Embedded Tutor Program

Program Overview

At Chabot, we provide peer-to-peer learning support closely connected with the classroom, in addition to our general tutoring programs: the Embedded Tutor program (formerly known as the Learning Assistant program).

This program, developed by instructors at Chabot College, places tutors right in classrooms to support student learning. This program differs from the graduate or teaching assistant model with which many instructors are familiar in that embedded tutors work directly with students in the classroom. They do not perform clerical tasks or do lesson preparation for the instructor. In other words, embedded tutors can contribute when students are grappling with concepts and the application of concepts, whether the concepts involve applying effective study strategies, knowing how to take lecture notes, understanding the reading, asking questions, or appreciating the perspective of the discipline.

Embedded tutors differ from general peer tutors in that they are assigned to support students in a specific course section (CRN) and embedded in the class to provide support. General peer tutors, on the other hand, work in one of the Learning Connection labs/centers and support students across all sections of the courses they tutor.

Embedded tutors can also work with students outside of the classroom by facilitating organized group study time (not tutoring or re-lecturing) that revolves around student-to-student interaction and cooperative learning outside of class.

When an instructor is assigned an embedded tutor (ET), the ET is assigned to a specific section of a course and will be alloted a certain number of hours to work each week over the course of the semester. ET’s may be assigned to work in lectures, labs, or “out-of-class” at the instructor’s discretion. The number of hours that can be allocated differ per program/course and per semester.

In order to be eligible for a position as an Embedded Tutor, students must be:

  • primarily Chabot students (not graduates or students who have transferred) 
  • enrolled in at least three academic units at Chabot in the semester they are working
  • requested by their Chabot College instructor who submits an ET request form each semester

Training requirements and other information

  • attend the required paid program orientation (required first semester only)
  • enroll in and pass TUTR 1 (½ unit fee-waived general training class; required first and second semesters)
  • enroll in and pass TUTR 2 (½ unit fee-waived discipline training class; required first and second semesters) 

Other helpful information

  • Embedded tutors may be requested for multiple semesters (up to four), but only need to complete the application/interview process and orientation before they start their first semester in the Learning Connection program.
  • The request form is sent out each semester to Chabot faculty via email. Since the forms do change from semester to semester, please make sure you use the current form to ensure we have the information we need!
    • Requests are considered for funding based on criteria including whether there are also tutors available for that class and course success rates.
    • The number of positions and hours that can be funded varies from discipline to discipline and from semester to semester
    • Requests are assigned on a semesterly basis; faculty must submit a request form each semester.
  • LA Program: FAQ - please read for more information on the Learning Assistant program
  • Learning Assistant Brochure - detailing what LA's can and cannot do
  • Learning Connection 101: How to Recommend & Use Learning Support Services to Support Student Learning
  • Tips For Selecting Tutors and Learning Assistants

For further assistance or information about the Embedded Tutor program, please contact Rachael Tupper-Eoff, Senior Administrative Assistant for the Learning Connection.