Some of the Most Commonly Encountered Problem Situations in Teaching or Tutoring Math and Science

1. Student insisting on “cheating” help
2. Student who wants to force/cajole tutor to do the work…the “Ophelia”
3. Student just wants ‘the answer’
4. Student too far behind to succeed in course
5. Attention-seeking, disruptive student who tries to be obnoxious
6. Students who have no interest in school
7. students who don’t see the relevance of the subject
8. Students who don’t seem to be able to learn/remember/process information
9. “Pack” mentality that seeks to bring down a class, esp. with substitutes
10. Blatant cheating
11. Students who seem embarrassed or ashamed to be tutored
12. Students who show no energy or enthusiasm for subject
13. Students unwilling/unable to learn a method different than their instructor’s
14. Students who claim they have no homework
15. Spend time just talking and socializing
16. Defiant, frustrated, angry
17. Students who try to derail the discussions
18. Unmotivated, discouraged, unengaged students
19. Students who fabricate stories
20. Easily distracted students
21. Students who can't self-direct in study time

20 Issues for Science and Mathematics Tutors

• Cheating and plagiarism.
• Dealing with mixed abilities.
• Apathy versus enthusiasm.
• Questioning and listening skills.
• Giving students feedback (in class and on assessed work).
• Health and safety.
• Exam versus education.
• Dealing with difficult students.
• Grading assessed work.
• Self-evaluation of the tutor’s role.
• Expectations (students’ of the tutor and vice versa; public versus private).
• Different tutoring styles; running a tutorial.
• Knowing the students’ background (building on this; meeting them at their level).
• Boundaries.
• Empathising with the student.
• Conflicting instructions.
• Relationship with the class: authority, respect and trust.
• Handling difficult questions.
• Presenting concepts.
• Time management.