The Benefits of Tutoring at Eastern Connecticut State University

Riley Backofen | Contributing Writer

Gracyn Goodale | Contributing Writer

Student being tutored. / Photo by 'KostiantynVoitenko', licensed by Envato.com.

Transitioning from high school to college can be extremely overwhelming for many students. Dealing with the workload and new expectations can be difficult to achieve right away. Did you know that tutoring does not just help you fix your grades or understand more of the concepts you are learning, but it also improves your motivation, confidence, and study habits? Here at Eastern Connecticut State University, subject tutoring focuses on the campus's intellectual environment by providing ethical, collaborative, and effective learning support.

Being first year students, we are concerned about how first year students might feel about the idea and concept of tutoring. We got the chance to talk to John Piro, also known as ‘J.T’, in the academic success center. He is a graduate intern with a goal to become a therapist. Also, he is the tutoring coordinator and peer tutor supervisor.  J.T stated the goal for subject tutoring is, “To provide foundational skills to students for current and future academic success.” Additionally, the tutors want to help develop self-directed learners. They want to help you find positive ways to set your goals, have effective time management, and take initiative to help make you feel comfortable doing it all by yourself.

  You may wonder, ‘How do I make an appointment with a tutor?’ One way is to go onto your E-WEB account and find the “Student: Quick Links” card. Then, find the link that says, “Academic Success Center.” It will bring you to the Academic Success Center page and then you will see, on the right-hand side, a scroll with more links and one will say, “Tutoring Center.”  On the tutoring center page, it will list multiple card options.  If you are looking to make an appointment, you will then click on the card that says, “Schedule an appointment with a tutor” and select that you are a student user. Next, you will see an option for “Tutoring appointment" on the left side of your screen. Finally, click the blue box that says, “New tutoring request.” This enables you to schedule an appointment for a specific subject.  Once the appointment is complete, you will then come to the Academic Success Center.  The center is located on the first floor of the library, and you are able to check in at the front desk for your tutoring appointment.

  Students who want to seek tutoring may have the initial feeling of embarrassment or lack the motivation to get the help they need for their classes. J.T mentioned that motivation can only take you so far. We agree. Motivation helps build your confidence and puts a positive attitude towards your learning. Although you may be nervous, take that motivation and use it to obtain the help and support you deserve! Additionally, do not forget to advocate for yourself. This means speaking up for yourself, asking questions, and taking ownership of your learning. Coming up from the pandemic was hard, as it was for others as well. The COVID pandemic changed a lot of things, most importantly school. Children did not have the normalcy of going to school anymore or having social interactions with others. With the lack of children’s social development, at this point in time, everyone is trying to catch up. People have noticed that because of the lack of social skills, it’s harder for people to take that first step to getting help on their tasks.

  Here, Eastern's tutoring center is so welcoming to everyone. It may be challenging, or the idea of being tutored may be nerve-wracking but remember to take that first step by walking into the academic success center or making that appointment with a tutor online. Yes, it will be scary, but growing up is a challenging task.  People may be uncomfortable; however, if you take one step at a time, you’ll be just fine.  This will benefit your success as a college student here at Eastern Connecticut State University.