Tutoring Chapter 13

Benefits and Drawbacks of Tutoring Benefits: Tailored to a student’s individual strengths and needs Offers instant feedback Can be especially effective for English learners Drawback: Can be costly to school districts, who may rely on uncertified volunteers instead

Conditions for Effective Tutoring Tutoring is based on class instruction and assessment; maybe also Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). Tutors are well trained and receive continual training. Students are tutored at least three times per week. Tutors develop a rapport with tutees. Programs are well implemented.

Responsibilities of a Reading Specialist Provide individualized reading and writing instruction Provide assessment Diagnose reading problems and recommend appropriate interventions Serve as a resource for the school district Provide professional development at the local and state levels Train paraprofessionals Provide leadership in student advocacy

Guidelines for Paraprofessional Tutors Tutors: should be trained by certified reading specialists need ongoing training and feedback must be reliable and punctual should use high-quality instructional materials The child should work with the same tutor in each session. A certified specialist should be present during sessions to answer questions, provide input. (continued)

Guidelines for Paraprofessional Tutors, continued Tutoring sessions need to be structured. The reading specialist needs to assess the tutee on a regular basis. Tutoring session instruction must coordinate with classroom instruction.

Lesson Plans for Tutoring Sessions Should Consist of... Written objectives Consistent sequence/format Appropriate materials Reflection on the lesson

Tutoring Session Format for a 45-Minute Session Easy reading (10 minutes) Rereading of instructional material (5 minutes) Word study (10 minutes) Writing (5 to 10 minutes) Introducing and reading new book at student’s instructional level (10 to 15 minutes)

Lesson Plan for Tutoring

Characteristics of Effective Tutors for English Learners Are culturally sensitive Understand second language acquisition Understand difference between oral and academic proficiency Build English learners’ confidence so they are comfortable in class discussions and activities

Sample Lesson Plan for a First-Grade English Learner

Helping Tutees Tackle Challenging Words

More Reflections on Tutoring Did you ever need special tutoring in a subject you were struggling with? How was the experience? Was it useful? Did it help you learn the subject and understand the material? Were you embarrassed at being singled out for needing extra help? How can help your students enjoy the tutoring experience and be motivated to want to learn more?