The Learning Commons
- Make a one-time appointment at the Writing Center*
- Request tutoring for one of your classes
- Access 24/7 Tutoring through NetTutor
*Writing Center appointments must be made at least 24 hours in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the tutors?
Tutors are Gavilan students or members of the community who have volunteered their time. Every peer tutor must be recommended by an instructor, have successfully completed the classes they tutor for, and complete a 1.0 unit tutor training course to develop their skills.
How long is a tutoring session?
Tutoring sessions are between 20 and 50 minutes, depending on the subject and your need. When you sign up for tutoring, you can indicate how long you would like your session to be.
How do I sign up for tutoring?
We offer three ways to access tutoring that fits your schedule:
- Make an Appointment at the Writing Center
- Request Tutoring for one of your classes
- Access 24/7 Tutoring through NetTutor
To access NetTutor, Log in to myGav, switch to the "Student" tab, and click on the "Online Tutoring" logo.
How should I prepare for my tutoring session?
- Have your materials (books, assignments, etc.) with you if possible.
- Be prepared to copy and paste or upload a file with your assignment, if possible.
- Groups are welcome! If you're working with a group, let us know and we'll make sure that you are all in on the same session online.
- Be on time for your session. When you log in, say hello so that your tutor knows you're there.
- Remember: Tutoring sessions are 50 minutes in length. Come prepared to stay for your entire session.
- Before the end of your session, make sure to schedule your next appointment.
- After your session, check your email or log into WCONLINE to view the summary of your tutoring session and the next steps you and your tutor created at the end of your session.
How often should I meet with a tutor?
At least once a week.
Why? National studies on academic support show that students who participate in tutoring on a regular basis earn higher grades when compared to students who don’t participate at all.
What happens if I miss a tutoring session?
We understand. Life happens and sometimes you have to miss a session. We ask that you let us know ahead of time if you are going to miss a session, and we'll contact you if we don't hear from you. If you miss several sessions without notifying us, we will cancel the remainder of your tutoring sessions, and you'll need to talk with us before you can sign up for another session.
How can I get help using iLearn or technology?
We know that you might have questions and anxiety about using technology and iLearn. To help you, our tutors have been trained to answer your technology questions and help you navigate iLearn in the easiest way possible. In fact, many courses have peer leaders embedded into them, so be on the lookout for messages and announcements that will help you succeed in learning online.
You can also drop-in for one-on-one help from a peer tutor.
Here are some resources to help:
- Join the free, self-paced iLearn Orientation : This resource was created to answer most questions you might have about using iLearn, seeing grades and feedback on assignments, and other services on campus available to help you.
- Online Student Support: Use this link to talk directly to counselors, financial aid, and many other student service people. This is a GREAT link to get most of your classes answered.
- For all iLearn questions, visit https://www.gavilan.edu/student/online/index.php
How do I get help with a writing assignment?
You can schedule an appointment with a writing assistant online.
During regular hours, Monday-Thursday, 8:30-6 and Friday, 8:30-2, you can drop in online for immediate assistance.
How do I become a peer tutor?
We accept applications year-round, but unless we have a specific subject need, we usually only hire and train peer tutors twice per year, at the end of each semester. Learn more about how to become a peer tutor...
Online Writing Center
OUR MISSION
The Gavilan College Writing Center serves the campus community by fostering, celebrating and encouraging writers and the varied and multiple purposes and audiences that writing serves.
The center assists writers in identifying and developing tools and strategies to meet goals for their writing both in and out of the classroom. Likewise, the center collaborates with instructors in identifying and developing best writing teaching practices across the curriculum. It offers space for exploration and reflection on a wide range of written material, promotes an appreciation for literature and literacy, and cultivates diverse writers’ voices and the communities that nurture them.
The Writing Center offers free one-to-one reading, writing, and research help to all Gavilan students for any class (not just English!).
Make an ONLINE appointment at the Writing Center
Help with Writing, Reading, & Critical Thinking
Writing Process
Grammar, Sentence Structure, Wording, & Punctuation
Integrating Information: Summary, Paraphrase, & Quotation
MLA & APA Citation & Formatting
Common Writing Assignments
Critical Reading & Thinking
Revision & Editing
Academic Tips & Study Tools
Did you know? We offer one-on-one and small group study sessions for many classes.
Handouts & Study Tools
Tips or Studying
- Memory Aids
- Mnemonic Devices
- Higher-Order Thinking: Bloom's Taxonomy
- Get Organized Handout: My Week at a Glance
- Note-taking Strategies
- DON'T CRAM!
- Study Schedule/Study Plan
- Study Tips for Different Learning Styles
- Things Students Should Ask When They Get Stuck
- Study Groups and College Success
- Using Your Textbooks
- How to Study Chemistry
- Problem-Solving in Physics