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The Tutorial Services division supports students in developing a balance of independent and collaborative learning. To help you become a more effective student, we offer individual and group tutoring sessions as well as study skills workshops and consultation.
During tutoring sessions, approximately an hour long, a student works with a tutor to clarify concepts, organize time, learn ways to study specific material, enhance reading retention and note-taking skills and prepare for exams. To maximize the learning experience, tutors work with students to discover solutions and studying strategies rather than give answers to specific questions. All tutors are recommended by a faculty member in the appropriate department.
To work with a tutor in most subjects, ask for a tutor request form at the front desk. Tutorial Services will try to match you with a tutor within ten days of your request. Together, you and your tutor will agree upon a meeting time and a relatively distraction-free place (i.e., the Jacobson Center, any classroom). Sessions can be scheduled regularly (a more beneficial choice) or infrequently. For courses with higher demands, a program of Master Tutors is available for group and individual sessions. We currently have master tutors in chemistry, Chinese, economics, engineering, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, physics and Spanish; their schedules are posted in subject binders near the reception area.
Students who wish to be Peer Tutors may fill out a tutor registration form at the front desk. A Tutorial Assistant (TA) will then contact the faculty member designated for a recommendation. Once the application is processed, the new Peer Tutor must attend a half-hour training session. Master Tutors offer group and individual tutoring in the following subjects: chemistry, Chinese, economics, engineering, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, physics, and Spanish. They must be able to tutor several courses in their subject area and commit to working four to ten hours per week. To be considered for this position, a student must submit an application packet (available in March); come highly recommended by faculty in her subject area; and undergo an extensive interview. Master Tutors must attend a training session at the beginning of each semester.
Before each session, study the material you want to cover. Try to figure out whether you need help to understand the concepts, to develop study skills or to reinforce other skills (i.e., math skills). Create study guides that represent your thinking process. Write down your questions and bring them to the session. Bring your notebook, textbook, any study guides and other relevant material.
During January term, the Jacobson Center offers a week-long series entitled “The Complete Student,” from which you can choose workshops on grammar, writing well, note-taking, overcoming writing anxiety, editing prose, working with sources and citations and time management. For more information go on-line at the interterm website www.smith.edu/interterm.
Peer-led study skills workshops are offered weekly. Sign up on the workshop schedule that is posted in the hallway outside the Jacobson Center. Students may also make an individual appointment with Gail Thomas, Tutorial Services Coordinator.
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