When and How to Use a Tutor

When to seek a tutor

• When you need to learn time management and study skills at the beginning of the term
• When you need help understanding the homework
• When you need help understanding concepts and ideas
• When you need help to prepare for a test
• When you are falling behind

What to bring to a tutoring session

• The textbook
• Notes, syllabus, past tests and quizzes
• Homework or difficult problems

What NOT to ask a tutor

• Don't ask a tutor to do the work for you. Learning is a process and working is an integral part of it. If you don't work you won't learn.
• Don't procrastinate. A tutor will not cram with you. A tutor's help isn't enough to learn in one evening what should have taken a month of methodic work. Tutors will complement your work, provide you hints, suggestions etc. but will not replace good, honest, hard work.

Good attitudes towards tutoring

• Try your best to understand the material before coming to tutoring.
• Be an active student in class. Ask questions; participate in class, etc. Many questions can be asked right there and then to the instructor.
• Read your syllabus. Understand what's expected of you in each class, make sure you write down and remember deadlines and other special dates. Get help from a tutor before you run into difficulties.
• Your instructor is your best resource. Try asking your instructor first, as soon as a question occurs to you. Bring those responses to the tutor in case you didn't quite understand them.
• Form and maintain a study group