The Tutoring and Academic Support Center

The TASC is dedicated to providing academic support for the entire BCC community. This support takes the form of providing one on one tutoring, small group tutoring through the Supplemental Instruction (SI) program, and computer instructional, audio-visual and written material. A major goal of the TASC is to help students develop independent learning skills in order to achieve their educational goals.

The TASC is a service of the Center for Developmental Education (CDE), which assists students at BCC to progress from their current level of educational proficiency to a level necessary to achieve their academic and career goals. This support takes the form of self-paced courses in reading, writing, and math, courses for those whom English is a second language, and support for those who have physical and learning disabilities. The TASC supports the needs of students in specific CDE courses as well as those from the College at large.

The overall philosophy of the TASC is based on the assumption that students learn in a variety of ways and at different speeds. The TASC, therefore, provides assistance through individual consultation, multi-media presentations, and computer-assisted instruction. Students coming to the TASC can avail themselves of trained personnel who are willing to work with them on an individual or small group basis. They can also work on their own utilizing the technology available. In other words, TASC personnel provide support and guidance to students. However, the emphasis is on student choice as to how that can be accomplished. In this way, students are helped to become more independent learners and to recognize that learning occurs in a variety of ways.

Another important element in the philosophy of the TASC is the reliance on peer tutors. While there are a number of professionals involved with the Center, the majority of tutors are currently enrolled students or those who have recently graduated. It is our feeling that students who need assistance will often feel more comfortable asking fellow students for help. It is important in this regard that tutors relate to tutees as fellow students. A tutor who projects a feeling of “superiority,” will soon turn off those whom they see to help. The concept of peer tutoring is well-established in the majority of colleges and universities in this country. Its success is based on the concept of “students helping students,” within an organized framework where tutors receive proper training and support.