Many of the tutees you will work with have different disabilities or mental illness. It is therefore essential to address their needs the right way and be able to communicate with them effectively, as explained in the 2016 Tampa National Tutoring Association Conference. According to Gregg Henriques, Ph.D., “Roughly 30% (of college students) struggled with schoolwork due to mental illness, while one in four experienced suicidal thoughts, and one in seven engaged in reckless behavior.”
- Let your tutees feel welcomed and respected. It is difficult for them to seek help from you. Build a good rapport from the start.
- Check if your tutees have a file. There’s a good that they have been to a TLC before. This will help you accommodate their needs. If they don’t have a record yet, make a one for them. Use clear and descriptive terms when talking about them during sessions.
- Each tutee has different learning styles. Counselor Bruce Van Stone quotes that, “Mental health disorders come in many sizes and shapes and there is not a one-size-fits-all method of addressing them.” Learn to adjust your teaching methods accordingly. You can either teach by drawing, talking, or writing, whichever way you think will make them understand the lesson.
- Find a conducive learning spot. Teach in a bright room to help tutees with visual problems. If they have hearing problems, move closer to them to better understand what you are saying. Adjust the schedule of your class accordingly to avoid noise.
- Make sure that they are on track. Tutees are easily distracted, and you must lure them back to the lesson. Give them a break from time to time.
- Personal boundaries should be observed. Some tutees are sensitive when it comes to their own space. Never touch without consent.
- Use positive feedbacks when tutoring tutees. They can be sensitive to harsh words. If ever they commit an error, comment politely and explain their mistake.
- Have a meaningful communication with your tutee. Most of them lack the social ability to communicate. Listen to their problems and look for any signs of suicidal tendencies.
- Collaborate with our college partners! There are many beneficial things there for our tutees like time management, stress management, etc.
- Become familiar with resources available in the TLC and on-campus like UbiDuo and ZoomText. Educate yourself on different materials you can use to teach your tutees. “While not all mental health problems directly affect students’ academic or school functioning, many do, and schools can help,” says clinical psychologist Deborah Offner, Ph.D.
Sometimes, as a tutor, you become stressed when you deal with your students and badly need help yourself. If this is how you feel, then you might benefit from reaching out to BetterHelp. Just by clicking the app on your smartphone, you have the opportunity to be matched with a therapist that is ready to focus on your worries, anxieties, and other concerns. There have been varied client reviews about the type of therapy that they provide. Ultimately, your mental health is a priority.