Learning center adds communications tutors

By Oshea Chaudhary, December 2011
Staff Writer

In mid-October, Paradise Valley Community College’s Learning Support Center, or LSC, began offering communication as a tutoring subject.

The communications department has a variety of classes that cover public speaking, human, interpersonal, small group, intercultural and health communication. The different levels of communication classes aid in giving students the ability to work with others and be able to present in front of groups of people.

“What we do is take what students are learning in the classroom and then let them practice it, review concepts, work on application, whatever they need to do,” says Mary Early, LSC director.

The LSC has two new tutors provided for communications, adjunct communications faculty, Tom Simpson, and PVCC student Kim Ethier.

“The idea is to reinforce their learning and part of the tutor’s job is to…help students become independent in their studying, teach them the techniques, strategies, not only for the class they come in for, but…what they’re learning will translate to other classes,” says Early.

Richard Morales, LSC coordinator, also believes that students can learn life lessons through tutoring. “I just think that we’re meeting the students’ needs and that’s what we’re here for, to support their success,” says Morales.

Students can receive extra help in all types of communications classes, as well as nursing, marketing, business or English courses, which all can require presentations or reports.

“Anything you have to do an oral report in, this is the place you’d want to come to perfect your skills and to make sure that you’re putting it together well,” says Simpson.

If students want to be tutored in the communications department particularly, they may check in at the LSC and staff will direct them to the tutor of their choice. Simpson says he is always willing to help students better themselves.

“You think about getting help with math, you think about getting help with English, but you don’t ever think, ‘Gee, if I’d enhance my presentation what could I do?’ and students don’t even know it’s available,” says Simpson.

He says that what he expects of students is that they should want to be helped and they should want to improve.

The most common problem with students in communication classes, according to Simpson, is their fear of presenting or speaking in front of their classmates.  Students with speech anxiety can expect the communication tutoring to focus on going through different techniques so that they may relax when presenting.

“When I watch a student be successful, I can’t think of a better feeling. I really can’t.  I believe that learning doesn’t have to all be work. It can be a lot of fun,” says Simpson.

The lab and tutoring area is equipped with a computer, projector, and podium so students can gain the closest experience to the legitimate situation. Simpson says he makes certain that the students work on the three different aspects of organization, content and delivery when giving speeches or presentations so that the content is presented correctly. The classes also have some essay writing and group projects that Simpson says he is willing to help with if required by students.

“We want the very best (tutors) coming in, doing the very best job working with students  and if there are problems, our doors are open. We listen to students and resolve the situation,” says Early.

For complete tutoring hours or scheduling, visit the LSC, located in the E building.