Tutoring

Tutoring

The academic demands of medical school may be quite different from what you have had before. If you feel overwhelmed, remember that you don’t have to do it alone. The Learning Resources unit offers tutoring and study skills help in a friendly and relaxed environment.

Some students use our services once a semester, others once a week, and others even more frequently. We will help you formulate and implement successful study plans. Tutoring is free.

The goal of tutoring is to enhance students’ learning by helping them achieve a greater level of understanding that will result in improved course grades and long term retention of content material. The tutor will encourage and direct the student, but each student must accept responsibility for his/her own educational progress. Working with a tutor will enable you to discover the learning and study methods that work best for you

Tips for Tutees

Be prepared for the tutoring session:

1. Set your own goals for the tutorial. Think about the kind of help you really want.
2. Come prepared.
3. Bring your syllabus, instructor’s assignment sheet, textbook assignment, or class notes.
4. Try to complete reading assignments before coming for tutoring. Then you can focus on material that you could not understand or retain.
5. Be attentive, active, and ready to learn.
6. For courses involving problem-solving::
   a) Try to do all problems before the tutoring session.
   b) Identify those that you could not do, or that were incorrect.
7. For written assignments:
   a) Bring any work you’ve done so far. (Even if you don’t have a draft, bring your questions or brainstorming notes.)
   b) Mark sections of your draft that you would like to concentrate on.
   c) Outline what you’ve written so far.
   d) Think about comments that teachers have made on other papers you’ve written.
8. Accept personal responsibility for progress and success.

Here are some things that a tutor will do:

1. Empathize with your needs and concerns.
2. Review specific course material.
3. Ask questions to check your understanding.
4. Have you restate main ideas of reading material.
5. Show how to solve a math problem.
6. Give you time to practice math problems.
7. Review your rough drafts and help you clarify your ideas.
8. Suggest effective study techniques.

Both tutors and tutees are expected to be committed to their scheduled sessions. If a tutor is unable to keep a scheduled appointment, he/she is responsible to notify tutee/s within 24 hours. If a tutee is unable to keep a scheduled appointment, he/she is responsible to notify the tutor within 24 hours. Contact individuals directly by phone or email. Be sure you have this necessary information.

Tutoring Tips

Tutoring Tips

The Tutee’s Role in Tutoring

Come Prepared

- Bring all relevant material to the tutoring session (e.g., textbook, lecture notes, assignments, problems, lab books, paper drafts, past tests, etc.).

- Do the assigned reading and homework before the session.

- Set reasonable goals for both short and long-term work. Write them down. Share with the tutor and revise, if necessary.

- Have specific concepts or questions ready to discuss with the tutor.

Actively Participate

- Ask the tutor to explain not only specific concepts but also how she studies for similar courses.

- Stop the tutor if she is going too fast or telling you too much.

- Don’t be afraid to say “I still don’t get it, let’s do it again.”

- Review the material on your own soon after the session.

- Talk with other students and consider participating in a study group.

- Do not expect the tutor to do your work for you!

Attend all classes and take advantage of your course director’s office hours.

Don’t wait until the last minute to get help for a test or assignment.

If you work with an SI Leader:

- arrive early.

- be patient while a tutor works with other students.

- collaborate with other students while waiting for help.

Supplemental Instruction

Supplemental Instruction

The purpose of Supplemental Instruction (SI) is to reduce attrition rates, improve grades, promote enhanced study skills and increase graduation rates.

Supplemental Instruction is an academic support program utilizing peer-assisted study sessions to assist students with traditionally difficult academic courses. SI sessions are an opportunity for students to work together with other classmates to compare notes, discuss readings, ask questions, develop organizational tools, and prepare for examinations. These tasks are accomplished by the students participating in the following:

· Learn useful strategies to study more efficiently

· Focus on the most important concepts of the course

· Become more confident about the subject

· Increase efficiency in test preparation and test taking

· Receive assistance in setting up homework problems

· Obtain a different perspective on the material from a peer who succeeded in the course

· Learn how to integrate course content and study skills while working together.

· Practice problems assigned with guidance from SI Leaders

The SI program has many key players such as the faculty of the SI supplemented classes, the SI Leaders and the students that participate in the sessions.

Tutoring