Learning Commons revamps tutoring services

From left: Eliyah Stevenson, Brian Colson, and Martin Humphreys pictured in the revamped WCC tutoring center, ready to help students. Torrence Williams | Washtenaw Community College

By Brian Babcock
Staff Writer

Beginning this winter 2020 semester, WCC will be taking several new approaches to tutoring on campus.

Some of the changes include: re-designed tutoring spaces, a more dynamic tutoring schedule with lead tutors working hand-in-hand with the departments, and Study Skills tutors being introduced.

The new Study Skills tutors will help students learn the ins and outs of being efficient with studying said Victoria Bennet, director of the Learning Commons.

“The Study Skills tutors are going to focus on things like developing repeatable models for students for studying,” said Bennet.

Other bases which the Study Skills tutors will be able to cover with students include concepts like how to take basic notes, budgeting time and highlighting in a textbook — concepts that aren’t necessarily taught to students in the classroom, but they’re expected to know, said Bennet.

The tutoring center has also added “lead tutors” to their services, which help bridge the gap between what the professors are teaching and how other tutors can help students understand concepts. Lead tutors are like the managers for the tutors who work directly with students.

“It is a liaison between faculty, so it’s really helping us connect better with the curriculum. The lead tutors will be working with faculty to help develop sample problems and other types of support material,” Bennet said.

The tutoring center, located in GM 201, also received a fresh supply of textbooks, creating a mini library for students to use when getting help. Bennet also mentioned that students can check out any of the ten laptops available to help them find information.

“Our focus is really changing to helping students learn by giving them the tools they need to be academically successful,” said Bennet.

The Tutoring Center provides assistance to students in all areas of study, from chemistry to the culinary arts, from math to welding. Moreover, students can receive tutoring on Sundays if they wish because the Tutoring Center recognizes that a lot of students take the time to do homework and study then.

Students interested in receiving academic support are encouraged to view the tutoring schedule and locations under WCC’s tutoring page. Students will need a student ID card or their student ID number to join.

Learning Commons tutoring center
Gunder Myran building, room 203

Learning Commons Lab
Second floor of the Gunder Myran building

Complete tutoring schedule available under the tutoring page on the WCC website.

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