Super-tutor. The word “super” just gives me a feeling that such tutor will never exist. I don’t think there is any tutor who has super power, able to overcome all the challenges like those superhero in Hollywood movies. But if you count the power of flexibility, ability to be supportive yet patient, multiculturalism, strong writing skills and lots of writing strategies super powers, then Captain Ironic sure is a super tutor, though I would say those 5 powers he possesses are ordinary and any tutor can achieve that, with effort and willingness.
Captain Ironic is supportive yet patience. This is one of the most fundamental traits a tutor should have; otherwise, students would be scared away for sure. Captain Ironic would encourage his client to keep on no matter what, and he would listen to what client has to say, without being judgmental. He is also flexible. He knows that every student is unique, so is every tutorial. He models his tutoring strategies according to the level of education, personality, academic and social background of his client. Moreover, Captain Ironic possess strong writing skills and knows lots of writing strategies. Not only does he use these writing skills to improve student’s paper, but also as a role model for students to apply to their paper in the future. Last but not least, Captain Ironic is a multi-culturist. He has a great command of understanding of other cultures. He can identify barriers student from other countries confront when writing their paper. He understands that when an international student brings in his/her paper, s/he also brings in his/her culture.
Unlike other superpower, the 5 aforementioned powers Captain Ironic possesses are not naturally born; they are collected, developed and utilized. With constant practice, anyone can have those powers.
I like your comment "Super-tutor. The word “super” just gives me a feeling that such tutor will never exist. I don’t think there is any tutor who has super power, able to overcome all the challenges like those superhero in Hollywood movies."
ReplyDeleteYou're right. A tutor shouldn't be expected to do anything of "super hero" quality. This will likely end in a let down every time. I think that a tutor shouldn't be anyone extra special, just another person with a skill.
I also like how your group picked skills that are learned behavior skills rather than natural ability. This is a very important concept to remind tutors that just because they may not possess a particular skill right now, they have the opportunity to learn and grow into it.
I like that you focus so much on the uniqueness of each writing center tutorial. The "powers" you have given Captain Ironic are focused on helping each individual client, whomever and wherever she or he might be. To me, that's what makes a tutor "super."
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