Our commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment extends to the valuable contributions of our tutors. When assisting learners, tutors should try to adopt practices that guide them toward the right answers without directly providing solutions.
How can I best support learners in help requests?
Refrain from jumping in when another tutor is helping. Too many tutors helping can actually be detrimental to the learner. If you see another tutor is already involved, give them a chance to assist the learner from start to finish. If some time has passed and the other tutor is no longer available, or if the learner is still confused, feel free to offer your assistance.
Don't give away answers. Instead of providing direct answers, offer hints, ask probing questions, and encourage learners to think critically. This approach enhances their problem-solving skills and promotes a deeper understanding of the material.
Be patient. Recognize that asynchronous support comes with its unique challenges. Learners may take time to process information and respond!
Remember to guide learners towards the solution, instead of giving away answers. See here for additional tips on responding to questions.