17 CWI Tutoring Services and Writing Center
At the College of Western Idaho (CWI), students have access to various academic support services through the Tutoring Services and Writing Center. These resources are designed to foster academic growth, provide personalized assistance, and help students achieve success across a wide range of subjects and skill levels. Below explores the services offered, how they operate, and why utilizing these resources is crucial for students’ success.
Writing Center
The Writing Center at CWI offers specialized support for students working on writing assignments, whether it’s for an essay, research paper, or creative writing project. The focus is not on grammar or mechanics but mainly on higher-order concerns like developing clear arguments, organizing ideas effectively, and ensuring overall clarity.
Students can meet with a writing tutor in person or online. They can also receive written feedback, specific to a student’s needs, through sending their draft through the Writing Center’s email service, ACES. The Writing Center helps students at any stage of the writing process, whether they need to brainstorm ideas, revise drafts, or polish final papers.
Tutoring Services
Tutoring at CWI offers both in-person and online options to accommodate students’ needs. Tutors provide assistance with a wide variety of content courses, as well as writing, academic skills mentoring, and English language acquisition. The Tutoring Services website serves as a central point for accessing these resources where students can book sessions, view tutoring schedules, and find study materials.
Embedded Tutoring
CWI also utilizes Embedded Tutoring, a system in which tutors are assigned to specific courses. This proactive approach integrates tutors directly into the classroom setting. Embedded tutors attend class sessions, work closely with the instructor, and provide immediate support for students. This model ensures that help is readily available and tailored to the specific content of the course.
Upswing Tutors
In addition to in-person tutoring, Upswing Tutors provide 24/7 online tutoring services. This platform allows students to connect with professional tutors in a wide range of subjects at any time, making it particularly beneficial for those who have non-traditional schedules or need help outside of typical business hours. Upswing tutors are well-versed in various academic disciplines and offer real-time assistance, making it easy for students to clarify questions and get feedback when they need it most.
Study Skills Workshops
Beyond one-on-one tutoring, CWI offers Study Skills Workshops to help students develop important academic strategies. These workshops cover topics such as time management, note-taking techniques, and test preparation. These sessions are designed to empower students with practical skills that they can apply across all their classes. By improving their study habits, students become more independent learners and gain the tools to succeed throughout their academic careers.
Workshops are typically offered throughout the semester and are open to all CWI students. They are especially beneficial for new students adjusting to the demands of college or for returning students looking to enhance their learning strategies.
How to use the Writing Center and Tutoring Services: Student Examples
Two scenarios provide real-life examples of how students can effectively utilize the tutoring services available at CWI:
Scenario 1: Philosophy 103 – Ethics
Maya, a dedicated philosophy student, is navigating the complex world of ethical theories, such as Kant’s Categorical Imperative. As she dives deeper into the readings, she begins to feel overwhelmed by some of the arguments (and jargon!) posed by the philosophers. By mid-semester, she recognizes the need for academic support and actively seeks help from CWI’s Tutoring Services.
- Week 6: With an essay on Kantian ethics looming, Maya books a one-on-one session with a tutor to help clarify her understanding of Kant’s Categorical Imperative.
- Week 7: Maya attends a Study Skills Workshop, where she learns valuable note-taking techniques that help her better absorb dense philosophical texts.
- Week 8: Realizing she needs further assistance with structuring her essay, Maya meets with a Writing Center tutor to refine her argument and ensure her ideas are logically presented.
- End of Semester: Maya revisits the Tutoring Services before her final exams to ensure she is confident and well-prepared to tackle a wide range of ethical theories covered throughout the course.
This structured support through tutoring and workshops not only helps Maya improve her understanding of Kant’s ethical theory but also develops her overall academic skills.
Scenario 2: BIOL 226 – Human Anatomy & Physiology
Carlos, a health science student, is passionate about his future career but faces challenges in his Anatomy & Physiology course, especially in memorizing complex information.
- Beginning of Semester: Carlos, eager to excel, recognizes the need to start strong and seeks out tutoring early to ensure he doesn’t fall behind.
- Week 2: Carlos attends a Study Skills Workshop focused on memory retention, which is essential for mastering the detailed content required in his course.
- Week 4: Overwhelmed by lab assignments and theoretical material, Carlos seeks help from the Tutoring Center to develop effective time management strategies.
- Midterm Week: Struggling with certain chapters, Carlos books a session with an Upswing Tutor to review the cardiovascular system in detail.
- Week 10: As he works on a major assignment comparing bodily systems, Carlos joins a group study session with CWI tutors, benefiting from the collaborative learning environment.
- End of Semester: To prepare for practical exams, Carlos opts for repeated tutoring sessions focusing on both the theoretical and hands-on aspects of human anatomy.
How to Get Started
Getting started with CWI’s Tutoring Services or Writing Center is easy. For tutoring, visit the Tutoring Services website to explore available subjects and book an appointment. For writing support, head to the Writing Center’s webpage where you can schedule a session with a writing consultant. Both services offer in-person and online options to fit students’ needs and schedules.
Be sure to check out the video tutorials on each platform to learn how to make the most of these services, from scheduling appointments to submitting work for feedback.