Academic Tutoring

12 Reasons to Start Tutoring Early

Getting help with course work is always a good idea – no matter when it happens.  Even when it occurs at the last minute, getting help with a paper, or help understanding important concepts, or help studying for a test, can make a difference.  However, starting early to work regularly with a tutor – especially for a difficult subject – can make a significant difference.  Here are twelve reasons why starting tutoring early can help your college student.

• Real learning takes time.  Starting with a tutor early in the semester gives your student a chance to learn concepts slowly and solidly.
• Early work with a tutor helps your student grasp foundational concepts on which more difficult work may be build.  Getting the basic building blocks early can prevent difficulty later in the semester; it’s a proactive approach.
• Beginning early with a tutor means that there is time to change tutors if that is necessary.  All tutors are not alike.  If the match-up isn’t right, there is time to make changes before crunch time occurs.
• Beginning early means that your student and his tutor will have time to get to know one another. They will have time to establish the rapport that can make a difference in how they work together.  The more that the tutor works with your student, the more he will get to know her strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles.  This means that the tutor will know best what areas need to be addressed and what style of approach will work best.
• Early work will mean that early homework assignments will be done correctly.  This translates to a higher grade average and less jeopardy occurring later in the semester.  It lowers the stakes for one major event such as a midterm or final exam.
• A tutor will hold your student accountable for completing work.  This will help your student with time management skills and will also mean that your student may simply be spending more time with the material than she would otherwise.
• Your student will learn early some of the important study techniques of successful students.  The tutor serves as an important role model as your student learns how to “do college” successfully.
• The professor will see that your student is taking the course seriously and working hard to do his best work.  That message of effort is important.
• Your student will receive constant feedback on his work.  In some college courses, continual feedback may not come from the professor.  There may be only one or two major tests or papers.  Receiving early and continual feedback from a tutor helps your student stay on track.
• Your student may build confidence in his learning abilities as he successfully navigates work that the tutor may assign.  This may help with his motivation to continue to do well.
• When the busy tutoring season of midterm or final exams occurs, a student who has an established relationship and schedule with a tutor may be given priority of time.  Tutors who are extremely busy or in demand are more likely to give priority to regular tutees.
• Your student will establish a relationship and make a new friend – a role model of good academic skills as well as a role model of helping others.

The work of finding a tutor on campus belongs to your college student. Tutoring is only successful if the student truly seeks and understands the importance of the help. Your student can visit a student support or tutoring center or even make informal arrangements with another student.  As a parent, you can help him understand the importance of finding help and finding it early.  You can encourage him to take advantage of all of the opportunities for help that the college offers.  If your student has had difficulty in the past, or has made some mistakes along the way, working with a tutor can be an ideal way to get help with his fresh start.

Helpful Links
​Chemistry Private Tutors
http://www.depts.ttu.edu/chemistry/Departmental/tutors.php 
​varies

Physics 1401,1403,1404, 1408, 2401
Gwen Armstrong 8065432141

Physics 1401, 1403, 1404, 1406, 1408, 4307
Dr. Kim Bouldin 8067881941

All Engineering
FREE Tutoring in Petroleum Engineering
119 from 4-8pm Monday-Thursday

All Math Classes
FREE Tutoring in Math 106 from 9am-5pm Monday-Friday

Private Math Tutors 
http://www.math.ttu.edu/Undergraduate/Resources/TSC/privatetutors.shtml

The Writing Center
FREE  
editing and writing help by appointment. 9am-5pm Monday-Friday
8067422476

The Learning Center
FREE Tutoring in most classes from 8am-8pm Monday-Thursday and 8am-5pm Friday in Holden Hall 808067423664

TECHniques Center
Students with learning disabilities
Tutoring available in the TECHniques Center West Hall 242 8am-5pm Monday-Friday 8067421822

Residence Hall Tutoring
FREE Tutoring every night in the residence halls with varying subjects