Tutoring During Emotionally Charged Sessions

While it is not often that tutors/writing consultants have to work in "emotionally charged" situations, those of us who tutor must be prepared to react to such cases, with sensitivity and understanding. Corinne Agostinelli, Helena Poch, and Elizabeth Santoro do a great job of explaining how tutors should respond to students during emotionally charged sessions. In the article, "Tutoring in Emotionally Charged Sessions", the authors advise tutors that even when emotional situations arise, the their goal is still to focus the session on what the writer wants to achieve.

It is quite understandable that the first instinct would be to sympathize or comfort the student, it is in our nature, but this might lead to further problems and the student might become emotionally overwhelmed. Tutors are advised to: acknowledge the student's difficulty, keep pushing the focus the writer wants to achieve, and if unsuccessful, suggest the reader take some to sort out his or her emotions (Rafoth 36).

One point that the authors raised that I would like to highlight is how our own emotions might influence the outcome of a session. Often, "further complicating the issue of sensitivity in tutoring are the tutor's own emotions and opinions and the writer's (intentional or unintentional) use of insensitive or offensive language in papers" (Rafoth 37). Clearly differences in culture, religious beliefs, sexual preference, or race can create tensions during tutoring sessions. However as tutors we must "rise above" these issues and try to assist our students in the best possible way. We are the PROFESSIONALS in this case and have to act accordingly.

It is not always easy to work with students who becomes emotional during a session or chooses to write about a topic that is considered offensive. Still, as tutors we must always maintain the focus of the session, and while pointing out that the student's words are offensive, respect that tutee's right to free speech.

November 3, 2010 3:29 PM