Inclusive one-to-one tutorials
One-to-one tutorials are a way of building up students’ confidence in their academic ability. The tutor becomes more aware of the difficulties particular students may face eg international students who have studied under a different education system; mature students who haven’t studied for a long time; students with disabilities who are worried about how they will manage.
Expectations
- Ensure that the student understands the purpose of one-to-one tutorials.
- Agree some ground rules with the student so that they know what they can expect of you as their tutor and what you expect of them.
Environment
- Ensure the environment is accessible and private.
- Consider the timing of your tutorial. For some students some times may
- not be possible eg a student may need to collect their children from nursery. If it is in the middle of a busy day the student then they may be too anxious to participate fully in the tutorial. Negotiate the time with the student.
Communication
- Consider how you communicate with the student. Give them time to think and respond. Listen to what they are saying. It may be useful to paraphrase back to them.
- Offer the student the opportunity to tape the session.
- You may agree with the student to take notes or they may like to take notes.
- Be clear at the end of the tutorial on any future action that needs to be taken by you and/or the student.
- Be sensitive to cultural differences including different cultural expectations. Some international students may not have had experience of using a tutor for support. They may need help in communicating openly and freely.
- Look out for students failing to cope. Pick up on cues. Is the reason they are failing to cope related to distressing individual circumstances, disability or a medical condition, unrecognised dyslexia, being in an unfamiliar setting? Refer them on to further help.
- Be aware of the issues around disclosure of disabilities.
Resources
- Be aware of the resources within the university available to the student eg Student Disability Service; International Student Advisory Service.
- The student may like support in making the first contact with a support service.
Further information
- Teachability web site promotes accessible curricula making available different publications. www.teachability.strath.ac.uk/
- ‘Accessible curricula: good practice for all’ www.techdis.ac.uk/resources/files/curricula.pdf
- Upgrade Study Advice Service – provides support for any student in study skills, maths or statistics. They provide 1:1 tutorials, drop-in sessions, and take-away advice. www.brookes.ac.uk/services/upgrade email upgrade@brookes.ac.uk
- Student Disability Service – for advice & guidance on support available www.brookes.ac.uk/student/services/disability/ email disabilityservice@brookes.ac.uk tel (48)4640
- School Equal Opportunities & Diversity Coordinator – for a list see www.brookes.ac.uk/services/hr/eod/eodcs.html