WHY COME to tutoring?

Read what some tutors from the past have to say.

(Their comments are in italics.)

Getting lost in your reading?                                                           

An economics tutor wrote: Many of my clients just begin a chapter and are bogged down by the third page because of this. Then they continue reading, but are just reading words, not absorbing concepts.

He suggests seeing the trailer first, before the movie.
In many subjects, it is important to skim a reading first, to get a sense of where it is heading, to familiarize themselves with the headings, and to understand the big picture before devouring the details.

Highlighting too much?

In my session, I simply re-read some of the pages with her pulling out key information and explained why it is important to not highlight the entire page. --a psychology tutor

And while you’re at it, talk to the text…get YOUR thinking on paper, for future reference.
I write down questions and comments in the margins or on paper while reading.—a sociology tutor

Try looking back at your readings (and notes you’ve made on or about them) after class, while your questions about the material are fresh in your mind. For those ideas you’re still fuzzy on, find the section in your reading(s) and make more notes (in a different color ink) on your class notes. Fill in the gaps by revisiting the books—they have more info.

The more you write about what you read and hear, the more you’ll remember when it’s your turn to produce, on tests and in papers.

Having trouble learning new terms?

Courses are always harder when they’re the first you’ve taken in that department.  Often, the words get in the way--those in class and in the readings. Tutors can give you tips on learning the language of “New Course 101.”

getting stuck putting it together?                                                                

Papers and exams (take-home and in class essays) often call for the student to use connections between many of the concepts and reading assignments that they have been assigned in the past. To do this well, students must have a sharp grasp of the concepts in the first place.—a sociology tutor

Writing Papers

Remember that tutors can help you brainstorm for essays,  or read your first draft.  Working with someone in the field can help if your ideas are not quite clear, for that will surely show up in your writing.

I often ask them to describe what each part of the question is asking--to talk about the concepts in

which they have discussed in class that might connect to the question posed..—a sociology tutor

When I feel the client is having trouble linking and understanding the readings I help them understand and write the main ideas so they can go back and add on to their essay.—a Spanish tutor

Should I work with a tutor or a writing consultant on my paper?

In the early stages of a paper, when you’re sorting out your ideas, either a tutor or a consultant may

help.  With later stages, when you’re tightening structure and polishing style, you’ll probably

benefit from a writing consultation.

Tutors are specialists, working closely with professors in a few specific courses.  Consultants are generalists, posing the questions any educated reader might ask.

   Have a question about content?  See a tutor.     

   Want some feedback on your expression?  See a consultant.