Tutoring and Academic Support

How to Gain the Most From Northern Michigan University’s Academic Support

Services

Academic Support Services

o The Academic and Career Advisement Center (ACAC) understands that students have individual learning needs and makes every effort to support and enhance student learning and academic success by offering a wide-variety of support services. These services are provided in a professional, friendly and student-centered atmosphere.

Tutoring Services

o Free peer tutoring is available for all NMU students in all years and at all levels of

understanding.o There is no limit to how many tutoring sessions a

student may receive. o Tutors help students to develop course competencies,

as well as study skills such as time management, test preparation, and note-taking.

o A student being tutored in any subject should consider several important tips in order to maximize each session.

Attend Class Regularly and Consistently

o Tutoring is not a substitute for class attendance.

o Tutoring is beneficial if used as a supplementary educational tool over the course of the school year.

o A tutor is most effective when they can help you gradually learn concepts as they arise.

o You are at a disadvantage if you only seek help the night before a major test or exam.

When You Are In Class

o Pre-read the class materialo Read the text material scheduled for discussion prior to attending class. o Distinguish and highlight the main concepts.

o What are the major themes that the author is attempting to convey?o While reading, write in your notebook any questions that arise.

o Focuso Do not distract yourself by reading other material or attending to

other issues. Turn off your cell phone, avoid internet browsing and refrain from side conversations.

o Be attentive: Listen for key words and concepts. o Teachers often give important clues as to the structure of their quizzes and tests as

they teach.

Classroom Tips Continued

o Actively Participateo Keep thorough class notes over the course of the school year.o Summarize key concepts rather than attempting to copy word for

word.o Thorough notes will not only be beneficial for you, but also for your

tutor, since they will be able to see exactly what the teacher covered each day, as well as get an idea of how the teacher organizes the course material.

o Ask Questionso Don’t be afraid to speak up during class if any questions arise.o If something still doesn’t make sense, talk to the professor after class or

meet with them during their office hours.

o Don't procrastinate o Attempts to "cram" study for tests will likely not be successful. o Instructors recommend that you devote two hours of study each week for

each hour spent in class during the week.

Preparing for a Tutoring Session

o Identify areas where help is needed the mosto Which specific concepts or ideas do you not understand?o Decide in which areas you struggling the most: Understanding the

professors’ lectures, keeping up with the class pace, writing essays, taking tests, homework, understanding the readings, etc.

o Come with specific questions and topicso Give your tutor specific topics to work with. Do not expect the tutor to

re-teach all of the class material.o Tutoring is most productive when you have first tried on your own.

Preparing for a Tutoring Session

o Bring your textbooks, hand outs, syllabi, and any other materials that your professor provideso Your tutor may need to briefly look through these

resources to gain an idea of where the class is going or which concepts need to be covered during the tutoring sessions.

o Bring exams, quizzes, and other graded work so the tutor can help you identify your strengths and weaknesseso This will give the tutor the opportunity to point out

specific areas where you need assistance or questions/assignments which you do not understand.

When You are in a Tutoring Session

o Have all classroom materials

o Take notes on strategies for improvemento Example strategies: Break down assignments, create a specific study

schedule, take more thorough notes, etc.

o Ask questionso One-on-one or small group tutoring is meant to be interactive. Don’t be

afraid to ask for clarification if something does not make sense. 

o Keep in mind that improvement takes timeo Be patient and keep a positive attitude about the subject and your

potential to excel.

o Remember, it is your effort and willingness to work that will contribute the most to your success

After a Tutoring Session

o Take a breako Study breaks help you to retain information as

well as keep you alert and attentive. o Have a snack, exercise, or take a power nap.

o Analyze the ideas and strategies introduced during the tutoring session o What might you do differently to succeed in the

future? o What tips and strategies were most effective?

What were least effective?

o Summarize the material discussedo Summarizing and reviewing integrate and

reinforce the learning of major points.

After a Tutoring Session

o Connect Ideaso When you build a good house, you start with a strong foundation. You will learn best

when you can connect new information to previous concepts, vocabulary, strategies, and activities from earlier learning experiences.

o Analyze which study techniques are effective and which are ineffective

o Decide and maintain a plan for independent studyo How are you managing your time?

o Keep the tutor updated as to your progresso This help the tutor to better prepare for each tutoring session. Each session is maximized

and the student can learn as much as possible during tutoring time.

If Something Still Doesn’t Make Sense

o Sometimes information is hard to understand just because it is presented in a manner that just doesn’t quite appeal to the way you like to learn best

o Don’t give up!o Learning takes time, effort, and perseverance.

o Continue to attend tutoring sessions

o Communicate your concerns with your tutor and/or professor

o Maintain a positive attitudeo Be confident in your ability.

o These actions will aid you in achieving your academic goals in the most effective manner possible

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