Tutors’ Qualification – International Course SoSe 2025

When: 10.04.2025 from 14:00 to 15:00 (Europe/Berlin / CET)

Where: Online

Trainer: Richard Vargas

Target group: International Students/Tutors

Language: This Workshop will be held in English.

Description:

This introductory training session is the initial and key component of the “International Tutors’ Qualification” course. It is designed for both students and doctoral candidates, regardless of their prior tutoring and teaching experience. This session provides participants with essential skills and knowledge needed to effectively lead and manage international tutoring sessions, focusing on both teaching strategies and pedagogical principles.

Learning Objectives:

Some of the objectives intended for the course are:

• Define roles and responsibilities of international tutors within higher education;
• Identify key cultural and institutional differences of tutoring in German and international contexts;
• Construct a clear, meaningful, and goal-oriented syllabus for a tutoring course;
• Plan and organize sessions that ensure clear progression and alignment with the tutoring course objectives;
• Incorporate fundamental tutoring techniques and diverse teaching strategies to accommodate various learning styles;
• Recognize stages of group development and apply strategies to maintain productive groups dynamics.

When: 24.04.2025 from 14:00 to 16:00 (Europe/Berlin / CET)

Where: Online

Trainer: Richard Vargas

Target group: International Students/Tutors

Language: This Workshop will be held in English.

Description:

As a tutor, it is important to be ready for unexpected questions or challenges that may arise during international tutoring sessions. In these cases, collaborating with others and seeking an outside perspective can be valuable. In this practical coaching session, tutors come together to share their concerns, explore common challenges, and collaboratively find solutions. The session will focus on some of the key issues tutors often face, such as managing tutoring sessions effectively, handling disruptions, encouraging participation and engagement, and addressing evaluation and assessment challenges. By working together, tutors will gain insights, strategies, and practical solutions that can enhance their effectiveness and confidence in their roles as international tutors.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Identify and articulate common challenges faces in tutoring sessions.
• Collaborate with peers to exchange ideas and solutions for effectively handling issues and possible difficulties.
• Reflect on personal tutoring practices and incorporate feedback from peers to enhance their tutoring approach.
• Apply problem-solving techniques to improve tutoring sessions.

When: 05.05.2025 from 14:00 to 16:00 (Europe/Berlin / CET) new date: 17.06.2025 from 14:00 to 16:00 (Europe/Berlin)

Where: Online

Trainer: Juliane Sommer

Target group: International Students/Tutors

Language: This Workshop will be held in English.

Description: This practical workshop provides a comprehensive introduction to the basic concept of AI and its potential role in tutoring. We will explore key AI technologies, their impacts, benefits, and limitations, with a focus on ethical and scientific considerations. Through practical demonstrations and discussions, participants will gain the experience and insights they need to integrate AI tools into their own teaching practices.

Learning objectives:

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Understand the basic concept of AI and its potential role in tutoring;
• Identify key AI technologies applicable in tutoring and understand their benefits and limitations;
• Recognise ethical and scientific considerations related to the use of AI in Hihgher Education;
• Experience the application of AI tools hands on;
• Envision how to incorporate AI tools into their own tutoring practice.

When: 29.05.2025 from 14:00 to 16:00 (Europe/Berlin / CET) new date: 05.06.2025 from 14:00 to 16:00 (CEST)

Where: Online

Trainer: Richard Vargas

Target group: International Students/Tutors

Language: This Workshop will be held in English.

Description: This workshop equips tutors with essential conflict management skills for international tutoring settings. Participants will explore cultural differences in conflict perception, learn effective communication strategies, and practice techniques for resolving misunderstandings criticaly and constructively. Through interactive discussions and real-world scenarios, participants will develop confidence in handling conflicts and fostering a positive learning environment.

Learning objectives:

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Recognize common sources of conflict in international tutoring;
• Understand cultural influences on conflict perception and resolution;
• Develop effective communication and active listening techniques;
• Apply practical conflict resolution strategies to maintain a supportive tutoring environment.

When: 12.06.2025 from 14:00 to 16:00 (Europe/Berlin / CET)

Where: Online

Trainer: Richard Vargas

Target group: International Students/Tutors

Language: This Workshop will be held in English.

Description: This session helps tutors develop intercultural competence to create inclusive and effective learning environments. Participants will explore cultural awareness, communication styles, and strategies for navigating cultural differences in tutoring. Through interactive discussions and case studies, tutors will gain skills to foster respect, understanding, and collaboration across cultures.

Learning objectives:

 By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Understand the key components of intercultural competence;
• Recognize how cultural differences impact learning and communication;
• Develop strategies to adapt tutoring approaches for diverse learners;
• Foster an inclusive and respectful tutoring environment.

When: 26.06.2025 from 14:00 to 16:00 (Europe/Berlin / CET)

Where: Online

Trainer: Richard Vargas

Target group: International Students/Tutors

Language: This Workshop will be held in English.

Description: This practical workshop explores strategies for motivating international learners in tutoring sessions. Participants will learn how to build engagement, foster a supportive learning environment, and tailor motivation techniques to diverse cultural backgrounds. Through practical activities and discussions, tutors will gain tools to inspire confidence and persistence in their students.

Learning objectives

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Identify common motivational challenges among international learners;
• Explore culturally responsive strategies to enhance student engagement;
• Develop techniques to foster intrinsic motivation and self-efficacy;
• Apply practical methods to create a positive and encouraging tutoring atmosphere.

When: 10.07.2025 from 14:00 to 16:00 (Europe/Berlin / CET)

Where: Online

Trainer: Richard Vargas

Target group: International Students/Tutors

Language: This Workshop will be held in English.

Description: This workshop provides international tutors with essential time management skills to balance tutoring responsibilities effectively. Participants will explore strategies for organizing sessions, setting priorities, and managing diverse schedules. Through practical exercises and discussions, tutors will learn how to optimize their time while maintaining a productive and stress-free tutoring environment.  

Learning objectives

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Identify common time management challenges in international tutoring;
• Develop strategies for planning and prioritizing tutoring tasks;
• Learn techniques for managing time effectively across different time zones;
• Apply practical methods to enhance productivity and reduce stress.

When: 24.07.2025 from 14:00 to 16:00 (Europe/Berlin / CET)

Where: Online

Trainer: Richard Vargas

Target group: International Students/Tutors

Language: This Workshop will be held in English.

Description:

The final session of the International Tutor Qualification Course provides a valuable opportunity for participants to reflect on their tutoring experiences throughout the semester. This session offers a collaborative space where tutors can openly share insights on the pedagogical and didactic methods they employed, discuss the extent to which they achieved their objectives, and evaluate the effectiveness of the digital tools they used. Tutors are also encouraged to highlight the challenges they faced and how they addressed them.

International students and tutors alike are invited to engage in reflective discussions about their tutoring skills, teaching strategies, and best practices for supporting the learning journeys of their tutees. This session serves as a culminating moment for tutors to consolidate their learning, exchange ideas, and deepen their understanding of effective tutoring in a diverse, global educational context.

Learning objectives

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Critically reflect on their tutoring experiences throughout the semester, identifying strengths and areas for improvement in their pedagogical and didactic approaches;
• Engage in group discussions to share insights, exchange ideas, and learn from one another's experiences
• Demonstrate the ability to analyze challenges faced during their tutoring sessions and evaluate the effectiveness of the solutions they implemented.