Learning Zone offers a variety of services to students to help meet the demands of college learning. Peer tutors in specific courses help with comprehension of course material and test review. Our Faculty Fellow and writing tutors help students develop into better writers.
Tutoring Policies:
What is peer tutoring? Peer tutoring is a reciprocal process which enhances knowledge through guided reinforcement. Our goal is to work towards helping students become independent learners. Tutoring sessions are in-person or through Zoom.
In keeping with this philosophy, Learning Zone tutors do not give answers or do your homework or other graded assignments for you. We are not able to offer last-minute help for students who have not read their text books, kept current with the course material, or have not put forth a genuine effort of their own. We will work with you to solve difficult problems or to understand difficult concepts assuming you have made an attempt to do so on your own prior to visiting Learning Zone.
I. Students can prepare for their tutoring session by :
- Go to class, listen attentively, take notes and aske questions to clarify misunderstandings. If you missed a class you are responsible for getting notes or reviewing the material before coming in.
- Review notes, practice problems and read your textbooks.
- Attempt problems on your own before seeking help.
- Prepare several specific questions regarding your course material.
- Know what you want help with and what you want to accomplish.
- Make a genuine effort to do the work prior to coming to Learning Zone.
II. Student expectations :
- Please arrive on time for sessions and ready to work
- Bring your electronics, pencil or pen, paper, textbook, notebook, current assignment, and any necessary notes or previous work.
- Notify Learning Zone and your tutor if you cannot attend a scheduled session.
- Students may be asked to work in groups if they are working on similar material.
- Participate actively in the tutoring session by listening attentively and carefully, responding and doing practice sets, reflecting and asking specific questions to enhance your understanding.
- Please treat our tutors with respect and civility.
- Keep in mind that your professors are available to help you during their office hours.
Learning Zone Tutor Expectations:
1.Arrive for sessions on time
2. Notify Learning Zone and the student you are tutoring if you cannot attend a scheduled session.
3. Listen attentively and carefully.
4.Help the student identify difficulties they are having and develop strategies for addressing them.
5. Help the student identify and use the strengths they have to master difficult material.
6. Help the student work toward a genuine ability to solve problems and arrive at correct answers on their own.
7. Give the student time to work independently during the session.
8. Help the student learn successful study strategies
(Adapted for PACE University, NY)
Jay to Jay (Peer Tutors):
Over 200 peer tutors are registered to help with more than 100 courses. Tutors are students who have been recommended by their professors and who attend on-going training. A list of current tutors is available in Learning Zone.
Tutors are trained to help with course content as well as to share study strategies. Students may sign up for tutors in Learning Zone or call Learning Zone at 717-361-1185.
Writing Tutors in the Writing Wing:
Writing Tutors have been recommended by their professors and selected through an interview process. Able to help with any stage of the writing process, consultants attend on-going training. Representing a variety of majors, Writing Tutors can help with organization, development, style, usage, and mechanics.
To learn more about tutoring or to sign up for a tutor, call Learning Zone at 717-361-1185, e-mail Learning Zone or visit us in Center for Student Success, BSC 226.