“There is no cheat sheet for life…”.
This is absolutely unequivocal, and I am glad for the opportunity to have a discussion about the role of supplemental learning at the university level. Generations of students all over the world have utilized tutors, TAs and learning centers such as Broward Tutoring Center, TutoringZone or the University Athletic Association to facilitate learning and further clarify the material presented by a professor. Yet somehow the very mention of the name “TutoringZone” in certain circles elicits a negative response and is tantamount to sacrilege. I think this is due to individuals forming an opinion based upon speculation rather than truly considering our role in the process.
It’s instructive to consider the genesis of TutoringZone and what we attempt to do. While tutoring at the University Athletic Association some dozen years ago, it occurred to me that this type of learning environment would be a wonderful resource if made available to nonathlete students. My idea was not visionary nor the result of an epiphany. Exactly what is the difference between one of our weekly review sessions and a discussion and recitation section? Exactly what is the difference, frankly, between our services and those of a private tutor? Or a textbook?
Students all across the world choose to procrastinate; alas, this is true even at campuses where there is no TutoringZone.
Now, let’s focus on the students who go to class, go to discussion, do their homework and go to TutoringZone. For these students, we provide an affordable and effective way to reach their academic goals. Consider our weekly reviews — students meet every week in a group to work with an expert to practice problems and discuss concepts. It’s Sunday morning and a handful of students are learning chemistry or accounting. What could possibly be the problem with that?
Is it the fact that we charge for our services? I find this objection disingenuous.
First, we take great pains to promote our financial aid program. It is on the front page of our website and is included in every correspondence we send to a member of the UF academic community. We never let cost stand in the way of a student getting the help they need — more than 10 percent of attendees each semester are there at no cost. Further, we price our services to be affordable to the average student — a full semester of tutoring (one session per week, two hours per session) costs less than most textbooks. Finally, as an economist I feel obligated to point out the principle of, “There ain’t no such thing as a free lunch.” That is, someone has to pay for the tutoring at Broward Tutoring Center. Whether it’s property taxes or tuition, the status quo means that all students pay for Broward Tutoring Center whether or not they use the services. So what you are actually objecting to is introducing choice to the issue. You are also implicitly objecting to the ability of a tutor to earn competitive wages as a return on his or her hard work and dedication.
I agree wholeheartedly that there are a number of valuable “free” resources for students. A number of tutors working at TutoringZone also work at the other tutoring centers. Our belief is that the more a tutor works with students the more effective he or she will be at communicating that material.
Everyone at TutoringZone is first and foremost an educator. We do not rely on shortcuts or tricks. We go through rigorous training to master the curriculum and also master delivery of the material. We will turn cartwheels and shout from the rooftop if that’s what it takes to teach a concept. The problem with most tutoring is variability in quality. Hiring is based upon GPA and credentials. Well, being smart is a necessary condition to be a tutor, but it is not a sufficient quality. We work with individuals to make sure they can deliver the material in multiple ways to ensure success.
I have been a member of The Gator Nation for 15 years now — as a student, as an instructor and as a mentor. I have watched with pride as the university has introduced significant new programs to enhance learning outcomes for all students. I like to think, perhaps somewhat egotistically, that TutoringZone has played a small part in spurring this innovation.
We have worked with faculty and administrators to enhance TA review sessions, online assignments and to remove the stigma of needing help. I, too, remember when it was embarrassing if you needed extra help for school.
If TutoringZone has done nothing but to make it OK to ask for help when you need it, then our legacy will be an important one.
Matt Hintze is the Founder and CEO of TutoringZone.
Editor's note: This column is a response to this previous column.
