Q: Can you share your journey and what inspired you to pursue a career in academic counseling and education?
A: A lifelong passion for learning has profoundly shaped my journey in education. From my early years of education, I was fascinated by the power of teachers and mentors, who had significantly impacted a student’s life. This realization came from my own experiences as a student, where the encouragement and guidance of my teachers made me thrive in my academic journey. I started my professional journey in different areas of higher education; however, I chose to work in medical education because my husband, a physician and an educator, inspired me through his lenses to the beauty of learning in the medical career. Working with the medical students has allowed me to understand their unique learning approaches, which helps me prepare them to navigate their educational paths confidently and successfully.
Q: How does the AUC tutoring program support students in their academic journey, and what makes it unique?
A: The AUC tutoring program is a cornerstone of student support, designed to address the academic needs of students in a comprehensive and personalized manner. Its holistic approach to academic success sets it apart, recognizing that each student’s journey is unique. The program focuses on improving subject-specific knowledge, developing essential study skills, and fostering a positive mindset towards learning. Upper-level students who have completed the same courses provide tutoring. This peer-to-peer model creates a relatable and less intimidating environment for students, allowing them to learn from those who have recently been in their shoes.
Q: Can you tell us more about the different types of tutoring available at AUC and how they cater to diverse student needs?
A: At AUC, we recognize that students have varied learning approaches and needs, so our tutoring program offers three formats to ensure that everyone can access the best support for them. We provide one-on-one peer tutoring sessions for students who need personalized attention and a tailored approach to their specific challenges. Some of these are in small groups, providing a collaborative learning approach and allowing students to engage with their peers, exchange ideas, and learn from each other in a dynamic and interactive setting. The large group classroom-style course tutoring sessions give students a chance to review complex concepts comprehensively and foster a sense of community, helping students feel more connected to their classmates and less isolated in their academic environment.
Our dedicated tutors are committed and give their time to help and empower their peers to succeed in their medical journey. These sessions benefit our students by developing active learning and retrieval practices, helping them to take high-stakes exams more confidently. By offering various tutoring options, AUC ensures that all students can find the support that best fits their individual needs.
In addition to traditional tutoring formats, we also offer specialized workshops that focus on key academic skills, such as time management, exam preparation, and effective study techniques. These workshops are designed to prepare students with the tools they need to succeed not just in their current courses but throughout their academic careers.
Q: What role do upper-level students play in the tutoring program, and how does their involvement benefit both the tutors and the students?
A: Upper-level students play a vital role as facilitators in the AUC tutoring program. Their involvement benefits not only the students they tutor but also their own personal and academic growth. These students bring a wealth of experience and knowledge. Having successfully completed the courses with good course credits, they are helping others achieve the same. This allows them to offer practical insights, share effective study strategies, and relate to their peers’ challenges. Learning from a peer can be incredibly impactful for the students receiving tutoring. Peer tutors often explain concepts in ways that are more accessible and relatable, helping students grasp difficult material more efficiently. Additionally, peer tutoring provides a supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and seeking help.
For the tutors themselves, this role allows deepening their own understanding of the subject matter, as teaching often reinforces their knowledge. It also helps them develop important skills such as communication, empathy, and leadership, which are both academically and professionally valuable. Overall, the involvement of upper-level students in the tutoring program creates a mutually beneficial dynamic that enhances the learning experience for all involved.
Q: Tell us about the Tarek Abi-Saab Peer Tutor Award.
A: The Tarek Abi-Saab Peer Tutor Award is a prestigious recognition given to tutors who have demonstrated outstanding dedication and effectiveness in their role. Named in honor of Tarek Abi-Saab, a passionate advocate for peer-led learning, this award celebrates the exceptional contributions of tutors who go above and beyond in supporting their fellow students.
Recipients of this award are not only academically strong but also exhibit qualities such as empathy, patience, and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed. They are often the tutors who spend extra time with their students, develop creative ways to explain difficult concepts, and serve as role models within the academic community. The award highlights the critical role that peer tutors play in the educational ecosystem at AUC, recognizing that their efforts are instrumental in fostering a culture of collaboration and academic excellence.
