Students learn in many different ways. Some need to talk to others about course material before feeling confident with it, others need one-on-one help and still others can absorb all the information they need to know simply by going to class.

The University of Guelph recognizes the different learning needs of students and provides avenues to ensure that these needs are met. Today I am going to write about three different learning resources that are available on campus to assist with academic learning.

Supported Learning Groups (SLGs) – SLGs are offered by Learning Services at the library. They are peer led study sessions for certain high enrolment classes that assist students in grasping difficult course materials. SLGs are led by upper year students who took the exact same course and who did quite well in it. These study groups are a great opportunity for your student to meet students in the same class as them in a smaller format. As well, the leader of the SLG will give students new ways of approaching concepts and course content. Basically, the SLG goes over the same material as the class that week but in a smaller, more learner friendly atmosphere. These are free and take place at the Library. Note that they are not offered for every single first year course. Click here for a list of SLGs. The leader is also available to answer questions on a one-on-one basis. For more information about this resource, click here.

Tutoring at Guelph (TAG) – Sometimes students need one-on-one assistance that they are not receiving in their large classes. A great way to receive this help is from a tutor who has taken the course before and is an upper year or graduate student. Professors can often recommend tutors to students if they ask. Another great way of connecting with a tutor is through Tutoring at Guelph (TAG). TAG is a database where people who are interested in being a tutor enter their information. When your student is looking for a tutor, they input the course that they’re interested in, the level of education of the student and they can even put in the price that they’re interested in paying. TAG then finds all the tutors that meet those descriptions. Note that you do need to pay for a tutor so I would suggest exhausting other avenues first (i.e. SLGs, TA’s or study groups), especially if money is tight. That being said, tutors can be incredible useful for solidifying concepts that your student is struggling with and getting that one-on-one help that is missing from University level classes. Remember that your student is in charge of “hiring” the tutor so encourage them not to feel awkward about asking the potential tutors questions like whether or not they have taken the course, what their grade was, what their experience with tutoring is and that sort of thing. For more information about TAG, click here. Note that while the University of Guelph does provide this database, the University is not responsible for screening tutors.

Study Groups at Guelph is another online database that aims to connect Guelph students who are seeking study groups for specific courses. This is a newer resource and I just came across it in the last month or two. Sometimes studying in a group can be really beneficial as it offers the opportunity for students to explain things to each other, solidify understandings and learn from others. This website also provides tips for studying in groups which is really useful for ensuring that all the students in the group are there for the same reasons and have similar goals for the course. This resource is free and is a great complement to SLGS or TAG. If there isn’t a group for what your student is looking for, they can start one! Keep in mind that all students learn and study differently so unstructured group study may not work for everyone. For more information about Study Groups at Guelph, click here.

As I said, every student learns and studies differently. Some need to be alone in a silent room, while others learn better in groups while still others need a little bit of both. The key to success is for your student to figure out what works best for them. These are three strictly academic resources that can help with course material and learning.

If you have any questions, or need input on other resources on campus to assist your student, don’t hesitate to send me an email!

Have a great weekend!