LibGuides: MDC Embedded Tutoring: Home

What is Embedded Tutoring?

Embedded tutoring is a collaborative academic support model in which a tutor is integrated into a specific course section to provide targeted, proactive assistance to students throughout the term. Unlike general tutoring, embedded tutors work closely with the course instructor and align their support with course content, assignments, and student needs.

At Miami Dade College embedded tutoring includes:

Course-Integrated Support: Tutors are assigned to specific course sections rather than a general subject area, allowing them to tailor their assistance to the course’s goals and learning outcomes.
Regular Classroom Presence: Tutors attend class sessions as arranged, which may include lectures, group work, workshops, or orientations.
Assignment-Aligned Tutoring: Tutors assist students with course assignments, projects, and test preparation both during and outside class time.
Faculty Collaboration: Tutors and instructors work together throughout the term to ensure support aligns with the instructional plan. This may include sharing syllabi, Canvas access, and meeting regularly to discuss student progress.
Proactive Student Support: Tutors take an active role in student success by offering outreach, scheduling targeted study sessions, and connecting with students identified as at risk.

Embedded tutoring is available across disciplines and can be adapted to meet the unique needs of each course. Whether you're teaching a STEM course, writing-intensive class, or online section, our goal is to foster a partnership that enhances student learning and persistence.

Model Type	Description	Tutor Role	Faculty Role	Best Fit For
In-Class Support	Tutor attends class regularly to support learning activities.	Participate in class, assist with group work, clarify concepts, take notes.	Integrate tutor into lessons, plan collaboration points.	Labs, studio courses, writing-intensive or gateway courses.
Out-of-Class Support	Tutor is assigned to a course but holds sessions outside of class time.	Host weekly study groups, review sessions, one-on-one sessions tied to course.	Encourage students to attend, communicate class topics and trouble areas.	Courses with common pain points (e.g., math, chemistry).
Assignment-Based Support	Tutor supports specific major assignments or projects.	Offer targeted help on key assignments (papers, projects, etc.).	Share assignment prompts and rubrics; collaborate on tutoring expectations.	Writing-intensive and project-based courses.
Online/ Asynchronous Support	Tutor provides support via LMS discussion boards or recorded help.	Post explanations, answer questions asynchronously, provide video walkthroughs.	Monitor activity, refer students to the tutor’s posts, provide guidance.	Online courses, hybrid courses, flex-paced learning.
Supplemental Embedded Model	Tutor uses supplemental instruction (SI) style outside of class.	Plan and lead independent review sessions tailored to course material.	Meet regularly with tutor to discuss class focus areas.	High DFW rate courses, foundational STEM courses.

Tutor Responsibilities

Tutor: Do

Attend class consistently, as agreed upon with the faculty member.
Support students during in-class activities (e.g., group work, writing workshops, labs).
Provide out-of-class tutoring related to course content and assignments.
Collaborate regularly with the professor to align support with the syllabus and schedule.
Conduct outreach through Navigate, Canvas, or class visits.
Maintain professionalism and respect the instructional boundaries.
Maintain confidentiality regarding student performance and needs.

Tutor: Don’t

Grade assignments or input grades into any system.
Proctor exams or quizzes.
Substitute for the instructor or teach the class.
Share personal opinions on course grading, teaching style, or instructional content.
Run errands or perform administrative tasks for the instructor.

Faculty Responsibilities

Faculty: Do

Introduce the tutor to students and clarify their role.
Provide a syllabus, assignment prompts, and deadlines to help the tutor prepare.
Invite the tutor to attend class sessions and participate during relevant activities.
Meet or check in regularly with the tutor to align on goals and progress.
Grant Canvas access (if applicable) and specify what areas the tutor can engage with.
Refer students to the tutor directly and encourage engagement with Learning Resources.

Faculty: Don’t

Assign grading, proctoring, or substitute teaching to the tutor.
Expect the tutor to address classroom management or discipline issues.
Use the tutor for tasks unrelated to academic support (e.g., administrative errands).

Request an Embedded Tutor

If you’re interested in adding an embedded tutor to your course, please submit the short request form below. A Learning Resources coordinator from your campus will follow up with next steps. Or, reach out to your campus Learning Resources team.