Peer Tutoring
ESSC hosted 2 workshops in September in cooperation with the Writing Center and Peer Connections.
Writing Center
- Studying progressively throughout the week helps you learn the material.
- Time working on papers with the writing center is a collaborative effort on your writing rather than proofreading time.
- Two 45-minute online tutoring sessions per week, with a third (additional) session being available upon request for graduate students
Website: www.sjsu.edu/writingcenter
Email: writingcenter@sjsu.edu
Online/Virtual Services:
- Online tutoring sessions using Zoom (including evening hours until 9:00 PM)
- “Ask a Tutor” live chat service
- Workshops via Zoom on various writing topics
- Original online resources for self-study (e.g., videos, handouts, our blog)
Peer Connections
- Available online
- 200 classes covered, 36 tutors
- Request your time to meet with tutors
- Available even when studying abroad
Myths: Only go to tutoring if you are struggling with a subject.
Students who do well in college never go to tutoring.Fact: A lot of people go to tutoring to have the material explained differently since everyone has a different learning style.
Best times to go to tutoring:
- At the beginning of the semester, check-in to get organized in your class-especially if you feel unsure or concerned about the class.
- Before and after a project or exam/test to get feedback on strategies that worked or didn’t work to come up with a plan of action and lessons learned.
- Or on a regular basis so you build good study habits
What if you don’t feel strong in a subject?
- Ask questions, not only with your professor, but also with the tutor.
- Have a study plan and stick to it.
- Practice active learning (self-quizzes, study groups, flashcards) vs. passive learning (re-reading the text, fallacy of familiarity).
- Don’t cram: pace yourself.
- Form Study Groups so you can learn together.
What are the effects of going to tutoring?
- Increased confidence
- Stronger study and learning strategies
- Build a connection with other students and resources on campus
Tutoring more than 5 times a semester can have a positive correlation on GPA and retention.
Email: Peerconnections@sjsu.edu
