Tutoring Resources

If you reflect back on your classroom experiences as a college student, you can probably recall multiple lectures that seemed to go on for hours. How much of that material do you remember today? Odds are not very much. Now think all the way back to elementary school. You probably remember different classroom materials that helped you learn how to read, write, and do math. Do you still remember how to do those things? More than likely since you are reading this! Benjamin Franklin once said, “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” Whether Franklin realized it or not, he described what is referred to as multi-sensory learning . Multi-Sensory learning is just that – learning while using multiple senses. Most learning is just visual (sight) and auditory (hearing). We read what is in our textbooks and we listen to our teachers. For some people, that is enough because that is how they learn best – by seeing and hearing. But for some, visual and auditory learning is not enough. In order to fully understand something, people must experience it. Some learners need the experience more than others because that is how their brain functions. There are enormous benefits to learning that is kinesthetic or tactile (touch). By incorporating multiple senses, students are able to learn the material in more than one way. There is a better chance that the students will not only understand the material, but retain it for the future. This is an example of multi-sensory learning. Here is a wonderful visual explanation of multi-sensory learning, retrieved from Kathy Magrino and created by Edgar Dale:

How does your teen prep for a test or exam? Some teens study for weeks — making flash cards, pouring over test guides, and taking practice exams. Many more teens neglect to study. As the final days approach, they race around looking for resources and caffeine, preparing for late night cram sessions. Whether your teen studies or not, there is a good chance he or she is still nervous. And that’s normal. A little nervous energy is perfectly healthy and can even get you motivated for exams . But a lot of nervous energy could be a sign of a more serious condition — anxiety. According to the American Test Anxieties Association , approximately 16-20% of teens experience a high level of anxiety before exams. Many teens are now diagnosed with test taking anxiety and receive accommodations at school, such as extended test time. Whether or not your teen has been clinically diagnosed with anxiety, there are still ways that you can help. With a little knowledge, some good understanding, and a solid plan, your teen can still succeed on tests and exams — even with anxiety. The links below are from our series on test taking anxiety. We define the types of test taking anxiety and explore relaxation techniques and study tips to ease the tension. We hope they will help you and your teen relax and focus on the tasks at hand.

Class is back in session and report cards will be coming out soon. No doubt by now you have already heard the moans and groans about homework, projects, and upcoming tests. It is common for students of all academic abilities to dread classwork and exams. The question is when is it too much? When is it more than they can handle? If your student is struggling in school, there are several ways you can help out . Here are a few helpful suggestions: