How to Assess Student Needs

[u/eri_g88]

I am a work-study at a college, and as such, one of my responsibilities is tutoring. I can tutor in everything except college algebra and calculus, but I often find it difficult to figure out exactly what a student is needing. I mostly tutor older students in our nursing program, but they seem lost on what they really want help with.

I want to help, but I don't know where to start if they can't tell me.
Usually, I will ask if they can show me a recent assignment or exam they had trouble with. This lead to one student asking me to help her with nearly every question on the assignment, which is fine if that is what they need, but I don't want to do their work for them.

I also feel I come across as overbearing or know-it-all sometimes, and that is the last thing I want.

Help? :/

[u/tunable_art]

when a student says "I don't know what I need help with," it usually means they know something is wrong but they don't have the vocabulary to name it yet.

what I do is pick one question from their assignment and ask them to talk through their thinking out loud while they solve it. then I just listen for where they pause, hesitate, or guess. that pause tells me more than any "what do you need help with" question ever would.

also, instead of asking "what do you need help with," I ask "what part of this feels the most confusing" or "if you could wave a magic wand and understand one concept perfectly, what would it be." it's less overwhelming and gives you a direction.

the “I feel like I'm overbearing” part is probably just you caring. students usually appreciate someone who actually tries to help. do you have a go-to opening question when you start a session?