What is Tutoring? Tutoring is an age-old practice. The
dictionary definition describes a tutor as a person who gives
individual, or in some cases small group, instruction. The
purpose of tutoring is to help students help themselves, or to
assist or guide them to the point at which they become an
independent learner, and thus no longer need a tutor. The role
of the tutor is diverse. Content knowledge is an essential
ingredient for a tutor; however, to be truly effective, a tutor
must combine content knowledge with empathy, honesty and humor.
Empathy requires a tutor to "read" the emotional states,
attitudes and perceptions of their students. Empathy is the
ability to see others from their personal frame of reference,
and to communicate this understanding to the person involved. In
order for tutors to establish a supportive relationship with
their students, tutors must be open and honest. Students are
often reluctant to talk with a stranger about their academic
problems. If a tutor is perceived as genuine and h