Academic Enrichment, or tutoring, is a form of private academic support that is provided to an individual in a particular subject or skill. It allows students to receive one-on-one instruction and support in areas where they may be struggling with greater detail and attention. Tutoring sessions can be scheduled in twice-weekly hour-long sessions, with many opting for sessions to occur frequently or infrequently as needed. Tutors can come from a variety of backgrounds and may include experienced teachers, private educators, college students, professors, or even advanced students in a particular subject area.
As an Academic Enrichment Tutor at the Aspire Speech and Learning Center, I assist students who may encounter challenges in their academic journey. For myself, to act as a tutor means to be a source of guidance and mentorship in a student’s academic pursuits. The technicalities of being a tutor involve helping students improve their understanding of subjects like math, reading, and writing. In terms of mentorship, I help students adopt stronger study habits and strategies for learning. This has occasionally involved working closely with school-age students with anxieties related to their academics.
As a tutor, I have come to realize that every student has a unique learning journey, complete with its own set of successes and challenges. I believe that both are crucial to developing academic skills. It is my goal to support each student I work with by fostering a mindset of asking questions, critical thinking, and making mistakes. Additionally, tutoring provides the benefit of personalized instruction, allowing me to tailor my time to meet the specific needs of each student.
The benefits of tutoring also include:
- Personalized instruction tailored to the individual student’s needs
- Increased understanding of the material
- Development of study skills and problem-solving strategies
- Improved academic performance and grades
- Increased confidence and self-esteem
- Identification and remediation of learning gaps or difficulties