Types of Tutoring

The Tutoring and Learning Center utilizes the Accudemia Scheduling System, which allows students to work with subject tutors or general writing tutors in person or online for real-time tutoring appointments.

Students looking for tutoring support for a paper are also able to request a Writing Dropbox appointment. These appointments allow students to get feedback on their writing via asynchronous written comments. Students upload their paper(s) for tutors to read and provide feedback on (students do not attend appointments ). 

We provide several different ways for students to learn material.

One-on-One Appointment Tutoring

Appointment tutoring is perfect for students who have several questions, or would like more intensive assistance. Students can schedule up to one hour per day, and up to three hours per week in appointments. 

All in-person tutoring appointments are held on the first floor of the Learning Commons at the Dandini Campus, and the online appointments take place via our scheduling system. 

Forgot to make an appointment? No problem! Walk-in to the Tutoring Center and if there is an available tutor, we will make an appointment for you on the spot, or you may have the option of joining a session already in progress.

Note: You must be currently enrolled at TMCC in the class for which you are receiving tutoring.

Make an Appointment

Brainfuse HelpNow (Online Tutoring)

In a partnership with Washoe County Library, TMCC students can get live, on-demand homework help and skills-building lessons from expert tutors using Brainfuse HelpNow. Using Brainfuse, students can communicate with tutors in real-time using a virtual, whiteboard classroom by writing, drawing, and marking-up lessons/web content. Students can also access a full-service writing lab and an integrated test-prep center.

To log in to Brainfuse HelpNow, TMCC students will need a Washoe County Library Card. 

If you need assistance accessing Brainfuse, please see our step-by-step instructions.

Student Using Computer

Supplemental Instruction (SI)

Supplemental Instruction is regularly-scheduled, tutor-led study and review sessions, conducted outside of and in addition to normal classroom/lecture time.

Sessions are open to all students enrolled in any section of a particular course and seek to provide students with an opportunity to explore course materials from new perspectives. Students who attend SI tend to have higher course grades and semester GPAs than students who do not attend.

In these sessions, students work actively and collaboratively under the guidance of a tutor to come to a deeper understanding of key concepts and problems. 

Students may attend as many SI sessions in a given semester as they would like. Attendance is free, and the hours spent in SI do not count toward your daily/weekly appointment tutoring caps.

Embedded Tutoring

Embedded Tutoring is a type of Supplemental Instruction in which the assigned tutor attends all or some class meetings for a specific section of a course, depending on the needs of the students and instructor.

The exact role of the embedded tutor is flexible, but some examples include:

  • Assisting with group discussions or activities
  • Offering mini-tutorials for small groups or individuals who need additional support
  • Demonstrating and modeling positive student behaviors
  • Serving as a liaison between students and tutoring or other academic services.
  • Embedded tutors are not Instructional Assistants and are not permitted to grade exams or assignments, proctor exams or quizzes, or enforce classroom management or discipline policies.

Female Tutor with Student

Writing Help

TMCC provides free tutoring service for students who want help at any stage of the writing process, from brainstorming to revising. This includes work on any writing assignment across the curriculum and in any discipline.

Our mission is to create independent learners by giving you the tools and resources you need to become a better writer. We focus on the person and the process, not just the paper.

Our peer tutors focus primarily on global issues, such as content, organization and tone, and with time permitting, they will cover local issues, including grammar, punctuation and mechanics.

Our tutors can also focus on idea development, comprehension, and research for specific assignments in any course. To better help students with their writing, we offer one-on-one tutoring, drop-in tutoring, and group workshops on writing-related subjects.

Subject Tutoring

The Tutoring and Learning Center (TLC) houses appointment tutoring for a variety of classes. 

Subjects currently offered include:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Sciences
  • Foreign Languages
  • Math
  • Physics
  • Writing
  • And so much more!

Students in lab

Fine Focus Learning Lab

The Fine Focus Learning Lab is a dry lab that gives students hands-on access to human anatomy models and microscopes.

During open lab hours, students can ask tutors questions about lab and lecture materials, find resources to enhance their understanding of core concepts or build study skills, improve and practice microscope skills, or view slides.

Fine Focus Learning Lab Conduct and Policies

  • Sign-in/Sign-out Procedure: Students must sign in and out when using the lab at the kiosk located at the front of the room.
  • Respectful Behavior: Please maintain respect towards all students, staff, and tutors while in the Fine Focus Learning Lab (F2L2).
  • Usage of Equipment: Gloves and wooden pointers are provided and must be used when handling models. All models and microscopes must be handled correctly.
  • Prohibited Items: Absolutely no food, drink, or gum is allowed in the lab.
  • Attire Recommendations: Open-toed shoes and/or loose-fitted clothing are not suggested in the lab for safety reasons.