Academic Resource Center

ARC LAB open during summer

2017-07-11T09:14:00.002-07:00

Visit the Academic Resource Center at Hermann Hall room 112 for computing, printing and tutoring needs. You can now make an appointment using TutorTrac.

Seven Hundred Fifty Three

2015-02-13T13:28:00.001-08:00

View 753 sections at IIT are covered by 59 tutors at the ARC. Click here to view how many tutors can help you for your section. View schedules for subject area tables here: https://web.iit.edu/arc/tutoring-schedule

Limited Tutoring at the ARC

2015-02-02T10:06:00.001-08:00

Due to inclement weather conditions for commuter ARC scholars, only limited tutoring is available. You can check the updates here:

https://web.iit.edu/arc/student-resources/events

ARC Closed today, Feb 1st

2015-02-01T15:36:00.001-08:00

Due to weather conditions, the ARC will be closed for today. Stay safe and stay warm!

ARC Spring 2015 Hiring

2014-12-15T10:19:00.001-08:00

The Academic Resource Center is looking for qualified students who can help with MMAE (AE Major), MATH, CS, ECE, CHEM and BME (Neural or Imaging Track). If you are interested in working for the ARC, please apply here: http://iit.edu/arc/employment_at_arc.shtml

Final Week Schedule

2014-12-05T09:03:00.001-08:00

Final Week Schedule is now available here: 2014F Final Week Schedule

Update: Late Night Tutoring at MSV now includes MMAE

2014-12-01T07:38:00.001-08:00

The ARC Scholars from MATH, CAE, ARCE, ECE, CS and MMAE areas will be working at the MSV Fishbowl room on Thu & Fri evening 7pm till mid-night!

Late Night Help for the Final Exams: Tutoring in MSV

2014-11-24T10:38:00.001-08:00

We are hosting cramming sessions on Thursday (12/4) and Friday (12/5) night at the MSV Fishbowl from 7pm till mid-night. Currently, only three ARC Scholars are participating who can help with MATH, CAE, ARCE, ECE and CS areas. No need to make an appointment, just drop in during the tutorial sessions.

Hiring

2014-08-27T15:53:00.001-07:00

ARC is looking to hire additional tutors in the following areas:

CS | CHEM | ECE | PSYC | BME | MMAE | BUS

Apply here: http://iit.edu/arc/employment_at_arc.shtml

You will be contacted by the ARC if selected for an interview.

Thank you for all your comments. We want more!

2014-04-03T13:29:00.001-07:00

SerapheimD: I am only alive because of this man! thank you have him fail his classes so he can help me next year! peace out |

SilvaR: Very helpful!!! I feel so much better about the material after meeting with him. |

SubashL: He explained very well. I really have a good concept of my work. He explained everything in details. |

SuL: He's Awesome! |

TayJengC: Best physics tutor EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |

TristanL: yeah hes good at math. like a book with numbers and stuff |

VeronicaH: She told me what I had to do in a very simple, fast, and clear manner. |

WeronikaS: Weronika is awesome and knows her stuff!! |

WesT: Thank you Wes for being able to help me with all of my classes at the same time as I talk about the things I don't understand in each of them |

YiYunF: She was great at helping us understand how to do a similar problem for the future. |

YuanbinW: Great help. Now I have a better understanding of how to approach problems. |

2014-04-03T13:23:00.001-07:00

MiriamS: Miriam was helpful and offered study tips and key topics that should be studied. |

NicholasC: Thankfully he helped me through my Real Analysis and persisted despite the difficulty level of the course. Great job. |

PranavaS: one of the best physics tutors, explains difficult concepts very clearly |

QingW: Great! Qing is super knowledgeable and helpful. |

RaisaV: Raisa, from MMAE table is an amazing tutor! She helped alot! |

RohitA: He was very helpful. He knew his information and I have learned more in these 2 hours than I have in my whole semester so far. VERY good tutor. |

SamuelA: Both Anh and Samuel helped me. Thank You! |

SerapheimD: Excellent Tutor!!! He is the reason I am passing my class!!! |

We have so much to share.

