Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect when I come to The Learning Center?
First things first, you'll be asked to sign in on one of the laptops so we know what sort of work you need help with. You'll then be set up with one of our student tutors, but you may have to wait patiently for a few minutes if all of our tutors are working with students. Our tutors will treat you with respect, ask what you need help with, and may ask some more questions about the assignment, so please have any relevant materials with you and ready to go so your tutor can help you to the best of their ability. What they won't do is do your work for you, give you the answers to your work, or fix your mistakes. Expect a friendly, helpful discussion about the work you need help with.
I have a paper that I wrote for class: will you edit/proofread it for me?
We are more than happy to read through a piece of writing for its organization, clarity, or other critical writing skills, but our tutors won't just correct your grammar mistakes for you while you sit back and relax. It's best if you come with specific questions or concerns that our tutors can focus on as they read through your essay with you. You're a part of the process, too! A tutor may read your essay aloud with you or make suggestions for clarity, but The Learning Center is not an editing service.
I don't even have an essay started yet: can I still come in for help on it?
Absolutely! Our tutors can help you brainstorm ideas and help you organize them once you get them down. They can't do the work for you, and they won't tell you what to write down, but they will guide you through the brainstorming process and ask questions that will point you toward your goal as a writer.
I don't understand this math problem: can you help me with it?
Yes. Make sure you bring your textbook and/or any resources your teacher gave you so our tutors can help guide you through the process with the materials you have available to you. Our goal isn't just to help you get the problem done, but to help you understand how to do it on your own before you leave!
What about other subjects? Can I come in for help with something other than English or Math?
Our tutors have experience with a wide variety of subjects and courses at HPHS, so chances are we'll have someone in the room who has been or is currently in a course that you require help with. We can't promise that we'll always have somebody, but our tutors can help you think through pretty much any assignment you throw their way.
Can I come in during the middle of a period?
Definitely. Our tutors may already be busy, but if you don't mind waiting patiently, we will set you up with the first available tutor.
Do I have to work with a student tutor? Can I work with a teacher instead?
While the philosophy of our center is student-driven, peer-to-peer learning, if you would prefer to work with a teacher for a particular assignment, you can ask one of the teachers in The Learning Center
I just have some work to do and like the environment of The Learning Center: do I have to work with a tutor or teacher?
Nope. Sit back, relax, and get some work done! Just don't interrupt others, please, and make sure you still sign in.
First things first, you'll be asked to sign in on one of the laptops so we know what sort of work you need help with. You'll then be set up with one of our student tutors, but you may have to wait patiently for a few minutes if all of our tutors are working with students. Our tutors will treat you with respect, ask what you need help with, and may ask some more questions about the assignment, so please have any relevant materials with you and ready to go so your tutor can help you to the best of their ability. What they won't do is do your work for you, give you the answers to your work, or fix your mistakes. Expect a friendly, helpful discussion about the work you need help with.
I have a paper that I wrote for class: will you edit/proofread it for me?
We are more than happy to read through a piece of writing for its organization, clarity, or other critical writing skills, but our tutors won't just correct your grammar mistakes for you while you sit back and relax. It's best if you come with specific questions or concerns that our tutors can focus on as they read through your essay with you. You're a part of the process, too! A tutor may read your essay aloud with you or make suggestions for clarity, but The Learning Center is not an editing service.
I don't even have an essay started yet: can I still come in for help on it?
Absolutely! Our tutors can help you brainstorm ideas and help you organize them once you get them down. They can't do the work for you, and they won't tell you what to write down, but they will guide you through the brainstorming process and ask questions that will point you toward your goal as a writer.
I don't understand this math problem: can you help me with it?
Yes. Make sure you bring your textbook and/or any resources your teacher gave you so our tutors can help guide you through the process with the materials you have available to you. Our goal isn't just to help you get the problem done, but to help you understand how to do it on your own before you leave!
What about other subjects? Can I come in for help with something other than English or Math?
Our tutors have experience with a wide variety of subjects and courses at HPHS, so chances are we'll have someone in the room who has been or is currently in a course that you require help with. We can't promise that we'll always have somebody, but our tutors can help you think through pretty much any assignment you throw their way.
Can I come in during the middle of a period?
Definitely. Our tutors may already be busy, but if you don't mind waiting patiently, we will set you up with the first available tutor.
Do I have to work with a student tutor? Can I work with a teacher instead?
While the philosophy of our center is student-driven, peer-to-peer learning, if you would prefer to work with a teacher for a particular assignment, you can ask one of the teachers in The Learning Center
I just have some work to do and like the environment of The Learning Center: do I have to work with a tutor or teacher?
Nope. Sit back, relax, and get some work done! Just don't interrupt others, please, and make sure you still sign in.