Observing Nikki

This past Tuesday Nikki and I were lucky enough to both have appointments at opposite times. While observing Nikki I noticed how energetic and friendly she was throughout the session. From the beginning the tutee, a freshman girl, was very quiet and unwilling to truly learn the points Nikki was making. However, Nikki was persistant and I really appreciated the tactics she was taking and being able to witness her tutoring take place. When the tutee walked in, Nikki sat down next to her but positioned her body so that they were face to face. She talked to the tutee as if they had been friends and used strategies that I use during my sessions as well. She makes the tutee read out loud and is very interactive with the paper. When Nikki asks questions, she gives the tutee plenty of time to think and revise on their own. There was one instance when the tutee didn't quite understand what the question was, Nikki casually rephrased the question and then went into further detail about the point she was trying to make. What I really liked about what Nikki did throughout the session was after the tutee had read a couple of sentences, Nikki would ask the tutee about it. This made the lethargic tutee have to participate and actually think about what she was putting into her essay. I thought this was extremely clever and effective for the tutee. Also, after the selected portion is read, Nikki summarizes what they just went over to make sure that the writer is getting across what is intended. Only making the tutee more involved in the session, whether she wanted to be or not. Overall, I thought the session was very successful and though the tutee could have been more willing Nikki handled herself, and the essay, with poise and enthusiasm, like any great tutor would.