Abnormal Psych Tutoring JMU

Abnormal Psychology Tutors for JMU

[Abnormal Psych Tutoring JMU @AbnormalTutors]

@MStoloff The weekly interactions were particularly important for the online class. Our goal was to regularly check in with students and allow an opportunity to ask any questions they may have. We also wanted to allow the students to form more social connections during an isolated time.

[Abnormal Psych Tutoring JMU @AbnormalTutors]

This year, we were able to continue to offer tutoring services to JMU PSYC 335 students. We adapted our responsibilities and added new pieces to engage and interact with students in the online format. Check out what we do on our #JMUPsychSymposium2021 poster and ask us about it!

[Abnormal Psych Tutoring JMU @AbnormalTutors]

@MStoloff We think the program was likely more important in the online format. Before, we had a hands-off approach in which students had to actively seek individual tutoring. This semester, we have actively tried to help students in anticipation of problems with online learning.

[Abnormal Psych Tutoring JMU @AbnormalTutors]

@emily_shah28 We also gain interpersonal and communication skills through our interactions with fellow tutors, students, and Dr. Brewster. Finally, we gain a lot of time-management skills as essentially all of our work is self-paced! (2/2)

[Abnormal Psych Tutoring JMU @AbnormalTutors]

@emily_shah28 We see growth among all tutors in a number of areas, especially in writing and presenting. Our Large Review sessions and Mini-Lectures allow us to gain presentation skills (which we critique each other on) and writing skills through our extensive, peer-edited scripts. (1/2)

[Abnormal Psych Tutoring JMU @AbnormalTutors]

@KaraEversole However, while it’s presented a struggle in terms of facilitating group discussions and encouraging class participation, it’s also helped us as TAs to develop more creative approaches.

[Abnormal Psych Tutoring JMU @AbnormalTutors]

@KaraEversole The pandemic and online learning has impacted our ability to connect with the students as well as their engagement in class and group discussions. If it was possible, I’d change the setting to an in-person rather than an online format.

[Abnormal Psych Tutoring JMU @AbnormalTutors]

@KaraEversole We have talked about adding more material into the weekly breakout groups, should they continue in future semesters online. Students seem to find other types of material to be beneficial rather than just reviewing homework assignments.

[Abnormal Psych Tutoring JMU @AbnormalTutors]

@krizzyvj This also ties into the most rewarding part - being able to interact with and help students. We have received feedback that students enjoyed the weekly meetings with the TAs. We were able to see more students than in a normal semester where we only do individual tutoring.

[Abnormal Psych Tutoring JMU @AbnormalTutors]

@krizzyvj One of the most challenging parts this semester was finding ways to adapt the class to allow for more interaction. We wanted to engage the students and reduce the isolation felt with online learning. We did this by holding weekly, smaller breakout groups to go over the material.