What can you expect from a tutor?

What tutors will do:

• Model good study habits and coach students on how to find the answers.
• Ask the student questions like "what did your instructor say? Let's look back at your notes. What does the textbook say? Can you find the place in the book where this is discussed?"
• Help the student identify gaps in the student's learning and how to fill it. Sometimes this requires asking the students to back up a few steps in the process.
• Provide a safe environment for the student to practice new skills.
• Find something positive in the student's work.Encourage the student to keep trying.
• Encourage students to visit instructors during office hours.
• Ask the student to "teach" newly learned information back to the tutor, cementing the learning for the student.

What tutors won't do:

• Provide a quick and simple answer. We try to lead the student to self- discovery.
• Complete the student's homework, take-home tests, or papers.
• Writing tutors won't "edit" a student's paper, but will demonstrate/suggest ways to improve it.
• Math tutors won't work the problems FOR the student, but will identify weak links in the process, and watch the student complete the problem with support and guidance.
• Computer (CIT) tutors won't fill in the blank in a student's code.
• CS120 tutors won't complete a student's lab assignment.