Estrella Mountain Community College's Learning Enhancement Center, NASA Center, Math Lab, and Info Commons are all resources available to students in need of academic support - and the students who utilize these resources are reaping the benefits. In honor of National Tutoring Week, October 6-10, Estrella Mountain would like to remind its students of the great services that can help them be successful in the classroom.
Research, comparing students who used tutoring services to those students who did not utilize any of the learning support services on campus, yielded performance indicators that showed students who use tutoring services on campus are more likely to be successful in gatekeeper courses such as English 101 and 102, Critical and Evaluative Reading, Intermediate Algebra, and College Algebra. Students enrolled in developmental education courses are also more successful as a result of using learning support services. There has been a 24% total increase in the number of students utilizing tutoring services on campus and a 19% increase in the number of tutoring visits for 2007-2008 compared to 2006-2007. Those students make up between 60% and 100% of students who successfully complete their courses.
Most tutors at Estrella Mountain have teaching experience and advanced degrees in English, Math, and Reading. The college also has student workers and volunteers who work with students. The tutors work with discipline specific faculty, provide direct student tutoring at various content levels, provide assistance with understanding/use of computer-based instructional resources, and maintain student records.
Michelle Paleo, learning associate in the Learning Enhancement Center said, "The goal of a tutor is to work themselves out of a job. My goal is to get the students to the point that they no longer need me." Paleo has worked with Jean Bridgman, an EMCC ESL and nursing student, for nearly two years. "She has helped me with everything from Religion to Biology," Bridgman said of Paleo.
The Learning Enhancement Center is open 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Friday. "I've definitely seen an increase in the number of students using the Learning Enhancement Center. Although walk-ins are welcome, it's best for students to make an appointment by submitting an online request or by calling 623-935-8189. Students are most successful when they make an appointment that is ongoing so we have consistent contact throughout the semester," said Paleo.
The college's NASA Center is also available to students who need help in math and science areas. Open from 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Friday, and 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays, the NASA Center accepts walk-in students only. Disability students are able to make one-on-one appointments.
Rosalee Bayles has been working at the college for 15 years and loves her part-time job as a math tutor in the NASA Center. "I enjoy teaching the students and seeing the light bulb come on when they 'get it,' and seeing them progress through their classes. I've had some (students) that I've seen through several semesters," she said. One of those students, Roxanne Spevacek has worked with Rosalee for one year. The speech pathology assistant hopeful plans to continue working with Rosalee until she graduates. "She (Rosalee) has really helped me with my math classes. I would absolutely recommend tutoring to other students," said Spevacek.
The Math Lab is open 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and is run entirely by Math faculty. The Lab is located in Montezuma 285.
In honor of National Tutoring Week, Estrella Mountain would like thank its wonderful tutors and would like to invite all students to participate in the programs available to help them to be successful. From traditional to non-traditional students, returning students and adult learners, all students can benefit from tutoring.