Tutoring Programs Enrich Students,
Tutors Alike

Mathematics Tutorial Center tutor Christina Gossweiler helps a group of MATH 150 students with an equation. One-on-one tutoring is available at the center.

Knowledge taught to others is knowledge retained. Just ask the Winthrop undergraduate and graduate students who work as tutors in programs across campus, including The Writing Center; the Mathematics Tutorial Center; House Calls, a tutoring program in the residence halls; and HomeWork Clinic, afterschool homework assistance for local elementary school students.

For Writing Center tutor Evan Adams, collaboration is the key to helping students improve their composition skills and build their confidence as writers. The second-year English graduate student works with writers on their essay drafts and helps them brainstorm ideas to overcome writer’s block. “It’s always rewarding to see writers become more excited about composition and regain their confidence,” said Adams, adding that the work helps him improve his own writing.

M.A.T. student Katie Thompson, who worked in the Mathematics Tutorial Center last spring, believes that helping students practice mathematical concepts – in areas such as calculus, statistics, trigonometry and algebra – will prepare her for a career in math instruction. “It’s a good experience for me to work in the center, and it’s great when students come back and tell you how much you helped them understand the material,” explained Thompson.

In House Calls, a new initiative of Residence Life and University College, tutors like Jon Hoin work by appointment, visiting students in their residence hall rooms to assist them with subjects ranging from English and political science to math and science. Hoin, a biology major who joined House Calls when it began about a year ago, said tutoring allows him to do what he enjoys: work with others and show them something new.

Tutors also reach off-campus students through the HomeWork Clinic, a longtime Winthrop program for local elementary school students that became “mobile” last year. Elementary education major Victoria Spurlock, a veteran HomeWork Clinic tutor, visits Rock Hill’s Emmett Scott Recreation Center weekly and helps young students with their reading skills and homework. Spurlock, studying to become a teacher, said tutoring gives her much more than just job experience. “It brings me joy to see a child succeed when you know he or she has been struggling.”