Even within a clear policy framework, the term “personal tutoring” can be interpreted in disparate ways, and this can lead to problems if staff and students bring different expectations to the relationship.

It is also helpful to be aware of your own assumptions and whether these are appropriate to current circumstances and constraints:

• Think about your own experience as a student and the academic/pastoral support you received:
  • What was the most positive aspect?
  • What could have been improved?
  • What qualities did your tutor(s) bring to the role?
• How would you like your students to perceive you as a personal tutor (e.g. friend, mentor, parent, supervisor, counsellor…..)?
  • Is this achievable?
  • What are the obstacles?
  • What problems might be associated with students perceiving you in this way?

There are no definitive answers here. The important thing is to be aware of your own preferred tutoring style, and where this might conflict with other expectations or the demands of a particular situation.

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