Tutor Training Guidebook: Philosophy & Code of Ethics
Philosophy
The philosophy of the Peer Tutor Center is to assist students to increase their academic success. We believe that peer tutors can provide unparalleled service to students struggling with their academic studies. Peers can provide a student perspective on learning and strategies for academic success. The development of a supportive tutorial relationship is the main ingredient to helping a student attain their academic goals. A peer tutor facilitates learning as a guide or coach. The peer tutor designs an individualized approach to the tutorial session, explains the steps taken to understand the information and concepts and facilitates tutee insight into the underlying thought process to promote independent learning. The peer tutor builds students' confidence as they integrate effective learning and study strategies.
Ethics
Ethics are standards of conduct based on shared values and principles. Having a code of ethics is essential for a tutor to be effective. A code of ethics prevents potential interpersonal problems and helps a tutor anticipate potential problems and helps prepare tutors to develop appropriate responses to situations before they occur.
Tutors are expected to maintain a high level of integrity and interpersonal character. This character is demonstrated by the following traits. To earn others trust and develop a strong tutorial relationship Peer Tutors demonstrate:
  1. Honesty and openness and empathic attitude;
  2. Active concern, positive regard, genuine acceptance and friendliness;
  3. Respect for and appreciation of differences;
  4. An ability to maintain confidentiality and the boundaries of their role learned in thetutor training seminar.
Peer tutors are employees of the university and represent the Peer Tutor Center. When tutors are asked by tutees to give their opinion about a professor, the tutor should focus on study and learning strategies to be successful in the course. As a role model peer tutors are expected to focus on the positive aspects of the instructor and encourage tutees to meet with their instructor to discuss any concerns.
Peer tutors always encourage "learning how to learn" and consequently never do the students' work for them or promote cheating or plagiarism in any form.
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