Tutoring options aid in success
A free service with multiple locations, flexible hours, and three different types of tutoring, the learning enhancement center at Mesa Community College is designed to give students the tools they need to succeed in a wide variety of courses.
In the 2005 spring semester, students made more than 17,000 visits to tutors in the learning center, according to faculty director, Sarah Henderson.
“These students got help in courses such as math, science, psychology, reading and communications to name a few and we love to be busy at the learning center and we hope to be busier next semester,” Henderson said.
There are several steps students must complete prior to receiving tutoring services.
Students must be currently enrolled in the course they seek tutoring for, have valid MCC ID card, a fee receipt for the current semester, sign the rules and guidelines book for the library, and fill out an application, according to Henderson.
There are many students on campus struggling in classes who are unaware that help is available.
“Students even spend up to $30 an hour on professional tutors when they could get all the help they need here for free,” Henderson said.
Toneth Keo, a second-year student at Mesa Community College, has been using the tutoring service since her first year at the college. She said her favorite aspect of the service is that it is so readily available.
The center features three different types of tutoring and over 75 tutors, according to Henderson.
“The most popular type of tutoring at the college is the one- on-one session,” Henderson said.
The one-on-one sessions take place in the Paul Elsner library on the first floor and students must schedule an appointment for the session, explained Henderson.
Each student receives one hour of tutoring per subject, per week and students use that time in either a one-hour block or two 30-minute blocks.
Students receive an extra hour of study sessions a week per course as long as they keep their appointments.
For students on a tight schedule, there is drop-in tutoring.
Students stop by a designated study area and sit at tables as tutors revolve around the area answering questions.
“I like the drop-in tutoring because I can go there and do my homework in a nice quiet environment, and if I have any questions there is always someone available right there to help me,” Keo said.
There are three different drop-in locations at the Dobson and Southern campus. The math or CSC center (building five), math and science center (building seven), and the physical science center (building eight).
Appointments are not necessary to receive tutoring from these buildings, according to Henderson.
“The hours of these centers vary from building to building so if a student wants to know the specific hours they should check that particular center the hours are posted on the door,” Henderson said.
Students at MCC have the option of online tutoring, Henderson said.
Online tutoring is available through the MCC Web page and features a chat room for students and tutors to interact with each other.
The web page also features a message board for students to perform problems on, according to Henderson.
“I like the ask-a-tutor option on the web because if I don’t have the time to stop in the office, I can just e-mail my question and read the response when I have the time,” Keo said.
MCC uses three types of tutors: professional tutors, adjunct professors, and students. In order for students to become a tutor, they must carry a 3.5 grade point average, Henderson said.
Students are encouraged to seek tutors early in the semester rather than depending on last-minute help to rescue a grade.
“I recommend that students come into the tutoring sessions as soon as subjects start getting difficult.
I see many times when students wait until they are so far behind and confused it takes weeks to get them caught up,” Henderson said.
Volume 43, Issue 4. Today is
Lijin Joy, a student tutor, (right) explains algebra
to Ultima Vasqueze, (left) in the math tutor center to help improve her understanding
of mathematics. To help students, different types of tutoring are available
including one-on-one, drop-in, and online tutoring.
Photo by Rebecca Straughmatt