Tutoring in Alternative Modalities | Cascadia College

Additional Tutoring Options

If your schedule requires more flexibility, you're looking for help in a subject you don't see listed, or want to participate in a guided study group...we've got you covered.

 

Additional Tutoring Options

eTutoring

If you need a tutor when the Bock Learning Center is closed, give the tutors at the Western eTutoring Consortium (WeTC) a try! You can visit a WeTC tutor up to 10 times per quarter. Tutoring is available to all currently enrolled Cascadia students. Please limit your usage to 10 sessions per quarter to ensure that other students have the opportunity to benefit from this service. Log in to get started!

Subjects 

  • Accounting
  • Math (Developmental through Calculus)
  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Microsoft Office
  • Biology
  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Spanish
  • Economics
  • Statistics
  • Engineering (Circuits and Digital Systems ONLY)
  • Web Development (HTML, CSS, and Adobe Dreamweaver)
  • Japanese
  • Writing

Guided Study Sessions

What Are They?

Guided Study Sessions are organized study groups led by a trained facilitator. These study sessions target historically difficult courses (i.e., courses with high withdrawal and failure rates) rather than high-risk students. Study sessions are 60 minutes long and are held three times each week outside of regular class time. Attendance is voluntary. Sessions emphasize peer-to-peer collaboration and allow students to share notes, discuss course concepts, develop study skills, and prepare for exams.

Because GSS leaders attend all class sessions and consult the instructor often, they know which topics are covered in class.

FAQs

Some study sessions are in-person this quarter, while other sessions will take place on Zoom. Students enrolled in a designated GSS course have been added to a GSS Canvas page that includes Zoom links and session information. If you are enrolled in one of these courses and are having difficulty accessing the GSS Canvas page, please email stsai@cascadia.edu.
GSS leaders are students who are knowledgeable about the subject area and have previously completed the course with a B (3.0) or better. They are recommended for the position by faculty and complete an intensive training program. GSS leaders receive regular guidance and feedback from the GSS supervisor(s). Leaders attend all class sessions so they know exactly what information is covered each day. GSS leaders determine which concepts or problems the study sessions will focus on and develop activities that help students better understand this information. 
Activities touch on a variety of learning styles and approaches (e.g., auditory, visual, written, independent, small group) and emphasize effective strategies for studying course materials. For example, students may work in small groups to define terms or solve problems, play Jeopardy-style games that cover course content, or brainstorm possible exam questions. GSS leaders focus the sessions on particularly difficult concepts or problems discussed in class, and all activities emphasize peer-to-peer interaction. The GSS leader does not lecture or reteach.
Studies show that students who attend study sessions are more engaged in class and earn higher overall course grades than those who do not attend. These sessions also help students develop effective study habits.
Selection Process

To be considered for a GSS leader positions, prospective applicants must meet the following requirements:

    • Enrolled in at least 6 credits at Cascadia College or the University of Washington for the quarter they will serve as GSS leader
    • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 for all college coursework
    • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 in GSS discipline coursework
    • Completion of GSS course with a 3.0 or above. Applicants can apply while currently enrolled in their intended GSS course, but a job offer would be contingent upon their completion of the course with a 3.0 or better.
    • The GSS leader selection process generally starts 4-8 week before the quarter begins. Prospective GSS leaders are often recommended by faculty, but any student who meets the minimum requirements may apply. Interested applicants should review the job description in its entirety. Required application materials are listed at the bottom of the job description.
    • Questions should be directed to GSS Coordinator Sarah Tsai at stsai@cascadia.edu.
Training Requirements

New GSS leaders are required to complete an intensive training session. Those who do not complete this training are not eligible to work as GSS leaders.

Time Commitment: GSS leaders work 10-12 hours each week during the regular quarter:

    • 4 hours/week attending the class
    • 3 hours/week of study sessions
    • 3 hours/week of session prep
    • 0-2 hours/week meeting with the faculty member or GSS supervisor
    • Hours may fall below 10 hours during exam weeks.
How to Apply

GSS Leader Job Description

GSS Leader Application

You will notice in the job description that a reference is required. We ask that recommendation writers address the following in their letter:

    1. The applicant’s academic potential. In your experience with the applicant, what is their knowledge and skill level in this area?
    2. The applicant’s ability to work with peers in the classroom. Do they collaborate well with others in a group setting? Do they demonstrate leadership potential?

Cascadia faculty can submit a formal letter or send an informal email to Sarah Tsai at stsai@cascadia.edu. Non-Cascadia faculty should submit a formal letter.

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