Picture: (l to r) Kameron Hudock, Kristen McKnight, Monette Fowler, Rebecca Wingo, and Melanie "Nina" Pearl. Not Pictured Kalie Weich, and from our Kern River campus Charles Evans.
Picture: (l to r) Kameron Hudock, Kristen McKnight, Monette Fowler, Rebecca Wingo, and Melanie "Nina" Pearl. Not Pictured Kalie Weich, and from our Kern River campus Charles Evans.
IWV
Many Cerro Coso Community College students take advantage of free tutoring provided by a select group of highly recommended and talented tutors. Seven Cerro Coso students earned International Tutor Certificate's from the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) which is a tutor prerequisite at many colleges and universities.
CRLA certification indicates that tutors in the program have received specialized training, maintained high GPA's, and completed 25 hours of successful tutoring (concluded through a formative evaluation process). Additionally, the Kern Community College District requires tutors be enrolled in a minimum of six units throughout the semester and are approved by the College Human Resources and Financial Aid Departments. Peer tutors are required to exhibit patience, determination, and willingness to try whatever it takes to help students learn, while encouraging growth and praising progress.
Recruitment of new tutors begins with an instructor recommendation of students with excellent academic and communication skills. Peer tutors are often extremely busy, carrying more than full course loads, working 30-40 hours a week, volunteering on campus or in the community while still devoting their time to tutor other students for minimum wage.
The greatest demand for tutors is in English and math courses followed by computer and business courses, biology, chemistry, history and languages.
Each semester peer tutors are recognized for their diligence and dedication in helping other students with an appreciation luncheon. New CRLA certificates are awarded at each semester's luncheon.
The benefits of tutoring are many. Often students on campus attribute course success to the assistance received from a tutor. Students comment: "It's good to have another opinion from someone who does not see it in the same light." "It's very helpful in practicing homework, for answering questions and expanding your work using different software programs."
Tutors find benefits from tutoring too. Brian Repsholdt considers tutoring great for "refreshing your memory on courses even if they (courses) are low. The greatest form of learning is teaching." "It's ...the satisfaction of helping other students."
Surprisingly, peer tutors may be the first to sign up for tutoring; they comprehend the benefits of tutoring-shared learning and higher grades. Employers find tutoring skills as an indicator of the ability to provide clear information to customers, clients, or other employees. Peer tutoring experience is a plus on a job application, resume, or college application.
A heartfelt appreciation goes out to all Cerro Coso tutors for their hours of work.
All Cerro Coso students are welcome to check out the tutoring program for its many benefits. Students are encouraged to seek out the tutoring program early whether they need a brief question answered, desire tutoring for a tough course, or want to become a tutor. Cerro Coso students may request tutoring by visiting the Learning Center or fill out "tutor request form" online at http://www.cerrocoso.edu/lac/tutor-request.htm.
For more information about receiving tutoring in Ridgecrest call 1-760-384-6161.
For more information about becoming a tutor call 1-760-384-6380 or 6160.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Natalie Dorrell, Public Information (760) 384-6260