West Liberty University is committed to helping students become engaged, active participants in the educational process and academic community. Our Peer Tutoring Program is coordinated within the Learning & Student Development Center. Peer Tutors are recommended by faculty, earn high academic marks in the courses they tutor, and receive regular training.
By discussing concepts at an individualized pace and in greater detail; using higher-level questioning and supportive communication skills; helping students to identify their learning styles; providing specific study strategies; and developing student collaboration in group sessions, peer tutors can help students master material introduced in the traditional classroom setting and transition from secondary pedagogy to post-secondary andragogy.
FAQs about Tutoring Services & Study Groups:
Q: How can I schedule a tutoring session or join a study group?
All West Liberty University students are eligible for free peer tutoring. Students are automatically assigned an account within TutorTrac, the web-based service utilized to reserve appointments. To schedule an individual appointment:
- Log in to TutorTrac (see log-in credentials below)
- Click Search Availability at the top left of the page
- Select Center (One-on-One Tutoring)
- Select Section*
- Select the day(s) you are available for tutoring and click Search. Available appointments will appear.
- Click on a time slot to reserve your appointment. A confirmation email is sent to your West Liberty University email address.
*If you see no options under ‘Section’, you can try a different ‘Center.’ Still no results? – It means that we do not offer tutoring for that course or peer tutors do not have any availability for that time period. Please e-mail us at wltutor@westliberty.edu to inquire about the course in which you are seeking assistance. We may be able to accommodate your request.
TutorTrac Login Information
TutorTrac login credentials are part of your Single Sign On (SSO) credentials set up for other campus systems (e.g. Sakai, WINS). Please utilize this information to login and utilize TutorTrac.
- Username: First part of West Liberty University email address before the @ sign (e.g. camcpherson if your email address is name@westliberty.edu)
- Password: This will be the password a student has set up for their SSO credentials. Initially, this will be your eight (8) digit birth date in the format MMDDYYYY
If you have questions or require additional assistance, please contact the Learning & Student Development Center at 304-336-8185, wltutor@westliberty.edu, or stop by our offices in Main Hall 147. Our hours of operation are Monday-Thursday (8:00 AM – 8:00 PM) and Friday (8:00 AM – 4:00 PM).
Study Labs
The Learning & Student Development Center also offers Study Labs that are scheduled each semester, typically for general studies Math and Science courses. These schedules are shared to students at the beginning of each semester and students do not have to schedule an appointment to attend. Often, students will attend in small groups and receive group tutoring to assist in completing a difficult homework assignment or prepare for a quiz or exam.
Q: Why do some students avoid tutoring/group study sessions?
- Some students believe an isolated environment is necessary for better concentration. This might be true if you just want to memorize, without processing or understanding information – and it’s almost certain you will forget everything in a week! If you want to understand what and why you are studying, an interactive approach is a superior choice.
- When studying with others, you become vulnerable to exposing what you don’t know. This is exactly why you should participate in a tutoring session/study group. Successful people overcome feelings of embarrassment or shame regarding what they don’t know. Independent learners more often realize there is more to learn or understand about a topic.
Q: Why is studying with others better than self-study?
- Studying with others allows you to realize what you don’t understand. As annoying/embarrassing as this might be, it is better to address weaknesses within a trusted group of peers and helpful staff (i.e. Peer Tutors). This way, it’s less likely you’ll be caught off guard in class.
- Often it’s difficult to understand every detail of a lecture or reading. Others may have paid more attention to parts you missed or have an understanding of something you don’t – peers help one another fill in gaps. The best way to really learn and understand something is to explain it to others and receive feedback.
- Through a cooperative and/or competitive nature, study groups promote critical thinking and creativity as new questions and explanations arise through discussion and debate. An interactive environment ensures a deeper level of thinking and learning.
- The temptation to procrastinate is greater when studying alone. When studying alone, it’s easy to rationalize – you make a cup of tea every hour (telling yourself it’s important to stay hydrated), you check social media every five minutes (telling yourself you want to see if a classmate posted anything about the exam). Taking breaks is important, but all of this stopping and starting contributes to wasted time, frustration and the development of ineffective study habits.
Q: What maximizes the effectiveness of studying with others?
Be very careful when choosing your companions. Tutors make excellent study buddies.
- Work with the people that motivate and inspire you.
- Look for those that are alert/focused in class and who ask questions/participate.
- An ideal study group is three or four people.
- Be prepared! Complete any reading, writing, or assignments before the session to make the most of your time.
- Have a well-defined schedule and intent for the session.
Helpful Websites: