Special Issues in an Educational Environment

1. Intercultural Issues
   • Areas that may get in the way of clear communication with your clients
     • The student's first language can be radically different from English,
       (i.e. no articles, different use of prepositions, different syntax).
     • American English discussion tends to be more direct, quick, less attentive, too much to the point, to some quite rude.
     • Our instruction system often presents a variety of political, religious, social or economic systems; some students may want to know which is the correct one. Students in some cultures may expect you to be the "authority" and be very directive in the tutoring session. This may challenge your creativity and strategy.
     • Respect for authority figures may be so high that some students won't risk looking a teacher in the eye, or asking questions. Again, it may seem rude behavior to them.
     • Cultures may use different standards for Interruption, silence, loudness, time response to another's point, and conversational speed. Of course, this may also differ between individuals within that culture.
       (Interrupting is not necessarily rude, and silence does not necessarily mean lack of interest but in the tutoring context this may present some challenges.)
     • It may be hard for some students to admit that anything might be wrong, or that they need help.
     • Concepts of personal space may differ radically.
     • Some give much higher respect to elders.
     • Some tutors may feel obligated to give breaks to people from their own culture.
     • Gender relationships and roles may influence your tutoring session, regardless of culture.
   • Some suggestions to help make communication better
     • Show commitment to the tutoring task.
     • Show acceptance to people of other cultures.
     • Show empathy to people.
     • Be aware that communication is often filtered through culture.
     • Avoid a sense of "us vs. them".
     • Be aware that students may have experienced institutionalized discrimination.
     • Generalize cautiously. Approach the situation with "curious respect".
     • Solicit, accept, and reflect on feedback.
2. Ethics
   • Be professional.
     • Be prepared for each tutoring session
     • Be punctual and responsible
     • Demonstrate a positive attitude
     • Don't do the student's work for them.
     • Don't trash-talk the teacher, client, other tutors or anybody.
     • Don't say that a student's work deserves a certain grade.
     • Keep it confidential, except when discussing with your supervisor.
     • Always check in when working, make appropriate notes about the session, and submit accurate time-sheets on time.
     • Be sensitive to the existence of emotional or psychological problems that may be affecting the performance of the student. However, it is not the tutor's role to handle these problems. Bring them to the attention of the staff.
     • While a friendly relationship is important to establish a good rapport between tutor and client, tutors should not see clients socially outside of tutoring activities while still working with the client.
3. District Policies
   • Unlawful Discrimination
   • Sexual Harassment
   • Equal Opportunity