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Thinking About Tutoring/Demonstrating?

 

What is a Tutor? What is a Demonstrator?

There are several hundred tutors and demonstrators at the ANU who contribute to teaching and learning. In general a tutor is primarily a teacher and facilitator of small groups in discussion-based tutorials. A demonstrator generally runs problem-based tutorials or laboratory classes (Including computer labs). Both will take part in assessing student learning and sometimes also administration for the courses they teach.

Quite often a tutor/demonstrator can also act as a guide, mentor, role model, and motivator. Tutors/demonstrators are at the front-line of teaching, and have valuable insight into student learning needs and problems.They can sometimes be a valuable feedback link between students and course coordinators.

 

Why become a tutor/demonstrator?

  • Many tutors/demonstrators feel that tutoring is extremely rewarding both professionally and personally.
  • Tutoring is often the first major step towards a career in academia.
  • To gain valuable experience in teaching.
  • To have opportunities to refine your communication skills.
  • To feel more involved in the university community (both academic staff & students).
  • To learn more about your discipline or gain a broader understanding of it through teaching as well as learning from your students (this can benefit your research!).
  • To give something back to the university community.
  • To earn money while developing valuable skills.

 

What are the roles of tutors/demonstrators?

Tutors and demonstators:

  • Facilitate discussions or exercises/tasks.
  • Assist students in understand the course material.
  • Clarify course-related student issues.
  • Provide course information.
  • Assess student learning (e.g. marking).
  • Provide feedback to students on their learning progress & understanding.
  • Manage class time & students.

Tutors and demonstrators sometimes have certain administrative responsibilities (apart from marking), such as:

  • Moderating marks.
  • Teaching assistant duties (website management, online discussion moderation, allocating students to tutorials etc.).
  • Fixed office hours for student consultation.
  • Attendance at staff meetings.

 

What are the responsibilities of tutors/demonstrators?

Being a tutor/demonstrator also carries some responsibility. The following are important considerations for enhancing the learning experiences of students:

  • Professional conduct (Code of Conduct).
  • Commitment to learning & teaching.
  • Enthusiasm for the subject matter.
  • Demonstration of consideration & respect for students.
  • Adequate preparation & planning.
  • Understanding the learning objectives.
  • Understanding the material to be presented.
  • Being inclusive of all students.
  • Being aware of student diversity & needs (e.g. learning styles, cultural differences, disabilities).
  • Provision of helpful and timely feedback.
  • Fairness & consistency in marking.
  • Provision of timely information and advice.