Tutor to Mentor

Tutoring is generally a well-paid job with a certain degree of flexibility, which explains its popularity among students. This doesn't mean it's an easy one. A tutor is often also a friend or a mediator, since teaching a person also calls for understanding their problems and helping them overcome it. This requires going above and beyond the job description as a teacher.

I've taught a brilliant girl whose parents had a drug issue, requiring me to stick around during intense fighting in order to teach. The teaching part was fairly easy but it required a lot of effort in order to make her feel motivated to study while a shouting match continued in the next room. 

There are many things that influence a person's ability to learn and understanding that is often the key to helping a student attain the results they are paying to see. This, however, is not an easy task, not only because it requires time, patience, and trust but also because not everyone is cut out to fulfil the role of a mentor. It is rewarding, though, particularly if someone wishes to keep tutoring that individual (for that great pay). Here's a rundown on what can be expected:

It takes time

Not only to gain the trust but also to fully understand the dimensions of the issue. It also takes time to gain a place where the tutor can have an opinion they can voice. It also takes time to see any visible impact of any changes a tutor brings. It's unlikely it'll work if either party involved is not willing to give that time lapse a chance. 

Get an idea 

The answers are usually a Google search away. While problems cannot be solved by putting them in a rubric all the time, having an idea of how it can be approached or the efforts furthered is always a great idea. This can also be used to try out alternative teaching methods so even if you can't help with a problem, you can at least excel at your job. 

Be ready to accept failure

Some problems may be beyond the abilities of a tutor and that's okay. Parents can't always be convinced of problems. If they're part of the problem, it might be impossible to negotiate in that space. Things may have gone too far to be fixed with a little mentoring. If the scenario is very complex, the choice remains between just sticking around or finding a new student. 

Don't let it affect you

It's important not to become so invested in the issue that it starts to bring the mentor down. This won't help anyone. If you find yourself struggling, talk to someone about it. In fact, if consulting might help you come up with a solution, go for it. 

Even if there is a need to help out, it does not mean it is an obligation. Not everyone is cut out to be a mentor and it's also perfectly normal to not want to. It's not a personal failure. Make the move at your own will and take the liberty to step out if you see the need.

Nooha Sabanta Maula is an Anthropology major whose anthropologising has made her confused about life. Send her your thoughts to noohamaula@gmail.com