Zutor . . . Tutor . . . Strategist . . . Coach . . .?

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With the fall term fast approaching, and particularly with the uncertainty of online, mixed mode, or full classroom (but for how long?) delivery, now is the time for lining up extra supports for success.

But which supports? One-on-one, or group? Tutor or strategist?

Group Supports are available on most campus Learning Centres. Check them out–particularly for your least favourite aspect of school.  Webinars are the usual mode of delivery just now, and can cover subject-related group tutoring, or academic skills-related group sessions on topics such as test-taking, essay writing, and the use of time management tools.

One-on-one supports cover the same topics, are customized, and come in a variety of flavours. 

First, some clarification about terms. Elsewhere on this site I’ve outlined the difference between a tutor and a learning strategist (or academic strategist, or academic coach).

Briefly, tutors are subject specific. Many campuses offer peer tutors either one-on-one, or in groups. These programs are especially useful for rigorous STEM courses.

Learning strategists are coaches, rather than tutors.

Where one-on-one coaching can get confusing is in the overlap of terms:

  • An academic strategist can be an academic planner, who helps you plan which courses to enrol in for particular degrees or qualifications. Attention is paid to prerequisites, degree requirements, accommodations, and campus resources. This is valuable information, but is not coaching.
  • An academic strategist can also refer to someone who is  a learning strategist or academic coach, who coaches you through gaining and practicing academic study skills and habits.
  • More importantly, the strategist helps you stay on track through a term–just as a sports coach helps you stay on track through the season.. 

That leaves “Zutor.” More of us by now are very much more familiar with ZOOM, Messenger Room, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Skype than we planned to be, and a Zutor is just a tutor or strategist that connects with students through video meeting rooms. 

What do I need, Steve?

If you need assistance with a specific subject in grasping concepts or applying concepts to problem solutions, see if your campus has a peer-tutoring program, and check out the reputations of independent tutors in your subject area. Sooner is way better than later–don’t wait for the mid-term, or until you are behind the first three problems sets.

If you need help in a specific academic skill, such as writing multiple choice tests, check out resources at your campus’s Learning Centre. If your needs are more complex and you would gain from customization and follow-up, particularly in the areas of executive function, motivation and confidence, seek out a coach. Like me.

“With campus resources and Learning Centres, and the tips in these blogs, why would I need you, Steve?”

I thought you’d never ask. I’ll go over my Brag Book, and answer this next blog. (Hint: Maybe you don’t!)

In the meantime, I’m open for any questions and comments on getting ready for a very interesting fall term [email protected]