Module 1

Learning Center Overview

Definition of Tutoring and Tutor Responsibilities

Basic Employee Guidelines

Referral Skills

• The tutor will understand the structure and purpose of the Learning Center
• The tutor will understand the basic emergency procedures
• The tutor will understand the definition and responsibilities of a peer tutor
• The tutor will understand the basic employee guidelines
• The tutor will learn when and where to refer students for additional assistance

Welcome

Welcome to a great work experience at the Ball State University College Learning Center!  You have chosen to be a part of a great team: the Learning Center offers instructional support to enhance academic skills and assist students in completing course work efficiently and successfully. With this support, students can achieve their academic and career goals.  Not only will you get some valuable pre-professional experience, you will really make a difference in the lives of your fellow students.

Who Seeks Tutoring?

A wide range of students seek tutoring and supplemental instruction, including motivated students who are already performing well but wish to collaborate with a tutor to learn the material more thoroughly, as well as students who need to develop study skills or may be missing some content knowledge.  There is no negative stigma; research has proven that those who study with a peer tutor achieve higher GPA's.

What Does the Learning Center Offer?

The Learning Center administers a broad range of free services for all Ball State University students in core curriculum courses, writing, mathematics, reading, study skills, and a select number of upper division courses. When working at the Learning Center as a peer tutor, and/or Supplemental Instruction leader, you will act as a facilitator so that the students will "learn how to learn." Through your work in the Learning Center, you will provide learning assistance and serve as a model student. Your responsibility extends to both students and Ball State University.

Students can receive tutoring in more than one area each week. All sessions start on the hour and continue for 45-50 minutes. All desks work on an appointment basis, but Math and Writing also have tutoring for "walk-in" clients, and the Core desk also provides some "Drop-In" tutoring for select courses.

Learning Center Overview

Since its inception in 1985, the Learning Center has developed in many ways. Today any BSU student, freshman through graduate student, may receive academic assistance.

The Learning Center, which is part of University College, is administered by a Dean and supervised by Coordinators.

Four Desks of the Learning Center

The Learning Center is composed of four main areas for academic support, or peer tutoring:

The Core Curriculum Desk provides tutors for courses that are part of the Core Curriculum required by every student. Supplemental Instruction is also mainly administered through this area. This is a program in which the Learning Center hires a student who has been successful in a class, asks him/her to attend the class, take notes, and hold out-of-class study sessions. SI review sessions typically meet 2 times a week and have an additional office hour.

The Math Desk provides tutors for most math, accounting, economics, and physics courses, as well as computer-based projects and preparation for the Gateway Exam. Weekly review sessions are also available for students taking MATHS 108, and SI is also offered in a select number of courses.

The Writing Desk offers assistance for writing assignments in any course. They also help prepare students for the Writing Competency Exam as well as give assistance with speeches. Frequently, upperclassmen request information on resume preparation.

The Study Strategies Desk offers tutoring in strategies which can be generalized across the curriculum, including reading comprehension, reading rate, time management, and note-taking, among other skills. Students can have their study skills analyzed and receive help in preparing for tests, including standardized tests such as the PPST. Test accommodations for students with disabilities are also arranged through this area.

Mission Statement (Adopted 1996)

The Mission of University College's Learning Center is to enhance the academic success of Ball State students by providing free peer tutoring, Supplemental Instruction, and workshops covering a variety of academic issues. In addition, the Learning Center models the University's goal of becoming a premier teaching institution by serving as a scholarly pre-professional experience for undergraduate and graduate student employees. Finally, the Center strives to impact the extended university community through faculty development efforts, learning technologies, and outreach programs at other sites.

Statistics from 2003-2004

During the 2003-2004 academic year, the Learning Center served 3,705 students.  Tutors conducted 14,300 sessions and SI leaders had 8,217 contact hours.  We are a very busy place!

Definition of a Peer Tutor

A peer tutor is a student who possesses experience and knowledge in a subject area and who possesses exceptional study skills, and uses that experience and knowledge to guide others.

A peer tutor uses techniques such as Socratic Questioning, Model-Coach-Scaffold, alternation, and other interactive techniques to discuss concepts and give guided practice to students.

A peer tutor is NOT simply an "answer machine" or a "junior professor" who lectures and answers questions throughout the tutoring session.

A peer tutor teaches other students how to learn, and creates a comfortable and supportive atmosphere for practicing those skills.

Tutor Responsibilities

As a Learning Center tutor, you have several responsibilities.

Please remember to:

• Complete all sections of training in Level One within the time frame as indicated by your coordinator.
• View tutoring as a pre-professional position.
• Demonstrate loyalty to Ball State, the Learning Center, faculty, staff, and peers.
• Be reliable to the clients and the Learning Center staff.
• Prepare before your client arrives when background information is available.
• Observe that your client checked in at the front desk.
• Start the session promptly and tutor for the full session.
• Involve the client in the learning process.
• Complete the expected record keeping for your desk area.
• Maintain client confidentiality.
• Read and understand the contents of your Tutor Training Handbook.

Basic Employee Guidelines

Arriving at Work

Clock in promptly when you come in and before you leave.

When you arrive at work, check with the graduate assistant to see if you have any clients or if there are any projects you can help complete. If there are no projects available, you may work on your scholastic work until your services are needed.

Where to Sit

To continue with our professionalism in the Learning Center, we ask that you not congregate around the area of the desk or behind the desk.  Please sit at a table in the Learning Center. This will help new clients coming for intakes to feel comfortable.

Eating/Drinking

It looks unprofessional to eat and drink in the Learning Center. If it is necessary that you have a meal during your shift, please use the break room. Drinks are also discouraged, but if you do have a beverage, please drink it in an inconspicuous manner.

What to Wear

Since we work with the public, be as conservative as possible in choosing your dress. Please do not wear revealing clothing.  Shirts and shoes are to be worn at all times. Your presentation represents the Learning Center.

Absences

Please be familiar with your desk's attendance policy.

Advance notice for absences is essential to make sure the Learning Center has adequate staff at all times. Discuss changes in your work shift with the graduate assistants or the area coordinator.  Do NOT change your schedule yourself.  If you are ill, contact the Learning Center at 285-1006 as early as possible in the morning to leave a message at the front desk for your desk.  ("Hi, I'm Jenny, I tutor for the Core Desk today from 10-12 and I can't make it because I'm sick.  Please tell the GA as soon as she comes in.")  The GA on duty will then cancel your appointments for you.  Front desk staff is available beginning at 8:00am to take your call.  Please do not come to work if you are ill. 

Two or more no-shows or late arrivals without advance notice may result in reduction of hours and/or termination of employment.

How Do I Interact With Clients?

You are expected to behave in a considerate manner to clients and other staff. You are a reflection of the Learning Center and we hope that you will act in a courteous and appropriate manner at all times. 

Be friendly when meeting clients for the first time.  Make light conversation to put them at ease and establish rapport.  Be interested in them!  Jumping right into a tutoring session can be very intimidating for new clients.  Pay attention to the students you are working with and do not act bored or superior.

Referrals

There will be occasions when you will need to refer a student to another department to receive services.  Listed below are a number of different locations throughout campus for which tutors commonly make referrals.

Academic Advising:               Academic Advising, NQ 324, 285-1161

Career Advice/Counseling:     Career Center, LU 220, 285-5634

Disabled Student Services:     Disabled Student Development, SC 307, 285-5293

Financial Aid Counseling:      Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, LU 245, 285-5600

Multicultural Services:            Multicultural Center, 325 N. McKinley, 285-1344

Center for International Programs, 708 N. Calvert, 285-5422

Non-Traditional Students:      Adult Student Access Program (ASAP), 285-8494

Student Organizations:           Leadership and Services Programs, 285-2621

Personal Counseling:               Counseling and Psychological Services Center, LU 320, 285-1736

Health Services:                      University Health Center, 1500 Neely Ave., 285-8432

Substance Abuse:                    Alcohol Education Program, University Health Center, 285-8437

                                                Fisher Institute for Wellness, PL 225, 285-8157

                                                Counseling and Psychological Services Center, LU 320, 285-1736

You are also encouraged to refer students to the other areas in the Learning Center when you feel that it is appropriate.  For example, you may be tutoring a student for Math 125 or Hist 150 and notice that the student takes very poor notes; a referral to the Study Strategies Desk may be in order.

Emergency Procedures

Detailed Procedures

In case of power outage, fire, tornado, bomb threat, civil disorder, or any other emergency situation, there is an instruction sheet at each desk that contains detailed procedures.  Please ask a GA at your desk where these instructions are located and read through those instructions during your training.

Basic Procedures

Fire Evacuation

Use the stairs to exit the building.

When Smoke or Fire is Detected:

Pull a Fire Alarm: Activate the nearest fire alarm to initiate evacuation of the facility. Note: Fire alarm is located at the entry door to the Learning Center.

Dial 911: From the nearest safe phone, dial 911 to con- firm the location to the Fire Department.

Tornado

Use the stairs to take shelter in the lowest level of NQ.

Stay away from windows and doors.

Tutor Quiz 1 - L1