Activity C

Characteristics and tutoring strategies

This activity allows tutors to put into practice their knowledge of right- and left-brain dominance. They will also look at tutoring strategies they can use with their learners.

Use of handout, reflection, discussion

Materials and equipment

Handout 3.6: Right Brain and Left Brain Learning
Flip chart and markers

Preparation

Copy handout.

STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS

  1. Give tutors the handout Right Brain and Left Brain Learning and ask them if the characteristics on the handout match the way they learn.
  2. Brainstorm some tutoring tips that will work for each side of the brain. Refer to the handout for ideas. Write their ideas on the flip chart.
  3. Point out that it’s very important to use the learners’ preferred style if they have a suspected learning disability. This ensures that the learner will have more success in the program (see Unit 0, Learning Disabilities). Since some learners are in the program for such a short while, it’s much better to focus on tutoring to the learners’ strengths.


Becoming aware of other styles and working to strengthen weaker ones can enhance learning by providing a variety of strategies for taking in and processing information.

Lori Herod in Learning Styles and Strategies