It’s fair to say that many of us consider finals week to be the hardest week of the semester. Synonymous terms typically include stress, over-caffeination and lack of sleep. Maryville University’s peer tutors are working to change that by offering free on-campus finals help April 25, 27 and 28.
Sam Gavic, a Maryville University Life Coach, leads the on-campus tutoring program to help facilitate the hiring of tutors and post-hire success.
“Peer tutoring is face-to-face, one-on-one tutoring with another student who has done well in a class,” said Gavic.
According to Gavic, the difference between peer tutoring and traditional tutoring is that peers are able to establish a relationship allowing growth and extra support the entire way through.
Gavic also expressed a desire to dispel common misconceptions surrounding tutoring.
“I think peer tutoring is often thought of when a student is struggling. We want people to get tutored all the way through [the class]. Having someone to be there along the way is a major relief,” said Gavic.
Mady Miana, a third-year Visual Arts major and peer tutor, believes that the small community and peer aspects help ensure a better experience for each person coming in for help.
“Our tutors are here to ensure that students receive the help they need in all subjects… Maryville is a small and supportive community and our tutors are of no exception. Tutors have a genuine care and passion for the tutoring work we offer our peers because we empathize with them, which makes our services effective,” said Miana.
According to Gavic, the style of the tutoring system here surprised him because it differed greatly from tutoring at his undergraduate school. Tutoring at his college was done in groups and students didn’t have the ability to study alone with an individual tutor.
“I think Maryville’s style allows relationships and therefore, better learning,” said Gavic.
As students, it can be easy to take for granted the customizable and individualized aspects at Maryville. However, it’s important to remember that it’s a rare gift to be tutored this way.
“I think the tutoring office reflects the current culture of Maryville’s incredible student-to-tutor ratio. Odds of a tutor being matched to the requested class at the desired time is high. Our customer service rate is great, and we are always willing to work with students to ensure that their needs are met in a timely manner,” said Gavic.
Part of accomplishing that goal is to offer tutoring for as many classes as possible. Gavic estimated that about 126 courses are covered, and said that students can schedule a session online here. If readers are interested in attending a finals session, they are welcome at the following dates and times: Thursday, April 25, from 5-9 p.m.; Saturday, April 27 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and Sunday, April 28, from 2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. All sessions will take place in the library and the image below provides details on classes available for tutoring at each time.
“Finals is a time of intense stress and heavy workloads, and it’s important that Maryville students know they aren’t alone in their endeavors to study and complete their final assignments. We also serve as a reminder that a significant element of good workmanship and success is knowing when to ask for help,” said Miana.
With finals right around the corner, take time this week to prepare and ask for help if needed!
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