Academic Success Centre

Academic Success Centre

Make the most of your tutoring session

August 19, 2015

Students are welcome to participate in any number of group tutoring sessions and workshops. Individual tutoring can be accessed at 1 hour per week for students at Red River College while taking courses in as part of an RRC program. Here are a few tips to make the most of your tutoring session.

1)   Seek help early.  Make use of your 1 hour per week.  Tutors become very busy the week before mid-terms and final exams.

2)  Come prepared with questions.  Have questions ready to ask the tutor when you meet. Being able to identify what areas you are having difficulty with will increase the value of your time spent with a tutor.

3)  Come prepared.  Bring your textbook, calculator and any other equipment you would need to complete your work on your own.

4)  Play an active role in your session.  Ask questions when you don’t understand the material. Do your readings before attending your tutor session. The tutoring session should not just be used to complete your homework! Ask the tutor for real life examples to help you understand concepts and how to complete your work. Even ask how a similar question might be asked on an exam.

5)  Get the extrasWE LEARN BY DOING!  Often tutors can offer another approach to understanding a complex idea, and what questions might help you to reach that understanding.  Tutors can often explain how course material fits into your program of study. Understanding what part of the overall picture your course material fits into will help you remember and recall the information for tests and exams.

6) Make your tutoring session effective.  Stay on topic and don’t be distracted by things you cannot change. Courses can be challenging and the material difficult, but it is your responsibility as a student to do the best you can despite any concerns you may have with the textbook, instructor or course delivery.

Remember: Tutoring sessions are upon your request. Notify the tutor early if you need to cancel the session. Sessions missed without notice may count as your 1 hour that week.

Quick Study Tips:

1)  Review your class material at least once a week.

2)  Be an active learner, ask questions during class.

3)  Find a quiet place to study away from distractions.

4)  Complete assigned readings before they are discussed in class.

5)  Organize a study group with 3 or 4 students to share ideas and understanding.  The group is a great resource for test preparation and explanation of complex concepts.

6)  Practice good time management techniques.

7)  Have a study buddy who you can share notes with should one of you be absent and discuss concepts you may be unclear with.

8)  If possible, review the last class’s notes before attending the next lecture.

9)  Use flash cards to memorize terms, definitions and formulas.

10) Attend study skill workshops and/or course content group sessions offered at the College.

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dené, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.

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