2014-04-03T10:01:00.001-07:00

JeffreyP: stayed past his allotted time. thanks! |

JeffreyS: Very helpful in explaining homework problems that covered difficult topics. |

JoshuaG: He was able to help me with my MATLAB problems without just telling what to type out. |

JunyuY: very helpful. I am now ready for my exam. |

KathleenL: She taught me Java......it was amazing...she is amazing . |

KennethR: Ken is amazing and he gets the job of tutoring effectively and quickly! he's the BOSS! |

KulsumI: She is an outstanding tutor! |

MadhushreeG: Very helpful on problems. Checked work step by step. Made sure answers were understood. |

MeaganL: Meagan really helped me out she is very friendly and I was very comfortable asking her questions. I will come back for sure when more exams come up to ask for her help. |

MelindaB: Great tutor. Explained concepts thoroughly |

MichaelD: Always A treat to work with Michael. |

MingyangY: Got me on the right track! |

2014-04-03T09:45:00.001-07:00

DylanB: Dylan was extremely helpful with this subject. In fact, he was so helpful he never once needed to assist me with my hw |

ElizabethM: I know the student because we have the same major and year. It was helpful because I'm used to working with her. |

ErezM: Erez is very proficient at matlab and is a good tutor! |

FaezehossadatK: Thank you for your excellent tutor. |

GeorgeB: George is the best!! Great guy, great tutor..very helpful!! I'm a business wiz now!! |

GraceD: :) thanks a looot :) she is the best |

HyeSunJ: She is the most awesome tutor in the ARC! Thanks for your amazing help HyeSun. Your remarks helped bring my architecture project to a higher level. |

JaeideJ: Jaeide was an amazing tutor. He made me confident for the exam |

JamesM: Fantastic. Very friendly and not judgmental. Extremely knowledgeable about the area of questions I had. |

JamesP: organic chem makes more sense!!!!!! |

This is what your peers are saying about the ARC

2014-04-03T09:43:00.001-07:00

AbhiroopC: Abhi is an exceptional tutor. He is very knowledgeable about the subject, and provides clear explanations. |

AlexandraM: Great, helped us with our work step by step and made sure we knew what we were doing. Thanks! |

AndyH: Fantastic!!! Very helpful. Made things very understandable. |

AnneC: thank u Anne u r the best!!!! |

BhavinP: I understand how to use Revit now! |

BidushaP: Bidusha is a very very very helpful tutor. I have been so better in my class after I have been visiting her. her words set in your mind and clear your confusion. |

DarrellM: Darrell obviously knows what he talking about! Hes very good at physics! |

DonelE: Donel helped me so much. I am going to pass my test tomorrow! |

Spring 2014 Syllabi (http://goo.gl/8hczAS)

2014-01-27T08:40:00.001-08:00

We are creating electronic files for course syllabi. Feel free to drop off your syllabi with the ARC monitor at HH-112. You can access this semester syllabi here any time: http://goo.gl/8hczAS

New Year's Resolutions for the College Student

2013-12-31T09:11:00.004-08:00

As the new year is nearly upon us, revelers will spend tonight celebrating this new beginning with family and friends. Another tradition for the New Year's is that of making resolutions, and this year will be no exception. However, for many students it is difficult to know where to begin making resolutions-especially ones that we will keep.

Here is list of suggestions for those of you who on New Year's Eve need a little help in making resolutions for 2014. Be sure to check out number 3; the ARC may be able to help you out on that one in 2014.

http://collegelife.about.com/od/cocurricularlife/a/GoodNewYearsResolutions.htm

Happy New Year!

Fall 2013 Final Week Schedule

2013-11-26T14:42:00.001-08:00

ARC's final week schedule is now available in the tutoring schedule page. Here is the direct link: https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B-BjGwaq3YZmNzI3NklNRWlCaTQ&usp=sharing

Employment

2013-11-20T11:05:00.001-08:00

Apply to become an ARC Scholar for Spring 2014 http://iit.edu/arc/employment_at_arc

The Freshmen 8! Sleep Challenge

2013-09-22T17:17:00.001-07:00

The first study tip for the year has nothing to do with studying at all! In the study cited by the Huffington Post in the article below they found:

"In a study of short sleepers (less than six hours); average sleepers (six to eight hours); and long sleepers (eight-plus hours) ... the long sleepers had the highest GPAs.

Then in 2007 researchers looked at what type of sleeper got better grades: A "morning person" or a "night owl." What they discovered: an extreme night owl would have an average GPA of about 2.5 and, as each person became more and more of an early bird, their GPAs increased all the way to a 3.5.

