Texas Tech University

TECHniques Center Tutoring

The TECHniques Center is certified by the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA). The TECHniques Center is currently able to certify tutors for three levels: basic, advanced, master.

This certification ensures that TECHniques tutors are not only knowledgeable in the subject, but also trained in areas such as learning disabilities and learning styles, which will increase the tutors' effectiveness.

Tutors attend a minimum of 10 training hours per semester and meet regularly with TECHniques staff to receive feedback on tutoring skills and how to further aid individual students.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the tutors' expectations of students?

In order for tutors to effectively assist students, students should attend class. They should also attend all tutoring sessions and be on time; tutors will only wait 15 minutes. Tutors will stick to regular meeting times and places. Students should be respectful of tutors' schedules – missed sessions are hard to make up or reschedule. Call the tutor if there is a need to reschedule a tutoring session due to an unexpected emergency. Bring needed materials to tutoring sessions. Set mini goals; be specific about what needs to be covered each session. Communicate with tutors. Students should study outside of class and tutoring, read, and attempt to do assignments. Come to tutoring with specific questions.

What are the requirements to be a TECHniques Center tutor?

  • 40 credit hours by first tutoring assignment
  • Cumulative GPA of at least 3.0; A/B in the subject

How are tutors assigned?

Prior to the beginning of each semester, the TECHniques Center staff evaluates the classes that the students are taking, and compares those classes to the tutors' transcripts. Students will be matched with a tutor who has taken the same course and received a B or better. Please note that students are not guaranteed to have the same tutor every semester, nor are tutors required to have the same major, though it often occurs.

How often does tutoring occur?

TECHniques students are allotted from 2 to 8 hours of tutoring per week, depending on the level of services chosen. The number of appointments scheduled with students should be based on the number and difficulty of classes that are being tutored. Students make regularly scheduled appointments and are expected to attend every one. Even if students do not have homework, tutors have been trained to assist students in improving their study skills and learning strategies, so all appointments should be kept.

Where does tutoring take place?

Tutors and students schedule appointments at times that are mutually satisfactory to both parties. This generally falls within normal operating hours of the TECHniques Center. However, tutoring may be conducted between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. if students and tutors agree to this. Tutoring must take place in the TECHniques Center or another approved on-campus site. Tutoring may not take place in the Student Union Building, a dorm room, coffee shop, etc.

What are some things that tutors should not do?

A tutor should not plan any non-academic related activities with TECHniques students outside the TECHniques Center. A tutor should not contact a Texas Tech faculty or staff member, parents, or other person connected to students by phone, in writing, or in person to discuss the progress of students. A tutor should not help students with the content of a take-home or Blackboard test.

Tutor and student sit at a table playing a flash card game

TECHniques Center