Academic Support Center

Tutoring FAQ

When you first visit an ASC location, talk to an ASC staff member and ask him or her to familiarize you with the procedures to receive help from a tutor. Procedures may vary at different ASC locations. Be sure not to wait until the day before or the day of the test or when an assignment is due to seek assistance.

1. How do I get a tutor to help me?
2. Is there any charge for tutoring at the Academic Support Center?
3. I am taking courses at another college, but I am also a Southwest student. Can I receive tutoring in courses I am taking at another college?
4. What type of help can I expect to get from tutors?
5. Are tutors the same as teachers?
6. What will a tutor not do for me?
7. Will I have to wait for a tutor and can tutors help me as long as I need them?
8. How should I prepare for a tutoring session?
9. Why does the tutor ask me questions?
10. What should I do if I don’t feel the tutor is helping me or the tutoring session is not going well?

 

1. How do I get a tutor to help me?
   
   Call the Academic Support Center and ask if a tutor will be available in the subject you need help with. Tutors for specific subject may only be available at certain times.
   
   
2. Is there any charge for tutoring at the Academic Support Center?
   
   No. All tutoring services are free to currently enrolled students at Southwest Tennessee Community College.
   
3. I am taking courses at another college, but I am also a Southwest student. Can I receive tutoring in courses I am taking at another college?
   
   No. ASC tutors only provide tutoring in Southwest courses. However, if you are taking an RODP course and Southwest is your designated home institution, you may receive tutoring help for the RODP course.
   
   
4. What type of help can I expect to get from tutors?
   
   You can receive general help in how to study for a particular subject, how to take a test or more specific help to solve a particular type of problem.
5. Are tutors the same as teachers?
   
   No. Tutors are here to help you review and work through trouble spots. They can clarify and solidify your understanding of the concepts you have learned in class or material is presented in your textbook, but they are not teachers. Tutoring cannot make up for excessive class absences.
   
   
6. What will a tutor not do for me?
   
   Tutors will not do your homework, class projects or take home tests.
   
   
7. Will I have to wait for a tutor and can tutors help me as long as I need them?

   The number of tutors is limited and you may have to wait if there are many students needing help. Tutors must limit the amount of time they can spend with each student so that everyone can receive assistance.

8. How should I prepare for a tutoring session?
   
   Come to your tutoring sessions with a positive attitude and be prepared to actively participate. Tutors cannot help you if you are not willing to help yourself. Bring all relevant materials such as textbooks, assignments and notes. To get the maximum benefit from your tutoring session, study your textbook and class notes thoroughly and attempt assigned problems before seeking tutoring help. You should also have specific questions in mind to ask the tutor.
   
9. Why does the tutor ask me questions?
   
   By asking you questions, the tutor is able to determine which areas you need help with and make sure you understand what they are telling you.
10. What should I do if I don’t feel the tutor is helping me or the tutoring session is not going well?
    
    

    Communicate with your tutor and let them know they are going too fast or too slow. Ask them to explain the material a different way. Don’t be afraid to say, “I still don’t get it, could you try again?” If you continue to have difficulty, you may request another tutor if one is available.

Last Updated on: 6/13/08