Institute/Session Summary:

The goal of this workshop is to share techniques learned from Downing’s On Course workshop and conferences. A focus of his work is encouraging personal responsibility. Whether we’re a faculty member, a tutor, or a tutor trainer, we frequently hear excuses from students. We want to know how to help them move from the position of victim, “I’m failing because I have a bad teacher,” to creator, “Maybe if I got a tutor and spent more time studying, I would do better.” The presenters will introduce the language of responsibility and will provide real-life examples of the power of Downing’s approach.

A case study will also be used to encourage critical thinking and to spur discussion. Attendees will be asked to read a scenario and then, individually, rank characters from most-to-least responsible for the failure of the student described in the text. Participants will then work in groups to form a consensus regarding the person most at fault. This will be followed by whole group discussion of how case studies can influence positive student behavior.

As time allows, Downing’s “Wise-Choice Process” will also be introduced. He emphasizes that tutors and teachers must work to direct students in solving their own problems by using resources available to them. This 6-step process helps students balance the gap between independence and interdependence.

Presenter1 Name: Beth Nikopoulos
Presenter1 Institution: Brookhaven College
Presenter1 Bio: Since 1998, Beth Nikopoulos has been Director of Tutorial Services at Brookhaven College in Dallas, Texas. Brookhaven College Tutorial Services offers one-on-one and drop-in tutoring, and Supplemental Instruction to approximately 2500 students each semester. In addition, Brookhaven offers the College Reading and Learning Association’s (CRLA) Levels I, II, and Master Level certifications. Beth joined the National Tutoring Association (NTA) in 1998, and served as Constitution and By-laws Chair until 2003.

Beth is current president and founding member of the Association for the Tutoring Profession (ATP)and is currently serving as an evaluator for CRLA's certification of tutorial programs. Beth holds a B.A. in English from the University of Texas at Arlington, and a master’s degree in Human Services from National University in San Diego, California.

Presenter2 Name: Nita Drescher
Presenter2 Institution: Brookhaven College
Presenter2 Bio: