SLC | Becoming a Science Tutor | General Information

Responsibilities and expectations of new tutors:

• All new tutors must attend one of the three sections of the weekly tutor training seminar and do all assignments. The three sections of the seminar are at the following times:

Tuesday 2:00-3:30, Thursday 12:30-2:00, and Friday 12:00-1:30.

• Training seminars are mandatory for all tutors, whether receiving credit for tutoring or not. Tutors will learn techniques for and discuss issues involved in teaching science subjects. This seminar will emphasize both individual tutoring and group teaching. Tutors will receive feedback from both their peers and the program coordinators. All three seminars are same each week, and it does not matter which one you attend.
• New tutors will tutor weekly for at least 5 hours/week. Tutors may be assigned either a student to tutor individually or a study group leader to assist for 2 hours/week, and will work in the science drop-in area the rest of the time. But, most tutors will exclusively work in drop-in.
• New tutors will keep up with the classes that they are tutoring for by reading SLC provided course notes, or by attending course lectures. Tutors will have access to written materials, and experienced tutors and staff.

Specific information about the tutor field study program (credit or auditing)

New tutors participating in the tutor field study have the choice of receiving academic credit for tutoring or auditing (receive no credit).

• For students wanting to receive credit for tutoring, there are three possible courses to enroll in: Ed 97, Ed 197, and Chem 301B.
  • Chem 301B must be taken for 2 units. It can be only be taken by students who are planning to tutor in chemistry, and want exactly 2 units credit.
  • Ed 97 and 197 can be taken for between 1-3 units. Ed 97 can only be taken by students who have fewer than 60 units credit. Ed 197 can only be taken by those who have more than 60 units. For receiving 2 units credit, tutors must tutor at least 5 hours/week, and for 3 units must tutor at least 8 hours/week. Receiving 1 unit credit is an option, but students must still meet the minimum tutoring requirement of 5 hours/week.
• Students choosing to audit this tutor field study must attend all seminars and fulfill all of the requirements that those taking it for credit do.

Specific information for applicants of paid tutoring positions

Drop-in Tutor: Pay: $12.00/hr (3-12 hours/wk depending on scheduling and need)

• Work as a tutor for a specific subject (rather than just one class) in the Drop-in Tutoring Area.
• Paid tutors are sometimes asked to assist the more inexperienced tutors in drop-in.

Study Group Leader: Pay: $14.23/hr* for 4 hrs/week & $12.00/hr for 6 hrs/week

• SLC science study group leaders coach students through some of Cal's lower division science courses by a combination of lecturing, quizzes, worksheets, handouts, exam review sessions, and directed group work.
• Group leaders are required to attend meetings during the semester. Two meetings will be introductory training sessions, and at least 7 will be hour-long meetings with the science coordinator and the other group leaders. First time group leaders must also attend a separate introductory training.

* For those with a college degree, the pay rates are $14.87/hr.