Explain

Explanations are statements that a tutor or tutee gives even though they weren’t directly requested.

Sometimes tutors or tutees just need to explain something. They occur because of one’s anticipation of what the other needs to know or because one is trying to clarify an idea. A significant amount of tutoring involves explaining ideas by elaborating, illustrating or summarizing.

Functions of explanations

1) Background

It is a way of giving more context to the discussion and to the relationship. An example of this might be when a student writing a paper on the French Revolution might share a story about their trip to Paris.

2) Summarize

Explanations can summarize what has been said. Such summaries help reinforce information. An example statement would be “So, where we are now is…”

3) Mirror

Explanations can act as a mirror, in which a tutor can help a tutee understand messages the tutee is sending. For example, imagine Susan, a programming student who is talking about how hard her class is and about how much time she spends trying to decipher the assignments.

---

A tutor who wishes to show the frustration might say:

4) Extend

Explanations can build on what has been said, like a cooperative brainstorming session. Together you are working cooperatively to produce insights beyond what you could have done individually. In addition, you are helping the tutee feel empowered because she is an equal partner in extending information.

5) Missing piece

Sometimes an explanation provides a valuable bit of new information that helps the tutee fit disparate parts together into a complete idea. This reflects a ‘here’s something that may help’ approach to tutoring.

6) Comparisons

Metaphors, similes and analogies can help us better understand an idea. Comparisons help us better understand something new.

When I introduce students to the ‘web experience’ I use the analogy of going to a restaurant and ordering French toast.

7) Devil’s Advocate

It can be useful to sometimes present opposing points of view in tutoring. By playing devil’s advocate, a tutor can help tutees sharpen and clarify their ideas.

8) Alternatives

Hearing other ideas, perspectives, approaches or experiences can introduce tutees to other approaches to learning. Presenting alternatives can help tutees broaden their understanding of ideas and experiences

Effective explanations

Explanations are a wonderful tool for tutors because they are not as imposing as intinations. Explanations also have qualities of sharing and of cooperation. They help us see see alternative avenues and points of view.

More effective tutors show more flexibility in using the various functions of explanations and follow explanations with quiet or initiations so as to encourage tutee participation.

help | home | roles | cycles | options| patterns | problems