Tutor Training: Selected Topics
CSS 168, CRN 50854 (credit)
Cross-listed with CSS 768, CRN 50938 (noncredit version of this class)
Instructor: Rachel Pass
Instructor Contact information
Email Address: rachel_pass@cuesta.edu
Phone Number, call or text: 805-380-5283
Office Location/ Hours: ConferZoom by appointment. Please email Rachel to schedule an appointment.
Instructor Contact Expectations
The best and fastest way to contact me is email. I will generally respond to your emails within 24 hours during week. I try to unplug on the weekends, so if you email me late Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, I will respond by Monday morning.
Course Environment
This online course will be using a Web-based Learning Management System Canvas as the method to share information. Canvas provides the framework for the course including PowerPoint presentations, reading materials, the tools to receive and send course materials and assignments, and a grade book. You can communicate with me and with fellow students using e-mail, and you can share materials and ideas with other course participants via the discussion forums and groups.
We do not have an scheduled course meetings. However, you will interact with other students through Canvas.
Class opens/Accessing Canvas
Before our class starts Monday, June 10, you will receive an email to your my.Cuesta.edu address providing you with a reminder that class will be starting and log in procedures for Canvas, the learning management system (LMS) used to deliver course content. You can access Canvas by logging into MyCuesta, then clicking on the Resources Tab, then clicking on Canvas in the Online Learning Channel, or by typing the Canvas address (https://cuesta.instructure.com/) into your browser address bar. Do not bookmark / favorite the canvas site after your login, or you will get an error message next time you try to log in. You must access the Canvas log-in directly.
If you are not familiar with logging into canvas, please refer to the Canvas Quick Reference Guide. Links to an external site. Once logged into Canvas you will be directed on where to get started. Be sure to read all the direction on the course home page.
If you are having difficulty logging into Canvas and need assistance please email me or technical support at this email address support@cuesta.edu.
Online Learning
If you have never taken an online class or this is your first experience with Canvas, please be patient with yourself. Online classes are not inherently easier, although they may be much more convenient for many students. You should expect to spend at least as much time, if not more on this course as you would on a course that meets face to face. Since there is no lecture component, much of this time will be self-directed and there will be a substantial amount of reading, viewing, studying, and writing required. This course is completely online using Canvas; all coursework (discussions, assignments, quizzes) is submitted online. There are no face-to-face meetings. Please be prepared to spend about 2 hours per week coursework for this class.
Is an online class for you?
- Go to the Cuesta College Canvas Tutorial (self paced) Links to an external site; there are many resources that were designed to help you understand the basis for an online class and the skills necessary for success.
- If, after going through all of the tutorials, you do not feel that an online class will work for you, it may be best to sign up for an in-person class instead.
Regular Effective Contact policy
Regular and Effective Instructor Contact will be met through weekly instructor initiated threaded discussion forums; weekly announcements to students; timely and effective feedback on student assignments; email, phone or messaging to individuals; and virtual office hours.
Timeline for assignment feedback
Quizzes are automatically graded and available for viewing in Canvas the Monday after they close. I grade writing assignments and discussion posts manually and they will be completed within 72 hours after the submission deadline. I will provide feedback for your discussion contributions by using the
Course Description
This course is offered with both noncredit and credit options. You must register for the option that you want to take before you begin the course.
- CSS 168: Credit Course, Letter Grade or P/NP
- CSS 768: Non-Credit Gradeable Course/SP
CSS 168/768 Course Description
Presents effective tutoring strategies, problem-solving techniques, and ways to build learner motivation. Explores factors that impact student learning, the tutor’s role, and academic success strategies. Trains academic tutors to work in the Student Success Center.
CSS 168/768 Student Learning Outcomes
- Identify factors that impact student learning and ways to build learner motivation and confidence.
- Describe effective peer-education strategies and critical thinking techniques in the tutorial setting.
Textbook and Materials
- All required reading materials will be provided to you for free through our Canvas course. You do not need to purchase a textbook for this course.
- To complete the course, you will need to use a word processing program. You may choose from one of the following options or use another open-source program:
- You will also need to use Adobe ReaderLinks to an external site, which you can download for free, or a paid version of Adobe Acrobat to read digital documents.
Technical Support
Cuesta students are encouraged to direct all technical support inquiries to support@my.cuesta.edu. If you are having issues with Canvas, you should contact the Canvas Support Hotline at (877) 921-7680, or email support@instructure.com.
If you are having difficulty viewing the course or logging in, it may be because you are not using the correct url: https://cuesta.instructure.com/ or you are using your phone or using an unsupported browser.
Your learning environment is best accessed from a desktop or laptop computer, using Firefox or Chrome. This may solve your problem! Please review the browser requirements and minimum computer specifications Links to an external site.
Accommodations
This course is designed using an accessible Learning Management System, and course materials have been created with ADA compliance in mind. If you have a disability and might need accommodations in this class such as extended time on exams or other resources. Please contact the instructor as soon as possible so that you can receive appropriate accommodations in a timely manner. You should also contact DSPS (Disabled Student Programs & Services) Links to an external site. or at 805-546-3148.
College & Course Policies
Academic Honesty Policy: I expect all students to complete the coursework assigned to the best of their ability. This means turning in your own work, using your own words, and citing your sources to avoid plagiarism. Violating these policies will lead to a discussion with me and you may end up with a 0 for the assignment. In addition to my course policy, please note all students attending San Luis Obispo County Community College District at any district site and when representing Cuesta College in any off-campus activity, assume an obligation to conduct themselves in an acceptable manner compatible with the Student Code of conduct. Please review the Cuesta College Student Code of conduct Links to an external site..
Add/Drop Policy: It is best to join online classes when they begin. However, if there is still space in the course, I will be happy to have you join us later in the term. Please contact me as soon as possible if you add the class after the first day so that I can help you get up to speed.
Please contact me right away if you are having trouble logging in or if you are experiencing other challenges that make it difficult for you to participate in class. I will work to help you overcome those obstacles and succeed in class.
In addition to my policy, please review the Cuesta policy for drops
Waitlist Policy: Please review Cuesta’s waitlist procedure and instructions Links to an external site.
Class topic schedule
Week 1: Introductions and tutoring framework
Week 2: Tutoring "customer service" and session structure
Week 3: Scaffolding and sequencing
Week 4: Principles of Learning and Tutoring Philosophy
Week 5: Problem-solving difficult situations
Week 6: Demonstration of learning (final project)
Get in touch
Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns regarding class.
Sincerely,
Rachel Pass, MAT, MA
she/her/they/them
Instructor in College Success Studies
Cuesta College
805-380-5283
icons at the top right corner of the subsection.