This year, researchers discovered that nearly a third of college students surveyed at least one sleep disorder. These researchers found that students without sleep disorders had a higher GPA than those with sleep disorders. GPA scores lower than 2.00 were more likely to be those of students with at least one sleep disorder."

Personally, I have seen this affect my own grades. During my third year, I began to prioritize sleep and saw a significant improvement in my grades as well as my energy and attitude. The next time you have to choose between cramming all night and getting your sleep, I challenge you to choose sleep!

Check out the full story below:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-michael-j-breus/the-freshman-8-and-your-g_b_703155.html

Final Week Tutoring Schedule

2013-05-07T08:42:00.001-07:00

Final week schedule: http://goo.gl/DRhFh

Good Luck!

Tips for better test taking

2013-05-01T11:36:00.001-07:00

Analyze how you did on a similar test in the past.
Review your previous tests and sample tests provided by your teacher.
Each test you take prepares you for the next one!

Arrive early for tests.
List what you need beforehand to avoid panic.
Good preparation prepares you for the task at hand.

Be comfortable but alert.
Choose a comfortable location with space enough that you need
Don't slouch; maintain good posture.

Stay relaxed and confident.
Keep a good attitude and remind yourself that you are going to do your best.
If you find yourself panicking, take a few deep breaths
Don't talk to other students right before: stress can be contagious.

Read directions carefully!
and avoid careless errors.

If there is time, quickly look through the test for an overview.
Scan for keywords. If permitted, jot any notes that come to mind.

Answer questions in a strategic order:
Easy questions first to build confidence.
Then those with the most point value.
On objective tests, eliminate obvious incorrect answers.
On essay tests, broadly outline your answer and sequence of points.

Review! if you have time.
Resist the urge to leave when you complete the exam--
check if you have answered all the questions,
and not made any errors or mis-marked any answers.

Change answers to questions if you erred, or misread the question!
You may also find information in the test that will correct a previous answer.

Decide on and adopt study strategies that work best for you.
Review where you succeed and where you are challenged.
Check out your academic support center or a trusted teacher for advice.

http://www.studygs.net/tsttak1.htm

FALL EMPLOYMENT

2013-04-09T15:50:00.001-07:00

Fall employment application is now available. Visit http://iit.edu/arc/about/ for more information about employment.

Twenty-five Ways to Improve Motivation and Concentration

2013-03-20T09:33:00.001-07:00

1. Design an adequate environment for yourself. Check lighting, noise, comfort of furniture, etc., in three or four places to determine which spot works best for you.

2. Make sure you have all the tools (i.e. compass, notebook, pens) you need before beginning a study session.

3. Choose a regular time to study each day so that you set a pattern for yourself.

4. Have a special reminder pad for jotting down extraneous thought that enter your mind while you are studying (e.g. Calling a friend for a lunch date).

5. Use a symbol for studying. Choose an item, like a hat, that you put on when, and only when, you are studying or an item that you place on your desk as you study.

6. Relax your body before you start studying.

7. Relax your body and give yourself an affirmation and/or an image that will motivate you.

8. Do some alternate nostril breathing before you begin study. Active-Passive: Do 3 rounds, starting with your active nostril, break 3 rounds starting with you passive nostril, break, 3 rounds starting with your active nostril.

9. Imagine that your brain is filled with the subject that you are going to study and that there is no room for anything else. See that the entrances to your mind are blocked by that subject.

10. Take two minutes before reading to jot down everything you expect to come up in the text that you are about to read.

11. Employ and SQ3R technique to begin each subject.

12. Break assignments into small step-by-step tasks.

13. Analyze your study skills to make sure that your problem is one of concentration, not faulty study skills.

14. Look for a special interest in each subject for which you do not feel motivated. For example, of Biology does not thrill you but you are interested in keeping your body in good shape, you may be able to develop an interest in nutrition, the effects of exercise on muscles, etc.

15. Develop a contract for a particular study problem. Decide if you are more responsive to reward or punishment and construct a contract accordingly. For example, "For every 10 pages read, I can listen to music for 10 minutes", or "If I don't read 20 pages of history, I must wear mismatched socks tomorrow". Set up the contract on graph paper. Chart your progress over 5 study sessions before you consider making modifications.

