Level One, Module 8

Module 8

Ethics

Objectives for Module 8

The tutor will read and gain an understanding of the Tutor Code of Ethics.
The tutor will read and gain an understanding of Ball State's Academic Ethics Policy.
The tutor will understand the importance of a professional tutor/client relationship.
The tutor will reflect on his/her own personal Code of Ethics and how it applies to tutoring.

Code of Ethics

The National Association of Tutorial Services provides the following Tutor Code of Ethics. When developing your tutorial philosophy, you should consider this Code.

Subject proficiency and knowledge have top priority in my task as a tutor.

My major motivation is building my student's self-confidence.

My student deserves and will receive my total attention.

The language my student and I share must be mutually understandable at all times.

I must be able to admit my own weaknesses and seek assistance whenever I need it.

Respect for my student's personal dignity means that I must accept that individual without judgment.

My student will constantly be encouraged but never insulted by false hope or empty flattery.

I will strive for a mutual relationship of openness and honesty as I tutor.

I will not impose my personal value system or lifestyle on my student.

I will not use a tutoring situation to proselytize my personal belief system.

Both the student and I will understand that my role is never to do the student's work.

I count on my student to be my tutor, and to teach me ways to do a better job.

I will do my best to be punctual and keep appointments, not only out of courtesy but also as an example for my student to follow.

I will maintain records and progress reports as expected and required.

I will help my student "learn how to learn" by helping him/her improve study skills.
I will remember that I may be a role model for someone; therefore, I should conduct myself in an appropriate manner at all times.

I will keep confidential any information that my student decides to share with me or that I have access to in the helping process.

My ultimate tutoring goal is for my client to be a better learner.

Ball State's Student Academic Ethics Policy

Students of the university must conduct themselves in accordance with the highest standards of academic honesty and integrity. Academic dishonesty by a student will not be tolerated and will be treated in accordance with this policy.

Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, the following.

Violations of procedures that protect the integrity of a quiz, examination, or similar evaluation such as
1. possessing, referring to, or employing open textbooks or notes or other devices not authorized by the faculty member;
2. copying from another person's paper;
3. communicating with, providing assistance to, or receiving assistance from another person in a manner not authorized by the faculty member;
4. possessing, buying, selling obtaining, giving, or using a copy of any unauthorized materials intended to be used as or in the preparation of a quiz or examination or similar evaluation;
5. taking a quiz or examination or similar evaluation in the place of another person;
6. utilizing another person to take a quiz, examination, or similar evaluation in place of oneself;
7. changing material on a graded examination and then requesting a regarding of the examination;
8. cooperating with someone else on a quiz, examination, or similar evaluation without the prior consent of the faculty member.

Plagiarism or violations of procedures prescribed to protect the integrity of an assignment, such as
1. submitting an assignment purporting to be the student's original work that has been wholly or partly created by another person;
2. presented as one's own the work, ideas, representations, or words of another person without customary and proper acknowledgement of sources;
3. submitting as newly executed work, without the faculty member's prior knowledge and consent, one's own work which has previously been presented for another class at Ball State University or elsewhere;
4. knowingly permitting one's work to be submitted by another person as if it were the submitter's original work

Cooperation with another person in academic dishonesty, either directly or indirectly as an intermediary agent or broker.

Knowingly destroying or altering another student's work whether in written form, computer files, artwork, or other format.

Aiding, abetting, or attempting to commit an act or action that would constitute academic dishonesty.

Tutor/Client Relationship

Peer tutoring is a professional relationship in which you act as a teacher and guide for your client. You must therefore understand the boundaries of the relationship. By setting boundaries, you can protect yourself from getting into unwanted or dangerous situations. You do want to make efforts to build rapport, trust, and respect with your client but within the professional boundaries that are expected.

Key Points to Remember

You should be cautious in revealing information about yourself unless it is relevant to the tutoring process, nor should the student reveal personal information to you. If your client wants to chat about social matters, which may occur, try to guide the client back to the instructional focus of the session. Review the dialogue below.

Example 1:

Client: "I cannot wait until this weekend because a bunch of us are going out. What are you going to do this weekend?"

Tutor: "That's sounds fun for you. I am not sure what my plans are. So let's see how this next problem differs from the one you just did."

Example 2:

Client: "I just have so much pressure with my husband, kids, work, and school. Things just keep building up. I'm glad I can come in here and escape things and talk to you."

Tutor: "Sounds like you are busy and have a lot of items on your plate. Hopefully we can use our time together each week to work on your coursework to ease that pressure. Let's look at this concept…"

You are not the client's therapist. If the client asks for advice about personal concerns, refer him/her to the Counseling Center. The trained counselors will provide free, confidential counseling on personal, academic, or career issues.

The clients' records are to remain confidential at all times. It is not appropriate to discuss this information with anyone other than your supervisors.

It is inappropriate for a tutor to date one of his/her clients. If a personal relationship occurs, the client needs to be assigned a new tutor.

At no time should you as the tutor feel uncomfortable or threatened by a client. If these feelings occur, immediately notify a Graduate Assistant or the Coordinator of your area so arrangements can be made for a new tutor for the client or for other services.

Any inappropriate situations or problems should immediately be reported to the Graduate Assistant on duty or to the Coordinator of your area.

Tutor Quiz 8 - L1