On Friday, May 3, I had the distinct pleasure of attending the training for the Berkeley College Tutors. The tutors and the directors of the ASCs from all campuses were there. This is the first time I met most of them. I found them all to be an amazing group of people. They were all professional, conscientious and truly dedicated to helping students. I was quite impressed.
We started off playing the “Name Game” with Roger… I think that was his name, (actually it was Roger Perry-Stovall) which was fun and informative. After that Andie DiMarco and I gave a presentation on the psychology of online tutoring and then the tutors went into smaller groups.
After meeting these extraordinary people, I was asking the question that all students should ask…When do I need a tutor?
Getting help with course work is always a good idea – no matter when it happens. Even when it occurs at the last minute, getting help with a paper, or help understanding important concepts, or help studying for a test, can make a difference. However, starting early to work regularly with a tutor – especially for a difficult subject – can make a significant difference. Here are twelve reasons why starting tutoring early can help you.
- Real learning takes time. Starting with a tutor early in the semester gives you a chance to learn concepts slowly and solidly.
- Early work with a tutor helps you grasp foundational concepts on which more difficult work may be build. Getting the basic building blocks early can prevent difficulty later in the semester; it’s a proactive approach.
- Beginning early with a tutor means that there is time to change tutors if that is necessary. All tutors are not alike. If the match-up isn’t right, there is time to make changes before crunch time occurs.
- Beginning early means that you and your tutor will have time to get to know one another. You will have time to establish the rapport that can make a difference in how you work together. The more that the tutor works with you, the more he/she will get to know your strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles. This means that the tutor will know best what areas need to be addressed and what style of approach will work best.
- Early work will mean that early homework assignments will be done correctly. This translates to a higher grade average and less jeopardy occurring later in the semester. It lowers the stakes for one major event such as a midterm or final exam.
- A tutor will hold you accountable for completing work. This will help you with time management skills and will also mean that you may simply be spending more time with the material than you would otherwise.
You will learn early some of the important study techniques of successful students. The tutor serves as an important role model as you learn how to “do college” successfully.Adapted from college parents.
- The professor will see that you are taking the course seriously and working hard to do your best work. That message of effort is important.
- You will receive constant feedback on your work. Receiving early and continual feedback from a tutor helps you stay on track.
- You may build confidence in your learning abilities as you successfully navigate work that the tutor may assign. This may help with motivation to continue to do well.
- When the busy tutoring season of midterm or final exams occurs, a student who has an established relationship and schedule with a tutor may be given priority of time. Tutors who are extremely busy or in demand are more likely to give priority to regular tutees.
- You will establish a relationship and make a new friend – a role model of good academic skills as well as a role model of helping others.
If you would like a tutor, please contact your ASC.
If you wish to speak to her, email [email protected]