16. Set realistic study goals.

17. Solve some of the problems that are interrupting your concentration (i.e., speak to your professor about the lecture that you didn't understand).

18. Keep a pencil in your hand while studying so that you can be an active participant in the process.

19. When you find that you are not concentrating, take some action. Suggestions: Make a check mark every time you find your mind wandering; stand up and turn around every time your mind wanders.

20. Take a short break after every 20-40 minutes of reading to let what you have just read have a chance to sink in and find its way to connectors and memory storage points in your mind. Do not use the break for a phone call, TV. Etc., just sit back and reflect on what you have read.

21. Watch your diet. Limit the amount of chemicals (that includes junk food, too!), sugar, and caffeine you are taking. They can give you a buzz but that don't really make you any more alert.

22. Exercise on a regular basis. Try exercising before you study to increase alertness.

23. Get 7-9 hours of sleep per 24-hour period. It does not all have to happen at one time.

24. Do not give in to mental fatigue - the kind that goes away when you do something besides studying. Push on and wait for the 2nd (or 3rd or 4th) "wind" that is another stage of alertness that will come if you persevere.

25. Talk about your concentration/motivation problems with a friend and/or make an appointment at the Learning and Academic Skills Center.

-University of Minnesota

10 tips for Managing Procrastination

2013-02-28T09:33:00.001-08:00

1. Know it when you see it:

There are days when you know exactly when, why, and how you're procrastinating. Other times, it's a little harder to tell. Convincing yourself that you can do less if you accept a lower grade or substituting one activity (like cleaning) for a more important one (like studying) are as much forms of procrastination as watching TV or hanging out with friends just before something is due. If you want to stop procrastinating, you have to recognize when you're doing it.

2. Be positive:

Taking a positive approach to whatever it is that you're doing can help motivate you and will reduce procrastination. Instead of thinking that you have to do something, tell yourself that you choose to do it. When you succeed at a task, acknowledge your hard work and don't pass it all off as good luck.

3. Overcome perfectionism:

The quest to be perfect isn't all that it's cracked up to be. Perfectionism can cause high stress levels and lower your productivity, which can lead to procrastination. Accept the fact that none of us will ever be perfect. Accomplishing the goals you set out for yourself is what makes you successful, even if you occasionally stumble along the way.

4. Set clear goals:

Setting clear and meaningful goals can help you to focus your energy. A general rule for setting realistic goals is to make sure you allot your time accordingly. Think honestly about how much time it'll take to get a job done, then double it. Remember, things won't always work out the way you planned. By monitoring your progress and making the necessary adjustments to your schedule, you'll accomplish more than you thought possible.

5. Prioritize:

With so many opportunities to do new and exciting things on campus, it's easy to put studying off to another day. Avoid giving in to impulsiveness by writing down all the things that you have to get done. Rate each item on a scale of 1 to 5 and focus on finishing the higher priority tasks before the lower ones.

6. Break it down:

Big projects can be overwhelming and might lead to procrastination if you don't know where to start or if you think there's simply too much to do. Rather than tackling a huge project all at once, work on smaller sections of the task over a longer period of time.

7. Pick your spot:

If you're not getting anything done at home, get out! Similarly, if you're running in to too many people you know, or there are too many distractions to keep you focused, find a more suitable environment to work in.

8. Get organized:

Plan a detailed daily schedule with blocks of time set aside during the day for different tasks. Setting up in advance prepares you mentally for accomplishing the activity. While you can't predict when an unexpected event might throw you off track, building flexibility into your schedule will keep you from falling behind. If you can, avoid arranging blocks of work back-to-back. Instead, plan to take breaks between activities.

9. Set reminders:

Once you get the hang of it, scheduling all the stuff you have to do is fairly easy. The hard part is actually doing it! Leave yourself easy-to-see reminders to keep you focused on the task at hand. Put them on the TV, your bedroom door, the bathroom mirror, or anywhere else where you can't miss them.

10. Reward yourself:

Rewarding yourself for finishing even the smallest task on your list of things to do serves two purposes: it makes you aware that managing procrastination is a process with several steps and it motivates you to do more. Promise yourself phone time, TV time, a get-together with friends, or anything else that you consider a reward.

Holiday

2012-12-18T13:13:00.001-08:00

Holidays are here: