About the Tutoring Program
The Tutoring Program is a supplemental program enhanced and led by the Academic Liaison. Accessible through the EDUC 140AC class, the tutoring program allows UC Berkeley students the opportunity to not only teach core subjects like mathematics and ELA, but to also teach communication and social skills. The tutoring program times varies, but occurs based on the dates of UC Berkeley's semester system (Fall: August to December; Spring: January to May).
A Word from Our Academic Liaison, Marni Higgins
The key component in the success of placement for the students is to truly understand their interests, abilities, schedules, and so much more. The best way to begin the process is to meet with each student individually. While this does take some time, it gives me the opportunity to explain how the academic support part of the program runs, and how they can be an active part of it. It also gives me the opportunity to learn about them, not just name and major, but also special interests, experience with children, how they feel about Zoom, and even what part of the world they are in and if scheduling is going to be an issue.
The semester begins with students then making appointments to meet with me in 15 minute increments via Calendly. During these 15-minute meetings I learned that we have students from all over the world with interest ranging from video game design to ballet. We have students who have years of experience working with young people and others with no experience at all. Each has a different comfort level coming into working with students in a Zoom environment.
Select students are then placed in school day support or after school tutoring. Students will provide support in language arts and math. This is not only a homework completion time, but can also be a period for students to work on specific skills that teachers or parents have determined the student needs extra support with. Tutors meet with students via Zoom as students log in from their classrooms or the afterschool program. They are encouraged to build community with the students and often discuss pets, video games, and other interests before they begin a lesson.
Once the tutoring program is up and available for the semester, I send an email to all the 140 students every morning, which includes links to the Zoom meeting tutors and students meet. I also include any updated information, tips, and/or suggestions for working with students via Zoom.
The ECUC Team and I provide orientation and training for the tutors, and record the sessions so that information could be accessed as needed. Additionally, there is a Google Drive folder that has resources for tutoring and mentoring students. This is most helpful for those who are tutoring in the afternoon, but these resources are available to all. I monitor all the tutoring rooms and coach tutors as needed throughout the semester. I may private message the tutor with suggestions or speak directly to the room to offer help or direction as needed.
The EDUC 140AC students support up to 30 elementary students each semester. Teachers and parents report that this support has helped boost academic confidence along with reading and math skills.
For any further questions, please contact me at marnih@berkeley.edu