Classroom Tutors
For Faculty
The Classroom Tutor Program is designed to be the best possible peer-assisted study sessions that make the most effective use of everyone's time: students, Classroom Tutors (CTs), and professors. CT sessions are directly after the normal class session and are regularly-scheduled, informal, creative, and fun 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 CTs, students who have previously done well in the course and who attend all class lectures, take notes, and act as model students.
Benefits of working with the Classroom Tutoring Program:
- Students in your class will have the extra support of a CT to help navigate the course
- Students--and particularly those who are traditionally underserved and underrepresented--will benefit from equity-centered tutoring practices
- CTs are self-directed and will run the study sessions based off of classroom notes
- Students do not need to pay or buy additional material for th tutoring sessions. Using a CT is a free service offered to all students in the targeted course.
- Professors strengthen their own network and pedagogical approaches through professional learning and trainings within the Classroom Tutoring program.
Faculty FAQ
What extra work is required of me if I were to attach a CT section to my class?
The instructors who have had a CT section report that there is actually less work
than in a regular class because of the reduction in workload due to the assistance
of the CT. As a participant in the program, you are expected to attend professional
learning opportunities focusing on equity-minded teaching/tutoring practices every
semester. You will also be communicating on a regular basis with your CT (that communication
can be face-to-face, via e- mail, or by phone).
Will the CT follow my lesson plan and respect my teaching methods?
Yes! One of the main reasons to have the CT attend all classes is so that the CT
will know exactly what you cover, how you cover it, and when you cover it. This is
one of the major benefits of the CT Program. The tutor instruction your students receive
will be consistent with your class and your voice (unlike tutoring received in the
Mesa Tutoring & Computing Center. CTs are closely supervised and evaluated. Ongoing
training is also provided.
Can I ask the CT to grade my papers?
No. While like a TA (teaching assistant) in terms of additional support for the students
in class in a smaller group setting, CTs are not true TAs. CTs do not grade homework
or exams, however CTs are privy to those results if the instructor so chooses.
Can I direct my CT to cover specific topics in the CT sessions?
Yes! The two-way communication you establish with your CT is so crucial. For example,
one semester, after grading homework on probability, one math instructor found that
her class in general had problems with the multiplication rule. She immediately shared
this with her CT, who was then able to give extra attention to that topic in CT session.
Can I give the students extra credit for attending CT sessions?
No. Firstly, student participation is voluntary. Students should realize the benefits
of attending CT on their own. Second, CT sessions are scheduled to accommodate as
many students as possible (majority rules). However, there will be a group of students
whose schedules will not permit CT attendance. Therefore, because not every student
has the opportunity to attend, no extra credit can be given. Note: experience has
shown that the students who cannot attend CT will soon make contact with those who
can to find out what was covered in CT sessions.
What if I realize several weeks into the semester that I really don’t like CT? Can
I opt out at that time if I feel that CT is not benefiting my students?
CTs have been in existence for over 3 decades and has proven to be a successful program
for achieving positive student outcomes. If concerns about your CT arises during the
semester, please contact the CT Coordinator for additional support.
I'm interested in having a CT. How can I let you know?
We have a quick and easy form!
Click Here to Fill out a Faculty Interest Form for having a CT
To learn more, please contact the CT Coordinators, Mariam Kushkaki or Cynthia Short.