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What is a peer tutor?

A peer tutor is a Wheaton student with demonstrated talent in an academic field, recommended by faculty.

Peer tutors work in Kollett Hall, Sunday through Thursday, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. for Subject Tutors, and 4 -10 p.m. for Writing Tutors.  They are valuable resources for all students. Wheaton College peer tutors promote collaborative learning. They will work with you to understand how to reach an answer, they will not provide an answer.

How do I set up an appointment?

Wheaton peer tutors work on a “walk-in” basis. Schedules are posted throughout campus and on-line.  Just show up during the tutor’s scheduled hours.  Arriving with specific questions or problems can make for a more productive session.  Meanwhile, doing homework alongside a tutor is recommended in case questions arise.

Where does tutoring take place?

Tutoring takes place in Kollett Hall, across from Mars Center for Science and Technology and adjacent the Diana Davis Spencer Discovery Center.

Is peer tutoring free?

Peer tutoring is free for all Wheaton students.

What subjects have tutors?

Many.  Needs change each semester based on courses offered. See the list on the main page, or the posted schedule, for a complete list of current available tutors.

How do I become a tutor?

First speak to a professor in the department you wish to tutor. Faculty will determine whether you are qualified. Potential writing tutors a faculty recommendation then a required course to qualify. Tutors are generally hired at before the start of the academic year, based on need and availability.

Does going to a tutor mean I’m a weak student?

No.  It actually means you’re a strong student because you are taking initiative to work on something you might be struggling with. Little known fact: most peer tutors seek advice from other peer tutors. Whether it be for a fresh perspective on a paper or help understanding a subject they don’t tutor, most tutors will at one point or another sit down with their colleagues for help.

Why should I go to a peer tutor instead of my professor?

Going to a professor’s office hours is great, but sometimes it is helpful to work with a peer. Does Emma (the novel) make more sense after you have compared it to the plot of Clueless (1995) with someone who has seen it as many times as you? Or do legal theories and issues of privacy make more sense when put in the real world context of Facebook? College-speak–your peer tutors are fluent in it.

Will my professor(s) know I went to see the tutors?

This policy is currently under review. Professors like to know, and appreciate the initiative that it shows. However, we do not want to be doing anything that might discourage students from attending tutoring. Whatever decision we reach, all tutors are required to respect confidentiality outside of whoever we deem as needing to know.

What do I need to bring to a tutoring session?

Bring what you have. For subject tutors, it is often helpful to bring the assignment, your work, and your textbook;  or a recent test or quiz if you are studying for an exam. For writing tutors, bring what you have–whether that is a full draft or just a good idea you want to brainstorm on.

What do writing tutors do?

Writing tutors are peer tutors who have received a faculty recommendation and qualifying grades in a semester-long training course taught by Professor Susan Dearing. Writing tutors work with you to develop your paper and your writing process. They are not grammar and spell checkers but a resource for organizational issues, strengthening clarity, and idea development. If grammatical issues are a problem they will work with you toward understanding how to catch and fix these problems.

Can I bring papers for any course to the writing tutors?

Yes. Tutors are used to seeing papers which range from English 101 papers to Biology lab reports to drafts of Honors Theses. While writing tutors may not be able to comment on factual content of a paper, they can tell you if it is organized well, flows nicely, or makes sense to a lay person.

If you have additional questions, please contact Tutoring Coordinator Michael Lehman at [email protected].