Tutor appreciation events slated this week
By Staff : October 14th, 2013
The Learning Enhancement Center/Writing Center will host special events Tuesday through Thursday, Oct. 15-17, in recognition of Tutor Appreciation Week.
Located in the lower level of Carlson Library, the center offers academic assistance for students at all educational levels for all disciplines. Tutors in the Learning Enhancement Center assist with math, science and language, whereas tutors in the Writing Center specialize in projects such as essays, research papers, creative works and resumés.
The first event will take place Tuesday, Oct. 15, with free cider and doughnuts from 9 to 11 a.m.
On Wednesday, Oct. 16, students can write notes of appreciation to their tutors, and free food from Magic Wok will be served Thursday, Oct. 17, from 2 to 4 p.m.
Graduate student Jasmine Townsend, who has tutored peers in the center since 2011 in Japanese and writing, noted that encouraging pupils to take the lead in the process can necessitate a delicate touch.
“It takes a kind of skill to gingerly lead the students toward solutions,” Townsend said. “Simply telling the answer doesn’t help the student learn anything, and it’s no fun that way. When I help with papers, it’s more than saying, ‘You missed a comma here’ or ‘You have a typo there.’ It’s better to explain what commas do and why one should or should not be there.
“Seeing that light bulb snap on, knowing that I’ve used my own knowledge to make something clear and help a student along his or her own academic path is why I tutor.”
“I think it’s important that we acknowledge our tutors,” Director of Academic Support Michele Martinez said, “and it’s a great way to get the word out that we’re here to help our students succeed.”
Students are welcome at the Learning Enhancement Center on a walk-in basis.
Appointments are preferred at the Writing Center, but walk-in assistance is available if there are open appointment times.
The Learning Enhancement Center/Writing Center’s hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Learn more about the Learning Enhancement Center and the Writing Center.