Writing Center Tutoring Program in Mathematics and Sciences (WCTP)
The Writing Center Tutoring Program offers assistance to those needing help in introductory courses in biology, physics, mathematics, and chemistry, on a first-come, first-served basis. This program is meant for those who have used the primary channels of academic assistance and are still having problems grasping course materials and concepts. The following "frequently asked questions" and their answers explain what to expect from the Writing Center Tutoring Program and your tutor.
What steps should I take if I need help in an introductory math or science class?
1. Consult your instructor. We believe that the professor teaching the course is your best "tutor." Don't be afraid to ask for help. The instructor knows where you are having trouble and can best explain what is expected of you in the class.
2. Consult with teaching assistants assigned to the course. These students are selected by the department for their ability in the subject and their familiarity with course materials. Often, they are also familiar with the instructor's teaching methods and thus are well suited to helping students through difficulties in the course.
3. Attend the help sessions (if available). Attend more than one help session before giving up. Get involved, and ask questions. Taking an active role in your own learning process can make a big difference.
Click here to see study strategies suggested by some of our tutors--strategies they have used themselves and recommended to their clients in mathematics, biology, chemistry and physics.
4. If you are still having trouble in the course, obtain a Tutor Request Form from the Writing Center's main office, Roberts 100A. The form is designed to be completed by you and your professor. Once you have returned the completed form to the Writing Center, you will be assigned a tutor as soon as one is available.
Once a tutor is assigned to me, then what?
The next available tutor in your subject will be given your name, e-mail address, phone number, campus mail box number, the name of your course and instructor, and a summary of the comments the instructor writes on your Tutor Request Form. The tutor will then contact you to set up an initial meeting. If you need help with homework, you should do as much of the assignment on your own as possible before meeting with the tutor. Doing this will allow the two of you to spend your time together focusing on the areas in which you really need help.
Where and how often you meet with your tutor will be worked out between the two of you. Because the number of tutors is limited, it's important that you respond right away when a tutor first gets in touch with you. If you wait too long, the tutor may assume you are no longer interested and ask to be assigned to another client.
If you request a tutor and no one contacts you within a reasonable amount of time, please contact the Writing Center. Sometimes there are not enough tutors available to help everyone who asks, but sometimes tutors have tried repeatedly to contact clients who do not use e-mail, are not receiving phone messages in a timely manner, etc. In such cases, if the Writing Center staff knows there has been a delay, we can let the tutor know if there is a better way of reaching you.
Who are the WCTP Tutors?
WCTP tutors are students who have either done well in the specific class(es) for which they are tutoring or otherwise mastered the material. Most often, they have been identified by professors of these courses as good potential tutors. WCTP tutors undergo five hours of initial training and meet weekly with Writing Center staff and fellow student tutors for ongoing training and support. They are trained to help you master material with which you may be having difficulty. Please do not expect them to do (or correct) your homework for you; they are trained specifically to avoid doing this. You can expect your tutor to demonstrate study and problem-solving strategies, explain concepts you may find difficult, and help you to practice solving problems on your own.
WCTP tutors for Fall, 2008 are:
Liza Banhalmi '10, Kelly Boswell '09, Nathan Contrella '09, Cierra Danko '10, Nicole Farese '09, Adam Ferro '09, Michael Fletcher '11, Joe Foley '09, Kirsten Fuchs '10, Colleen Gavigan '11, Deniz Gorgun '11, Cassie Gourash '10, Chrissy Herforth '09, Derrick Houck '10, Nathan Johnson '09, Matthew Kandler '10, Josh Karchin '10, John Kobilis '09, Mike Lengel '11, Nik Limpert '10, Nicole Marchetto '10, Matthew Means '10, Sean Moss '10, Tyler Moyer '11, Sean O'Donnell '11, Norah Patrick '09, Alex Rascoe '10, Sara Redd '11, David Reilly '10, Patti Scarff '10, Brian Schultz '10, Sarah Shulman '10, Cindy Siu '10, Liz Springer '10, Jaci Theis '09, Courtney Turrin '11, Natasha Vedage '10, Lisa Vienckowski '09, Megan Vodzak '09, Kim Weaver '10, William Woods '11, Sohei Yasuda '09.
If you have further questions, please contact the Writing Center, 577-3141.