Q: How do you ensure that the tutoring sessions are effective and meet the academic needs of the students?
A: Ensuring the effectiveness of tutoring sessions is a top priority at AUC, and we achieve this through thorough preparation, ongoing training, and regular feedback. Each tutoring session is designed to be student-centered, focusing on the individual’s specific needs and learning goals. Before each session, tutors review the material and plan their approach to ensure that the time spent with the student is productive and targeted.
Our tutors undergo extensive training, not only in the subject matter but also in effective teaching techniques and communication skills. This training equips them to handle a variety of learning modalities and to adapt their approach based on the needs of each student. We also encourage an interactive and collaborative atmosphere during sessions, where students feel comfortable asking questions and actively participating in their learning process.
We regularly solicit student input to continually improve the quality of our tutoring services. This feedback helps us identify areas where we can enhance our approach and ensures that we are meeting the evolving needs of our student body. By combining careful planning, rigorous training, and a commitment to continuous improvement, we ensure that our tutoring sessions are practical and empowering for the students.
Q: What kind of specialized coaching does AUC provide, and how does it contribute to the overall well-being and academic performance of the students?
A: AUC offers specialized academic mentoring and coaching that goes beyond traditional academic support, focusing on the holistic development of students. This coaching includes academic one-on-one advising, where students receive personalized guidance on managing their time effectively, developing strong study habits, and setting realistic academic goals with strategic action plans to accomplish academically. Academic advisors and the Academy for Teaching and Learning (ATL) teams work closely with students to create tailored plans that address their specific challenges and help them stay on track throughout the semester.
In addition to academic coaching, AUC provides wellness coaching through the wellness department that emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between academic responsibilities and personal well-being. This coaching helps students develop strategies to manage stress, build resilience, and maintain a positive mindset. By addressing both the educational and emotional aspects of student life, our academic support programs contribute to improved academic performance and overall well-being.
The impact of these coaching programs is significant, as they empower students to take control of their learning journey while prioritizing their mental and emotional health. This comprehensive approach ensures that students are not only succeeding academically but also thriving as individuals.
Q: Could you elaborate on the Learning Strategies Program offered by the Center for Academic Teaching and Learning (ATL) and its impact on student success?
A: The Learning Enhancement Courses (LEC) offered by the Academic Support team and ATL are designed to equip students with the essential skills needed to excel academically. This program focuses on teaching strategies to enhance in the areas of cognitive and non-cognitive skills and develop critical thinking, effective notetaking, time management, and exam preparation, etc. By providing students with these competencies, the program helps them become self-directed, confident, and master learners.
The impact of the LEC program is evident in the success stories of students who have participated in it. Many students report significant improvements in their academic performance, as they are better able to organize their study time, retain information, and apply what they’ve learned in exams. The program also fosters a deeper understanding of how to approach learning in a structured and strategic way, which benefits students throughout their academic careers.
Q: Can you share some success stories or feedback from students who have benefitted from the tutoring and academic support programs at AUC?
A: Over the years, we have received countless success stories and positive feedback from students who have benefited from our LEC, academic enhancement workshops, and tutoring programs. One such story is of a student struggling in the second-semester courses and on the verge of giving up. After seeking help from our Academic Support team and attending the LEC program, they completed the courses successfully and were able to be on the dean’s list. Here are a few comments our tutees gave regarding the tutoring program: “This was my first semester going to peer tutoring, and my grades went up. It’s a great program!” “Course tutoring is very helpful and an amazing component that helps students enhance their knowledge. I personally go to each session to strengthen my review, and it helps a lot with recall. The tutors devote their time to students, and it is a great resource at AUC.” The goal of ATL and Academic Support is to see our students succeed in their medical journey and become successful future physicians in treating patients.
Thank you, Aruna, for sharing your journey and passion for excellence in student support.
For more information about Aruna Ullal and her contributions to AUC, you can visit her faculty bio.
If you’re a current or prospective medical student, we invite you to explore AUC’s resources to support and enhance your academic journey. Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories and news about our faculty and students.
