Getting the Most from Tutoring

Tutoring is an excellent resource for all students, regardless of how they are progressing in class. A tutor can give you clarity, encouragement and motivation. Tutors are helpful when working through challenging content. Whether you meet with a tutor once per week or multiple times each week, it is important to maximize every minute spent with your tutor, it is essential to be well prepared.

  • Tutoring time is not a replacement for attending class or meeting with your instructor during office hours
  • If you are taking an online course, stay on pace with your instructor’s assignment calendar
  • If you are taking a remote broadcast course, ask questions via chat or schedule a remote appointment with your instructor if you need additional clarification
  • Meet with your instructor to talk about missed assignments or make up tests
  • Try the assignment on your own before seeing a tutor
  • Speak with your instructor if you don’t understand an assignment
  • A tutor cannot complete your homework, take-home test or project for you
  • Make sure that you are able to tell your tutor what material to cover so that the most important concepts/questions are explained
  • Try the assignment on your own before seeing a tutor
  • Speak with your instructor if you don’t understand an assignment
  • A tutor cannot complete your homework, take-home test or project for you
  • Make sure that you are able to tell your tutor what material to cover so that the most important concepts/questions are explained
  • Be prepared for the Tutoring Session
  • Work through your homework, read chapters, articles or other information important to the assignment
  • Review your class notes and examples presented in class. Find other examples that will can be discussed during your tutoring session.
  • Make a list of everything that you are struggling with so that your tutor can go over the important content.
  • Make note of questions you have about ideas, concepts or materials you don’t understand
  • Be honest with yourself and your tutor. Speak up and tell your tutor everything that you do not understand. There is no such thing as a dumb question. Your tutor is there to explain a concept in a way that you are able to understand.
  • Give some thought to your academic strengths and weaknesses. If you know yourself, it will help the tutors to help you. Here are some helpful pages:
  • Don’t wait too long to seek help. Panic, last minute cramming is not productive
  • Expect to participate fully in each tutoring session, tutors cannot do your thinking for you
  • Plan on taking notes during your tutoring session. Consider having one notebook for tutoring notes, so that they are all in one place and easy to review when you need to review.
  • Review your notes often. Studying should not end after your tutoring session. It is very important to continuously review notes from your class and tutoring session to keep your acquired knowledge at the forefront of your mind.
  • Consider the best time for you for your tutoring session
  • Avoid being hungry, rushed or tired after a long day of classes
  • Eat and/or give yourself a little time to wind down after a full day of classes before having a tutoring session. This will help you feel alert and focused for you session.

Remember that the ultimate responsibility rests with you, not the tutor. It is your time, education and future, so make the most of it. Our tutors work hard to know and engage in best practices and guide you toward active learning. Be prepared, be positive, be engaged and be patient during busy times. Tutors are available to help you only during scheduled STEM Learning Center hours.

As the semester approaches, take some time to plan out how you will use some of these tips to maximize your tutoring sessions.

We are here to foster an active learning environment.