1. Print this page
2. Read the list of Learning Goals
3. Do the Journal writing assignment before reading the chapter
4. Read Tutor Tutor's web pages on "The First Session"
5. Respond to the Study Questions

Learning Goals

1. plan a topic outline for the first tutoring session
2. know how to use open-questions to establish rapport and ease a student's anxiety
3. know how to discuss mutual expectations for tutoring with a student
4. know three ways to assess a student's academic skills
5. know seven ways to assess a student's learning styles and study habits

Journal writing assignment

1. How does a student typically feel about seeking tutoring?
2. Recall a circumstance from your life in which you were meeting someone for the first time. What did the other person do that made you feel comfortable or uncomfortable with the interaction?
3. How does knowing mutual expectations affect the parties in a relationship? What are the likely outcomes for a relationship if expectations are not expressed and agreed upon?
4. How will you approach tutoring someone who come to tutoring intoxicated with alcohol, marijuana or some other drug?

Study Questions

1. What are six ice-breaker questions a tutor can ask in the first session that help to establish rapport with a student
2. How does discussing mutual expectations in the first session help establish a professional relationship between the tutor and the student?
3. What are three ways to assess a student's academic skills?
4. What can a tutor do to determine a student's learning styles and study habits?