TuSIC offers department-based as well as interdepartmental programs that include face-to-face and computer-aided assistance. The services are provided in several locations on campus, with the PRISEM center (TuSIC) located in the Computer Science building serving as the administrative center. The various tutoring hubs are as follows:
1. Online tutoring
Students may receive 24 hours a day, 7 days a week online tutorials in various subjects including Math, Writing, Science, and Business subjects, through SMARTHINKING, a computer facilitated tool integrated into ANGEL and Starfish. This tool allows students to connect with a live tutor, submit essays or papers to the Online Writing Lab, or submit questions and receive a reply from a tutor. This is a contract learning support system managed by a vendor.
Technical support and program administration is provided by DIT, located at the back of the 2nd floor of the Thurgood Marshall Library building.
2. Tutoring in Mathematics
The Department of Mathematics, located in the Crawford building, manages the math tutoring program. Tutoring is offered at several levels.
a. Developmental math tutorial
Students are mandated to take MATH 099: Transition to College Mathematics (also called Developmental Math) when they perform poorly on the placement test. Tutorial assistance is provided in the Transitional Math Lab located in the CLT 104.
The facility employs two full-time lab supervisors and 16 tutors including 14 undergraduate students and two graduate students. It operates on a "walk-in" basis (no appointment necessary). The hours of operation are 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Monday through Friday
b. College-level Math tutorial
This supplemental instruction opportunity is provided to students who enroll in college-level mathematics and need assistance to successfully complete their coursework. College-Level Math Labs are located in Robinson Hall. The facility is equipped with........
Its hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Normally, three to six tutors have been assigned to that facility, selected on the basis of proven skills in mathematics ranging from freshman level math to graduate material.
3. Tutoring in English and Modern Languages
The Smith Vidal Literacy and Language Center (SVLLC), named for Dorothy Sizemore Smith and Pedro-Jose Vidal, is a multi-media instructional support facility. It is designed to assist students, primarily those enrolled in English and modern languages courses and those preparing for the University's English Proficiency Examination (EPE), achieve their academic goals. SVLLC writing center specialists address the literacy and language concerns of students in small-group and one-on-one tutorial sessions. The Center also offers a variety of literacy and language workshops to students.
Located in the Department of English and Modern Languages in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center, the SVLLC, consists of four tutorial labs-MLK 204, 251, 253, and 253, a small supplemental lab used to conduct on-on-one tutorial sessions when faculty and SVLLC staff are conducting classes and/or workshops in the main labs.
SVLLC has 63 student workstations, 7 staff/faculty workstations, and 3 sign-in stations. Currently, it is staffed by a coordinator and two writing center specialists, and is open Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Software
Specialized software used at Center include the following: Weaver Instructional Systems, a computer software teaching system for reading, language skills, and math, The Reader's Edge, speed reading software; MyReadingLab, an online teaching tool that helps students improve their reading skills and reading level; MyCompLab, an integrated software system that supports all aspects of the composing process; Allons-Y! Le Francais par Etapes--Self Study Guide CD.
For information: call 301-860-3676, 3695, or 3720, or visit http://www.bowiestate.edu/academics/departments/english/. The SVLLC is also on Facebook.
4. The PRISEM
Located in the Computer Science building, the PRISEM Center is the location for tutoring in disciplines other than Math and English (Reading and Writing). The facility is set up for various formats of tutoring:
a. One-on-one
Students are engaged on individual basis by peers to address specific challenges in their course work
b. Small group
Students with identical needs may request tutorial assistance in small groups
c. Faculty office hours
Faculty may arrange to hold their office hours at the center. A schedule is prepared by the Director of TuSIC. If needed, a faculty may opt to provide supplemental instruction after class to a group of students.
d. Autotutorial
Students may arrange to use the Center's audio visual instruction materials (videos, CDs) for self-tutoring.
e.Study sessions
As space and time permits, students may arrange to meet for a block of time in a large study room for discipline-based group study sessions that may include peer teaching, discussions, and preparation for tests and exams. Students learn how to integrate course content and study skills
f. Tutoring for aptitude tests
The Center publishes the dates for major aptitude tests required for application to graduate programs. Faculty volunteers are sought to provide guidance and assistance with preparation for these tests.
This facility also holds a modest collection of study guides and preparation materials for standardized and aptitude test such as MCAT, LSAT, GRE, MDAT, and GMAT. Students may borrow the CDs and books for private viewing and studying in one of the four private study rooms.
Test review sessions
These sessions are designed to help students prepare for major exams (e.g., mid terms, finals). Tutoring focuses on overview of course materials, test-taking strategies, questions and answers session. This is usually conducted as a group session. Announcements are posted to inform students on dates and times. Pre-registration is required.
Graduate Tutoring
BSU provides tutorial assistance to graduate students who need it, based on a format similar to what has been described for the undergraduate studies.
Supplemental Instruction (SI) is an academic assistance program that utilizes peer-assisted study sessions. SI sessions are regularly-scheduled, informal review sessions in which students compare notes, discuss readings, develop organizational tools, and predict test items. Students learn how to integrate course content and study skills while working together. The sessions are facilitated by SI leaders, students who have previously done well in the course and who attend classes, understand the material and act as a guide through the coursework.
Tutoring contracts
Students are required to sign and receive a time slot for the tutoring service as well as tutor assignment. To do this, students may call the Coordinator or visit the center. Students may drop-in for assistance during the office hours and receive help provided tutors are available.
Students who need multiple sessions or regular assistance are required to complete a tutoring contract describing the help needed and commitment required of the student.
Tutor training
Student (peer) tutors are recommended by faculty in the various disciplines, and are required to submit their resumes to the Coordinator of the Center. These students are high-achieving and should have excelled in the courses for which they are being recommended as tutors.
Once accepted, all student tutors are required to participate in a mandatory Tutor Orientation Workshop. Tutors are taught the philosophy and purpose of tutoring . Tutors are taught to:
- Assist tutees to enhance their academic achievement.
- Assist tutees to become independent learners who work on their own.
- Not do homework for tutees, but guide them to solve problems.
- Be sensitive to the feelings and specific needs of tutees, empathize with them, reassure them and encourage them to persevere.
Keys to success:
- Attend classes
- Study the material
- Attempt to solve the problems yourself first
- Seek help
