Why Should I Be a Tutor?

One of my pet peeves in Adult Education is how many programs still use a classroom model. Students are put in "groups" for the convenience of the tutors, the program, or other reasons. Why this format is pushed onto students is a mystery. Most of the adult students coming into an adult education program DID NOT SUCCEED in traditional classrooms. But too many times, "Here's your book. Your group is on the third chapter. See you Tuesday!"

From the start, the Artesia Literacy Council has focused on the student and the needs of the student. When a roadblock is hit in working with a student, our approach is to ... try another approach! We make use of the various learning style until we find an approach that works! One student had trouble with multiplication until the tutor grouped the numbers in visual sets, then the tutor watched the light bulb turn on over the student's head! We live for those lightbulb moments!

Successful tutors enjoy training to be a better tutor, but always realize the tutoring is student-centered, student driven. A tutor enables students to make use of on-line materials and encourages activities like visiting the library.

I'll bet you'll be a great tutor!