is ok for them to take a break. However, you are not there to do the work for them. If this is a problem you run into, gently remind them to attempt a problem/assignment before re-queuing. If you are not comfortable approaching a student like that, please let the lead on shift know and they will do it for you. 

A lot of students have been turning to AI and the internet to get help with homework. This can make tutoring uncomfortable, because you are helping students with work that aren't their own. There is no official QSC policy to dealing with AI. This makes dealing with AI/internet usage even more difficult because there is no one "right" way to deal with it. 

Different tutors have different approaches. Generally, it is not encouraged if a student is just copying and pasting work that is not their own. Some tutors will turn students away and request that the student come back with their own work. Some will work with the student to understand what the AI/internet did.

However, AI can be a helpful tool for explaining difficult concepts or coming up with example problems. Using information from the internet can be ok if you understand what you are using (such as copying and pasting code that you understand or a math problem with steps that make sense). This is usually a judgment call that you, the tutor, will have to make. Do not demonize AI or criticize the student for using. Approach the situation with empathy and understanding. The student may be feeling desparate and panicked, so they think they have no other choice.

Not all professors have the same view of AI/internet, but the bottom line is that plagiarism is academic misconduct and could get the student in trouble. Approach the topic of AI with caution and do not endorse plagiarism in any form.