Well this is last-minute! I meant to do a couple of blog posts this week to make up for the three I missed over the semester, but I have been so busy with projects for other classes that I totally spaced it!
Looking back on this class, it has been a positive experience for me. The discussion-oriented format really did a lot to bolster my confidence. Often times in class I'll find myself taking a back-seat role, only contributing in very safe, marginally declarative statements, but that type of interaction didn't really work with this class. When any of us spoke, we (usually) held the floor, and were expected to voice an opinion and be ready to defend it. I liked that.
Although this was a tutoring class, I think I learned some skills that apply to more than just tutoring. Primarily, the importance of listening to someone and connecting. By listening, I mean honestly, openly hearing what they have to say, and trying to empathize with their dilemma. Part of careful listening is empathy, I think. And by connecting, I mean the importance of personal rapport. In tutoring, and in relationships in general, it's important that we feel connected to one another to some degree. I suppose what I'm speaking to is amicability: the ability to get along with others.
That sounds cheesy. Oh well.
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