Policies: Tutoring Services

Each Learning Commons provides FSCJ students with multi-modal tutoring assistance that is designed to foster student learning and academic success. Tutoring services are available to all currently enrolled students. Services are provided onsite and via an online tutoring platform (Brainfuse) to ensure access to academic support for students taking classes in all modalities. Tutors can assist students with a range of academic tasks, with the exception of tests or other assignments for which instructors have prohibited outside assistance. The Tutoring Service LibGuide details services, resources, and staff availability.

Face-to-Face Tutoring

The Learning Commons provides one-on-one tutoring in core subject areas such as math and writing at all of the Library and Learning Commons facilities. Face-to-face tutoring is also available in subjects such as science, world languages, accounting, and computer science and technology. Subject coverage at each site is aligned with typical instructional offerings at each campus location. Group-based tutoring options called Supplemental Instruction (SI) and Tutor Assisted Group Study Sessions (TAGSS) are also offered for historically difficult courses in disciplines like mathematics and natural sciences.

Online Tutoring

Online tutoring services are available to support the learning needs of students enrolled in all course modalities. Students may access online tutoring services via a link on the Students page in the myFSCJ portal. Students who opt to use online tutoring services may receive tutoring support that is provided by the vendor’s professional tutoring staff, or they may work with FSCJ tutoring staff members who are embedded in the online tutoring platform via a system featured called Tutor Match. Tutor Match in appointment-based system that allows students to schedule one-on-one online tutoring appointment with FSCJ’s tutors. FSCJ’s tutors also offer some group-based SI and TAGSS sessions through the Brainfuse platform.

Staffing

The Learning Commons is primarily staffed by qualified, service-oriented full-time and part-time staff members with degrees and/or specializations in areas such as math, English, science, world languages, computer technology, and accounting. Peer tutors, who are enrolled students at the college, are also hired to provide supplemental tutoring and technology support. Peer tutors must meet a minimum GPA requirement for the discipline area in which they will tutor and pass a subject-based assessment as a part of the hiring process. To facilitate their ability to provide high-quality academic support to students, tutors participate in ongoing professional development that includes discipline-specific training and pedagogy.

The Learning Commons offers a range of resources and services to support the academic needs of learners:

• Computer labs (both Windows and Macintosh platforms) that offer Microsoft Office and other software packages
• Wireless network access for users who prefer to bring their own computing devices.
• Study spaces for individuals and small groups.
• Science labs equipped with anatomical models, microscopes, and other science-related resources (at some locations)
• STEAM labs equipped with 3D printers, software and technology for coding and robotics, and items such as virtual reality goggles and podcasting equipment (at some locations)
• Adaptive technology--such as Sorensen, Merlin, Kurzweil--for students with visual or hearing impairments
• Access to equipment such as whiteboards, calculators, and headsets for multi-media viewing and language practice
• Electronic resource guides in subjects such as math, science, writing, world languages, and computer science and technology
• Handouts and subject-specific materials by discipline
• Workshops and podcasts in a variety of disciplines and study skills

Learning Commons administrators routinely review student utilization of academic support services, which is tracked by time and use databases (EAB Navigate), entrance gate counters, and tutoring logs. This information is used in tandem with course schedules to plan for staffing and provision of resources in a manner that adequately meets demands from students and faculty. Many data points related to tutoring are reported via a public Tutoring Service Statistics Dashboard for continuous review and improvement.