Tutoring
Tutoring is individualized and course-specific, whether the visit is for an appointment or walk-in tutoring. Tutors are trained to work at the student's pace, challenging and supporting them through example exercises to build a strong foundation of skills for future course topics.
How Walk-in Tutoring Works
In walk-ins, one or two tutors are on shift and there to help any student who comes in for help. They balance their time between the students, allowing students to work with a tutor and practice problems independently. One of the benefits of walk-in tutoring is that there is no requirement to have scheduled a prior appointment, no commitment to attend tutoring if plans suddenly change, and no time limit! Students may come and go from the walk-in tutoring as they please, staying for as little or as long as they’d like.
This process accomplishes two things:
- Students are encouraged to work together to practice problems and find solutions while the tutor is helping another student. Sharing knowledge and resources can help boost confidence and fortify
- The goal of tutoring isn’t just that the student understands the topic; it’s also the increased independence of the student. Students need to be able to do the work on their own so that they feel confident and prepared when it comes time to take their test.
Remember, learning is the same, regardless of the topic. Whether it’s driving a car, speaking a foreign language, or math. It involves lots of practice, challenges, and direct and indirect support.
- Ensure that you have a reliable internet connection and Microsoft Teams installed on your computer
- Ten minutes before your appointment, open Microsoft Teams and sign in to your CSU account if prompted
- Five minutes before your appointment, you will receive a message from your tutor
- If you're having any difficulty navigating teams or accessing features, your tutor will be able to assist you
Online tutoring sessions are designed to be student-led, and you must be prepared to solve problems and articulate your thought process actively.
Gather material that you would like to work on during the session. You can screen share with the tutor, so you can just pull up any lecture notes, PowerPoints, textbooks, etc., that will be useful on your computer.
Our peer tutors are undergraduate students who have excelled in the courses they support and have been trained per College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) International Tutor Training guidelines.
- Help you cram right before a test. (Even the best tutor cannot help you absorb a month's work in one session.)
- Do your work for you. You need to do the work yourself to learn.
- Help you with a take-home test, quiz, or graded homework assignment.
If you try to have a tutor help you with a graded assignment, this is considered cheating and will be handled according to University policy.
From day one in your class, you should be preparing for finals. I know it's tough to plan for something five months in advance, but studying this way will help you with finals. In addition, keeping up with your coursework ensures that you will be reviewing concepts during finals week instead of cramming information.
Please read your course syllabus for assignments, exam dates, and other helpful information.
Be active during class (take notes, ask questions, form a study group).
Going to tutoring right before finals is just like cramming for a test. It won't benefit you, especially if the exam is cumulative. With that in mind, make sure you incorporate tutoring into your regular study time to have the most positive effect.
Please remember that during finals week, our tutors are studying and preparing for their finals and will have less availability to hold individual appointments or study sessions.