Are there any guidelines for class sessions?

Yes, there are guidelines to help tutors in their class preparation, designed by NASILP. The NASILP guidelines are as follows:

1. Remember that, in CLP courses, the students teach themselves by audio work and self-study. Your role is to provide practice, correction, and language use based on what the student has already learned. Always conduct the drill session on the assumption that the students are thoroughly prepared. DEMAND SUCH PREPARATION.

2. Do not attempt grammatical, linguistic, or word-use explanations. That is not your responsibility. The drill session is for language USE, not for language explanation.

3. Use your native language whenever possible. Avoid even short English phrases such as "OK," "that's fine," "now let's...," "any problems?", etc.

4. A list of useful classroom expressions can be given to students at the start of the semester, and students should use those expressions to communicate with you. Make certain that you and your students use these classroom expressions even when giving instructions and asking for clarification. Avoid use of English.

5. If students ask questions in English, do not reply in English. Ask them to speak only in the target language (and say this in your native language).

6. Do not introduce any new vocabulary or grammatical structures. Use only the material in the text, since students will be tested on only that material.

7. Do not change any material in the text, even if you do not agree with the material. Changes tend to confuse students. Remember, students will be tested only on the material in the text and in the accompanying audio materials.

8. Be prepared for each drill session.
a. Be familiar with any material (in the book or on the audio materials) which is to be memorized (usually dialogues).
b. Be familiar with exactly which patterns and words (in the book or on the audio materials) the students are studying.
c. Be prepared to give the students intensive practice on the patterns and vocabulary.
d. Before each drill session, study the material closely and gather appropriate visual aids if possible (objects, pictures from magazines, maps, drawings, etc.).

9. If any of your students are excessively absent (more than once a week, or more than two consecutive times), please call special attention to this on the weekly form. NEVER review during drills to try to catch up a student who has been absent. It is his or her responsibility to remain up with the class.

10. Please be precise in filling out the Tutor's Weekly Evaluation form. While the points on this form will not be a part of the student's final grade, they will:
a. make it possible for you to motivate the students on a day-to-day basis.
b. allow the Coordinator to assist you, the Tutor.
c. provide the Coordinator with a weekly indication that students may need help, and
d. provide the student with some kind of feedback concerning his or her daily performance in drill sessions. Students can find out their points if they wish. Please have them check with the Coordinator's office. Be sure to call the Coordinator's attention to continuing low weekly points by noting this on the form under "Remarks or Comments".

11. If you have any questions, comments, or problems, please contact your Coordinator right away. Call her attention to the problem you have right away - don't wait until the end of the semester.