What should I do before I see the tutor?

  • Attend class lectures and complete the readings and assignments for the course before you come to tutoring.
  • Bring all books, notes, handouts and assignment sheets related to the course to the tutoring session.
  • Come prepared with questions on the material that needs further exploration.
  • Expect the tutor to assist further understanding of material but not to make up for any lack of effort on your part.
  • If you realize that this subject presents a challenge for you, schedule a regular weekly appointment starting the first week of class.

 What can I expect from a tutoring session?

  • Together, tutor and student can develop a better understanding of the knowledge presented in the course and an improved approach to independent learning.
  • A tutor cannot do the course work, provide specific answers to test questions or complete an assignment.
  • A tutor cannot be a substitute for a student's not attending class, not completing assigned readings, or not making an effort to understand the material in the course.

 What can I do to improve my learning strategies?

  • Analyze the syllabus and reading schedules for each course and determine my reading and study rate for each text. 
  • Create a study schedule, post it and follow it.
  • Schedule my semester, my week, and my day.
  • Learn how to skim and scan text.
  • Highlight, take notes, and annotate text when I read.
  • Use a note taking system, such as the Cornell System, to combine my lecture notes and text notes to make connections.
  • Take time to review my notes and summarize them after each lecture.
  • Use mind maps when visualizing information.
  • Know the type of test that will be given in each course and create self tests, both objective and subjective.
  • Know how to choose and participate in a productive study group.
  • Visit the instructor during office hours.
  • Seek out the help of a tutor and attend sessions with questions.