Tutoring Services

Tutoring Services

• One-on-One Appointments

  We offer 30-minute individualized appointments to help students improve content knowledge in Social and Behavioral Sciences and Accounting, as well as one-on-one writing help for all OCC classes. To get the most out of a session, students are encouraged to bring any relevant course material—their syllabus, their assignment/homework/writing prompt, and any work they have completed—with them to their appointments. 

  During one-on-one writing appointments, students can get help with any part of the writing process, from prewriting work (making sense of a prompt or reading, brainstorming, outlining), to drafting, organizing, revising, and proofreading. While tutors are happy to help students articulate and explore their ideas, and are willing to provide specific writing instruction and clarification, all writing decisions are left to the student writers; students should not expect tutors to write any part of their assignment for them. 

  Students who are members of the following programs can schedule standing weekly appointments, i.e., appointments that meet at a set day and time every week: ARC, EOPS, Equity, Guardian Scholars, STEM/Mesa, PRESS, Puente, Umoja, TOPS and Veterans. Students in these programs can ask their counselors to submit a referral form to the Student Success Center for this extra service. Once this form is received, the student will be contacted by a staff member to set up a weekly appointment. The tutor will review class concepts, help answer homework questions, and provide study strategies, like test preparation.

• Directed Learning Activities

  We offer Directed Learning Activities (DLAs) for students seeking a deeper understanding of specific writing and reading concepts. These activities are tutor-led lessons and activities designed to help students hone specific writing and reading skills.

  Directed Learning Activities are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and are only offered in person.

  If you encounter issues, need assistance, or have questions, contact us at writingtutoringcenter@occ.cccd.edu where our staff will assist you.

   

• Writing Workshops

  In-person writing workshops are offered several times a week and focus on various writing topics such as thesis statements, paragraph organization, and grammar. Each workshop lasts 50 minutes and accommodates 15 students. Writing Workshops are a great way to sharpen your writing skills in a small group setting.

• ESL Conversation Groups

  English Language Learners are welcome to come practice speaking and listening skills with their peers in our weekly ESL Conversation Group. Every week, the group plays games and talks about different topics of interest to students..

• College Success Series Workshops

  Using effective study skills is key to being successful in your classes!  Every month, OCC offers a variety of workshops to students to help them sharpen their skills.

  Here are just a few examples of topics to expect on our monthly workshop calendar:

  • Taking Better Notes—Messy notes? Not sure what to write down? Explore different techniques and strategies for taking better, more efficient notes.
  • Time Management Tips—It can be hard to balance school, work, and our personal lives. Learn how to manage your time more effectively.
  • How to Study More Effectively—Learn some effective study techniques so you can get the most out of your study time. In this workshop, discover ways to overcome procrastination and find out if you are a visual, auditory or kinesthetic learner.
  • Test Prep—Learn how to gather study materials and set a study schedule. Find out about common test errors and how to avoid them.
  • Managing Test Anxiety—Learn how to prepare for your exams and learn strategies for managing test anxiety.
• Study Groups

  Study groups are a good way for students to work together to learn and understand difficult material. The tutor leading the session will review class-specific concepts, help answer questions, and provide study-skills tips. Students may request a study group once they have enrolled in TUTR A050N. At least 5 student requests are needed to form a group. Once the study group is formed, other students from the same class with the same instructor are welcome to join.

  If students or instructors are interested in setting up or joining a study group, please contact  Tutorial Services Specialist Virginia Nuzzolese-Laflamme at vnuzzoleselaflamme@occ.cccd.edu.