Introduction - first day of class

Today marks the beginning of my adventure in Tutor training.  I attended my first class for ILA1 - Tutor Training with a familiar professor, Dr. Sheryl Tschetter.  Previously, I have completed several classes with Dr. Tschetter, including English 1A and 1B and discovered, along with the completion of English 50 that I hold a love and newly found respect for writing and the critical analysis of literature.

First day of school jitters.

During my time at Norco College, I have discovered that I have a love for education and a fascination with learning.  When I first saw this tutoring class in the Fall 2012 catalog, it immediately caught my attention and interest.  Even though I was waitlisted for this class, I made it into the class.  Let the learning begin.

 

My visit to the LRC

Another first day assignment was to visit the LRC (Learning Resource Center) and observe the activities that take place there.  I completed a two page worksheet, please wrote the following summary comments.

Mark Schemmer

ILA – 1, Professor Tschetter

August 28, 2012

LRC Observation Notes

-          The LRC was much busier today, Thursday, August 29^th, than my previous visit on Monday, August 26^th.

-          Today, many students appeared to be checking in at the LRC at their professor’s request.  Mr. Mills brought his entire class to the LRC and gave them a tour of the facility.  Only a few students actually appeared to be working on homework or other academic tasks. 

-          Student parking lots were full at the time of my visit.

-          In the CIS area, assistance to students is provided by a combination of student workers and professors.  While both are skilled at addressing student questions when requested, the professors generally appeared to take a more proactive approach – anticipating students needs before the student requested assistance.

-          LRC signage located outside the main entrance appears temporary.

-          LRC’s acoustics are underwhelming and when the center is full of students, it is a very noisy environment due to the use of many hard surfaces.

-          Norco College’s choice of desktop computer manufacturers, Lenovo, has human rights and trade imbalance issues present.  In addition, the long term cost of ownership of these desktops will likely be more expensive than other vendors due to the quality of these desktops.

Dear Sheryl letter assignment

During our first class meeting, Professor Tschetter requested that we each complete a letter addressed to her, answering several questions relevant to this class.  Here is my response;

Dear Sheryl:

I decided to become a tutor because . . .

-          I am interested in the learning process and how students learn.

-          I would like to help students develop an interest in learning.

-          I like to help others.

-          I would like to further develop skills working with others.

I tutor the following courses . . .

-          I am not currently tutoring in an official capacity, however, I have always been an active participant in my children’s education.

-          I am interested in tutoring math, English, social sciences, CIS and business subject.

My Norco College student email address is: mschemmer@student.rcc.edu

My goals for this class include . . .

-          Developing interpersonal communication techniques necessary to tutor diverse student populations with differing learning styles.

-          Explore opportunities for tutors at Norco College.