- Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Tutoring available until 1:00 p.m.)
- Click on “Register for an Account”
- Fill out the appropriate fields under “Create a New Account”
- Be sure to sign up for “Send an E-Mail” and “Text Message Options”
- Click “Register”
- Greeting: Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by a staff member or peer tutor who will assist you throughout your session.
- Initial discussion: The tutor will start by asking about your specific goals and what you need help with. Be prepared to discuss the topics or problems you want to address so the tutor can provide targeted assistance.
- Active participation: You are expected to actively engage in the session. The tutor will guide you through the material, but you need to participate in solving problems, discussing concepts, and asking questions.
- Problem solving: The tutor will collaborate with you to understand and solve problems. This may involve reviewing your class notes, textbooks, or practice problems, and discussing strategies for tackling similar questions in the future.
- Concept clarification: The tutor will help clarify complex concepts and ensure you understand key principles. They may use different explanations or examples to help you grasp challenging material.
- Review of work: If you have specific assignments or problems, you might work through them together. The tutor will help you identify and correct errors and explain solutions and methods.
- Session summary: At the end of the session, the tutor will check in to see if you need any additional help or have further questions.
- Feedback survey: You will be asked to complete a brief survey about your experience. Your feedback helps us continually improve the services provided.
- Plan: Schedule your tutoring session early, especially during busy periods like midterms and finals, to ensure you get the support you need on time.
- Arrive early: Get to your appointment early so you can start on time and make the most of your session.
- Complete assignments in advance: Attempt to finish your homework or assignments before your session. This helps you pinpoint specific areas where you need assistance.
- Engage in the learning process: Remember, tutors will guide you but will not do the work for you. Be prepared to participate actively and engage in the learning process.
- Utilize faculty office hours: Use office hours to verify your understanding and seek additional help if needed.
- Embrace challenges: Approach your tutoring session with a willingness to try new methods and view challenges as opportunities for growth.
- Relevant materials: Textbooks, class notes, or reference materials related to your work. This helps the tutor understand the context and provide effective assistance.
- Drafts or work samples: If you have a draft or any relevant work, bring it along. This gives the tutor a starting point for feedback and helps them understand assignment requirements.
- Specific questions: Prepare a list of questions or areas where you need help. This ensures the tutor can address your concerns directly.
- Pen and paper: Bring a notebook or paper for taking notes during the session. This will help you remember key points and strategies discussed.
- A friend: Bringing a friend is great for moral support or collaborative learning.
- A positive attitude: Approach the session with an open mind and readiness to engage. A positive attitude will contribute to a productive session.
Learning Center services are FREE and open to all students currently enrolled in courses at Penn State Berks.
The Learning Center is in 161 Franco Building. All in-person tutoring sessions are in 159 Franco, located within the center.
Students can schedule one 30-minute in-person tutoring appointment per subject per day. There is no limit to the number of appointments you can make each day if each appointment is for a different course.
The Learning Center is open for tutoring:
During these hours, the center is also available for general use. Feel free to use the center for independent or group study, homework, or review material on your own.
Students should seek tutoring early and often. It is important not to fall behind, so don’t wait until you are overwhelmed with a course to seek help with it. Tutoring is most effective when used as ongoing support rather than as a last-minute solution to pass. It is designed to enhance understanding over time, not to provide a quick fix.
Yes! The Learning Center is designed to assist both students who are struggling and those who are excelling. If you are already performing well, tutoring can help you fine-tune concepts, deepen your understanding, and practice new material. It is an opportunity to enhance your skills further and achieve even greater success.
It is highly recommended that students schedule appointments in advance to ensure tutor availability in the subject area they need, especially during busy periods like midterms or finals.
To schedule an appointment with a Learning Center peer tutor, create an online account or log in to explore available tutoring options.
Registration is easy:
Once logged into the Learning Center online schedule, plan your appointment by selecting the tutor and time that work best for you. Available time slots are shown in white; once an appointment is made, the slot turns blue. Click on the open slot to make your appointment. You will be asked to answer a few simple questions about your appointment to help the tutor prepare for your session.
Our professional math tutor offers walk-in availability on a first-come, first-served basis (no appointment needed). Please check the Learning Center hours for the current semester times available.
Students are also welcome to walk into the Learning Center for assistance; however, immediate appointments are not guaranteed.
Every session is tailored to your specific needs, but in general you can expect:
Please bring the following to your session:
If the Learning Center does not provide tutoring in a specific class, consider speaking to your instructor before or after class, or during their office hours, for additional help. Forming a study group with classmates can provide valuable support and enhance your understanding of the material, as well.
Log in to the Learning and Writing Center website and add your name to the waitlist. Click the clock icon next to the desired day on the schedule, fill out the form, and we will notify you if a time slot opens.
If you can’t make your appointment, please cancel as early as possible. To do this, sign into the Learning and Writing Center website, select your appointment, and click “cancel appointment” at the bottom. Early cancellations help other students fill your spot.
If you do not cancel before your scheduled time, it will be marked as a no-show. If you accumulate three no-shows within the academic year, your account will automatically deactivate, preventing you from scheduling further appointments. We take no-shows very seriously, so please ensure you cancel your appointment in advance if necessary.
