Dominique Selby

Students across America get stressed out by that one subject. Whether it be History, English, Chemistry, or Math, there are people to help. At Delaware State University students have access to the Writing studio, Tutorial center, and Quantitative Reasoning Center (QRC), all located on the second floor of the library.

Students working in the QRC.

According to the Delaware State University website, the mission of tutoring sessions is to “provide students with a holistic approach to tutorial sessions rather than a “quick fix – just give me the answer” session.  Tutors work with students to reinforce class concepts utilizing multiple learning strategies and applying study/note-taking skills and test-taking strategies.” When students arrive, they should come prepared with questions, textbooks, notes, handouts, and paper or pencil.

The QRC is in room 212 of the library. Students can make appointments or walk-in. The tutors help with a range of courses from Algebra A to Calculus III. Each tutor has taken the course and is always willing to help. The tutors adjust to your learning style and make sure that the student understands the concept.

Writing Center welcome sign and tutor names

The Writing Center is in room 206 of the library. Students in any subject can receive help with papers. The tutors are well versed in every format from APA to MLA. The tutors don’t edit papers though, they help students learn to edit on their own, make outlines, and develop a better understanding of grammar rules.

The tutorial center is in room 210 of the library. Students can receive help in subjects such as Chemistry, Physics, Microcomputer, and even Music. The center picks up every other subject besides Math and English.

Each tutor isn’t necessarily an Education, Math, or English major. Destiny King, one of the math tutors, is a Biology major that plans on going into dental school. Celine Biney is a Kinesiology major that tutors’ algebra and trigonometry. Mary O’Connor, a student athlete, is a business major and she is also a math tutor. Although the tutors are there for a specific subject, they can still give insight to other classes that are major specific. Tutors are highly qualified; they have successfully taken the courses, been recommended by faculty, and meet the minimum GPA requirement. Tutors attend training and professional development workshops throughout the semesters.

Students working in the Tutorial Center

Anna Cortese is the director of Integrate Academic Support service and she answered some questions. When asked about the other services that are offered, she talked about “Supplemental Instruction, which targets specific courses and assigned SI leaders have study session and make lesson plans to reinforce the concepts learned in class.” Another resource that was mentioned was online tutoring through tutor.com for those that don’t have time for a face to face session and distance learners

According to Mrs. Cortese, the importance of coming to the centers are to help improve grades, a better understanding of the materials, but also as a study partner because students are working with peers that have taken the course. Tutors are familiar with the professor that teaches the subject, and so when they work with tutors, they get an intangible piece because tutors will offer their experience with certain professors, study skills, and encouraging students to come in small groups to help each other.

Elia is a student worker in the Writing Center. She is an English major and she was trying to find a job that related to her major. She said that she was “kind of intimidated of the idea of actually helping people and her peers.” Students can come to the writing center to receive help with personal statements, research papers, and cover letter. Student can look forward to an interactive session, because they won’t just edit your papers. According to Elia “it’s really about setting the students up with the tools they need to do the work on their own.”

Tiara Lee is a student that regularly attends tutoring in the QRC. She said that she comes to the tutoring center for “help and more knowledge because it’s more of a one on one basis than in the classroom and I learn way more in the tutoring center because it’s visual, they take their time, and don’t rush.” When asked why she recommend other people coming to tutoring? She responded with “Tutors give you their full attention and even if there are other people they still work one on one with each person. They are students like us, so they understand our struggle and sometimes they’ve had the teacher before so they can relate give tips on how to study for the classes.” She went on to talk about how her average grades in classes have been B’s and A’s, and being able to ask for help when she needs it.

Varisty.com shift in percentiles after tutoring

According to Varsitytutors.com, studies have shown that tutoring can lift average students to the 98^thpercentile. In 2018 the projected market value of tutoring was $102.8 billion. The three factors that make tutoring successful are subject matter expertise, the amount of time tutoring, and the structure of the tutoring program. A study showed that 82% of tutored college students re-enroll from the fall to spring semester.