Kirkwood Tutoring Services

Success has different meaning to different people. It could be:

getting all A’s and B’s while working a full-time job.

having a great social life. parenting two great kids and still making the

dean’s list. being the first person in my family to earn a

college degree.

Success is staying on course to your desired outcomes and experiences, creating wisdom, happiness, and unconditional self-worth along the way.

Schedule your classes at a time best for you. Regularly attend ALL of your classes Form a strong relationship with your

instructors. Plan Ahead Following your syllabus as a road map in your

classes Study for your tests and exams Submit all assignments on time Do not procrastinate. Set goals Be prepared for any obstacle.

In order to succeed in college and in life, you need to set goals. Goals should have the following characteristics:

Specific◦ Set clear goals for each class.◦ Break study commitments down into achievable steps

Individual◦ Decide how much time to devote to college and to

studying. Make sure it will fit in with YOUR current commitments.

Measurable◦ How many hours should be spent on each class, per

week? Remember to account for time spent in the classroom, reading time for each subject and any individual assignments or papers that may be due.

Reach for the Stars!

A syllabus is a contract between you and your professor.

Note your instructors contact information, contact times and office hours.

Note the dates of major assignments. Note the instructor's policies regarding absences,

tardiness and participation. Refer back to the syllabus often during the

semester. Double check the syllabus before submitting any

major paper or project to make sure you have met the deadline, style, length and other requirements. If any are unclear, speak to the instructor early.

Time ManagementNote TakingReading your TextbookTest Taking StrategiesStress Management

Create a calendar of dates (Download a weekly planner from the Tutoring Services/Study Skills website).

Make a “To do” list Make sure to schedule

relaxation, exercise and recreation time.

Allow time to review before class.

DO NOT over commit. Avoid Procrastination

Sample Tuesday Schedule

8am Jog for daily exercise

10am Intro to computers

12pm Lunch

1pm Principles of Managerial Accounting

3pm Break Time

3:30pm Watch Simpsons (cartoon)

4pm Go to the Library to do homework

6pm Dinner

6:30pm Play volleyball

8pm Allsop Lab for Intro to computers homework

Sentence Method◦ Writing every new thought on a separate line.

May define new sentences with bullet or number. Best used in lectures.

Outline Method◦ Assessing a topic based on the importance of

points discussed. Method best used in organized lecture format.

Charting Method◦ Categorizing information into the appropriate section of

a table created by you. Best used when having to memorize facts or data.

Mapping Method◦ Allows you to visually track lecture and see how

relationships are created. Best used during structured lecture and breaking down ideas.

See a complete demo of each note taking strategy

on the Tutoring Services/Study Skills website.

Skim through the assigned chapters. This should help you find the basic idea.

Try reading the chapter out loud. Highlight key points. Take advantage of the practice problems,

reviews and tests in your textbook.

Preparation should start on the first day of class.

Ask the instructor to specify the areas emphasized on the test.

Form study groups with students in your class

Avoid studying in noisy places. Avoid Procrastinating.

Break up your study session into manageable 45 minute segments.

Arrive at least 5 minutes before the test will start.

Read the directions carefully Answer the questions in a strategic order.

◦ Answer easy questions first to build confidence and score points.

◦ Answer difficult questions and those with the most point values.

◦ With essay questions, outline your answer and sequence the order of your points.

Take Care of Yourself: Your ability to succeed in the classroom is dependent on how you treat your body.

Don't Make a Mountain Out of a Mole Hill: Evaluate the situation. Is it really as bad as it seems? Imagine yourself in the best and worst case scenario.

Be Prepared: If you are taking an exam make sure you have studied the materials including your text, supplemental material, and lecture notes.

Breathe: During your exam take some deep breaths. Deep breathing causes your nervous system to calm down.

Power of Positive Thinking: Before you go into your exam, silently repeat a positive self statement

Allow yourself time to enjoy life.

Tutoring ServicesComputer LabsAdditional Services

Tutoring services are offered FREE to part-time and full-time Kirkwood students enrolled in credit classes for which tutoring is sought. Students may receive up to two (2) hours per week for two (2) credit classes per semester.

The college offers four tutoring format options:◦ Individual tutoring ◦ Walk-in (group) tutoring ◦ Online tutorials ◦ Computer application skills

Located at 2078 Cedar Hall Eighteen-station computer lab for student

use These stations are loaded, such as Microsoft

Applications, Campus only available files, and web services, with all the necessary software to carry out your academic needs.

Support staff is available to answer your questions Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m

Located in 2055 Cedar Hall Provides a variety of services and proctoring a

variety of tests and exams including Perception Testing, CE6 Testing, ACT High Stakes Testing, ESL testing, makeup of course exams, Anytime/Anywhere testing and correspondence exams

PHOTO IDENTIFICATION IS REQUIRED FOR ALL TESTS.

Hours of OperationMonday-Thursday 8:00AM-8:00PMFriday 8:00AM-5:00PM

Located in Benton Hall Hours of Operations

Monday - Thursday 7:30 AM - 11:00 PMFriday 7:30 AM – 5:00 PMSaturday 8:30 AM – 4:00 PMSunday 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Tips:◦ Study Rooms are available.◦ When studying for a test, find a quiet spot to study for 45 minute segments.

The library offers other activities during your study breaks.

Located in Benton Hall Hours of Operation

Monday - Thursday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PMFriday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Located at 230 Iowa Hall Sponsors student activities Hub for more than 60 clubs, organizations

and groups on campus www.kirkwood.edu/studentlife for a full list

of clubs and organizations

Allsop Computer Lab (131 Nielsen Hall)◦ Hours of Operation:

Monday-Thursday 7:30AM-10:00PMFriday 7:30AM-5:00PMSaturday 8:00AM-2:00PMSunday 3:00PM-8:00PM

Located at 132 Iowa Hall. Staffed by a Registered Nurse and/or

Paramedic Monday-Thursday 8:00-5:00PM and Friday 9:00-3:00PM

Almost all services are free of charge and are confidential.

Admissions Services210 Iowa Hall

Campus Health Services132 Iowa Hall

Diversity Services 1154 Linn Hall

Eagle Card (Student ID Card)104 Iowa Hall

Enrollment Services216 Kirkwood Hall

Veterans Affairs202 Kirkwood Hall

Vocational Rehabilitation123 Iowa Hall

Writing Center3067 Cedar Hall

Learning Services2063 Cedar Hall

Student Development115 Iowa Hall

Financial Aid and Scholarships205 Kirkwood Hall

The main purpose in going to college is the likely hood for a bright financial future and for that, students need a profession that begins with a career vision, that will most likely will require a post high school education. Part of that career vision involves a job earning higher than minimum wage. It will be hard work, but it is worth it. If you need help, ask for it. Set goals and reach for the stars. We urge you to be a successful college student.

-Tutoring Services