UMaine Program Helps Students Succeed (draft)

Halfway through the semester at UMaine, students may find themselves not doing as well in their classes as they may have hoped. Whether students don't understand the material, or simply aren't spending enough time studying, one program is hoping to help students reach their academic goals. The Tutor Program specializes in helping students change, or develop, their study habits and learn how to manage their time effectively so they can have a successful semester.

The Tutor Program is student-run, consisting of over 60 student employees who tutor over 70 different courses at the 100 to 200 level, with over 800 students take advantage of peer-tutoring every year. Tutor Program Director Mary Beth Willette talks about how she feels students benefit from the Tutor Program's approach towards learning. (insert sound-byte #1) Whitney Jandreau is a 4th year Psychology major and has been a peer tutor for the past two years. She has tutored organic and other chemistry, General Psychology, and Biology classes at UMaine and stresses how peer tutoring is not just about memorizing answers. "Our hope is that students can become more independent learners, capable of using their learned study skills in all of their subsequent classes," she says. Willette also adds that tutoring is not something you just drop into once in a while; it's a real time commitment. (insert sound byte #2)

Students may cringe at the thought of their academic success hinging on another students tutoring, but tutors in the program are certified through the College Reading and Learning Association, attend mandatory training before they are assigned tutorees and must have a GPA above a 2.5. Director Mary Beth Willette assures that not just anyone can walk off the street and tutor. (insert sound byte #3) Former peer tutor, Krystal MacCormack, has degrees in Medical Biology, pre Physician's Assistant, and General Biology. She tutored General Chemistry, General Biology and Nursing Chemistry at UMaine. She feels that the tutor program is not only a great resource for people who are just coming out of high school or non-traditional students, but for tutors themselves. "Just being a tutor and learning different ways to study from the training was helpful for me," MacCormack says. "I think it's definitely something that the more you put into it the more you will gain from it, and if you're just looking for a way to get an easy A it's not going to happen." Jandreau adds, "Most tutors also recognize that tutoring builds understanding in fundamental subject material and keeps material fresh, which is extremely helpful for tutors who are in very comprehensive degree programs or who are planning to take a placement exam for post-graduate work such as GMAT, PCAT, MCAT and GRE [exams]."

If you feel like your academic semester could be enhanced by obtaining a peer tutor, the last day to apply for a tutor is October 29. Anyone wishing to set up an appointment can call the program office in 104 Dunn Hall at (207)581-2351. Students must be enrolled at least part-time, 6 credit hours, at the University of Maine, and be willing to dedicate time to their tutoring group once a week. More information about obtaining a tutor or becoming a peer tutor can be found at the Tutor Program website. For those who can't make the time commitment, the program posts e-mails to the announcements folder on UMaine's FirstClass e-mail system, with tips and tricks for students to enhance their learning.