The Bicyclist
Written by: Karrie Brass, DRC Tutor Support Manager & Certified Barton Tutor
Over the years, my view of tutoring has modified to some degree. We all understand the necessity for fidelity to the program. We have decades of proof that the Barton Reading and Spelling Program is extremely effective. With listening and observing so many sessions, I am now discerning the nuances within each tutoring session.
I have been thinking deeply about the difference between a tutor and a mentor. Are we strictly tutors? Mentors? Are we both? It can be confusing because the lines are blurred, and definitions can be interchangeable.
In an article titled Mentor VS Tutor: The Difference in Guidance and Teaching, “the roles of mentors and tutors differ significantly in scope and function. Tutoring is usually arranged for shorter periods of time to achieve specific academic goals. Mentoring is usually more long-term.” Our programming teaches academic skills and can take several years for a student to complete the program. Therefore, we are both tutors and mentors.
I read another blog post titled The Difference Between Being a Tutor and Mentor. “ A tutor helps a child learn specific academic skills. And support them in a particular area. Tutors also provide emotional support. A mentor on the other hand provides guidance and support to help a child reach their full potential. In addition to providing practical help, mentors can also be a source of inspiration and motivation. Mentors can have a profound impact on young people’s lives.”
So much of what we do can be a significant challenge. There are days when the session goes awry and frustrations touch our nerves. Yet, there is great satisfaction and it is very rewarding. However, that can take a long time to begin to reap those rewards. Our personal stamina and patience is tested. And yes, there are days when we want to yell, “I quit!” However, we must dig deep into our willpower, endurance and persistence.
There are so many variables and fluctuations in our tutoring sessions, we need a firm but gentle touch that activates an instinctive level of response, reaction and affirmation. Tutoring and mentoring requires a deep commitment and it is not for the faint hearted.
A trained bicyclist is the analogy that keeps popping into my mind as a way to explain how we need to react every day, with every student. We need to be seamless and flexible balancing between tutor and mentor. Balancing on the width of 1 5/8 inch tire! Venture with me as I expound on this bicyclist analogy.
This is a powerful picture. I spent time contemplating what part of the picture would be the tutor, the curriculum, and the student. I came to the conclusion that the two constant factors are the tutor and the curriculum. The Barton Reading and Spelling Program will be the bicycle because that is the vehicle to get our students where they need to go. The tutor will be the person on the bike, they are in control of the whole session. As you read about the thrill of cycling, visualize yourself on the bike.
The final piece of the picture which has the most variables is the student, the terrain. The terrain will be smooth, rugged, downhill, uphill, rocky, or muddy. Our students will be all of these terrains, at one time or another, during their time at DRC.
As a tutor and mentor we need to gain a lot of experience. Just like bicyclists, we need to practice on a variety of terrains. Regular maintenance is essential for your bike’s longevity and performance: including properly inflated tires and checking the brakes and gears regularly. Don’t forget to clean your bike after every ride, especially if you have been off-road. If you are not confident in your maintenance skills, pay a visit to the local bike shop.
Mental preparation is just as important as physical technique. Cyclists must learn to manage discomfort, endure extreme weather conditions, and stay focused in high-pressure situations. Races can be mentally grueling, with riders constantly making split-second decisions about strategy, tactics and pacing.
Are you balancing the bike effectively? Are you distributing your weight for uphill climbs and controlling your speed as you are descending? It is also necessary to take some time to rest, take a deep breath and admire the view. As the tutor and mentor, look how far you have come!
Confidence is key! Visualize success, stay focused. The accomplishment is exhilarating!