Course Overview
New for 2023!
Have you ever been asked by a friend to help them with their math homework? Did you help younger siblings or cousins during at-home pandemic learning, and realize you enjoyed helping others learn? Have you ever thought about tutoring as a summer job?
In this course, students will explore the exciting and fulfilling world of teaching and tutoring through project-based learning and clinical practice. During the first two weeks, we will discuss and design plans based on several research-based principles that differentiate teaching and tutoring. In the remaining 4 weeks, students will work in groups and independently to design and even teach small lessons to learners one-on-one, using technology to design and implement instruction.
Whether you’ve always dreamed of becoming a teacher, or you’d like to explore ways to use your knowledge to benefit others through private tutoring, this course will help you design and carry out your first steps. What’s more, you’ll gain new skills to use digital platforms in new ways to help learners near and far understand challenging concepts.
All students who successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of Completion and have the opportunity to request a Syracuse University noncredit transcript.
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Describe 3 key differences between teaching and tutoring.
- Use design and authoring tools (Google Drive, Canva) to develop a teaching or tutoring lesson plan.
- Use virtual teaching platforms (Google slides, nearpod, Prezi) to organize and present content.
- Use high-level questioning and discussion strategies to develop learners’ critical thinking during lessons.
- Use research-based feedback practices to help learners learn from their own mistakes and successes.
Course Information
Course Prefix and Number: TBD
Format: Online
Eligibility: Students must be of rising high school sophomore, junior, or senior status – or a 2023 high school graduate.
Credit: Noncredit
Grading: Pass/Fail
Cost: $1,985
Program rates are subject to change and will be approved by the board of trustees. Discounts and scholarships are also available.
Program Information
Summer College – Online: Explore college life before stepping foot on campus! High school students can enroll in a college-level course, pursue their academic interests, and meet likeminded students in daily virtual events and activities.
“I learned so much at the course because I was able to learn about so many different things within the field of education, not just being a teacher. The whole experience, especially the amount of homework, really helped to work on time management skills and other skills needed for college. I now know how to write a research paper, which will also be useful in college, and we went over how to ask for letters of recommendation, which is also super helpful in the journey to get to college and in college in general.”
– Lauren S., Summer College – On Campus Student, 2022
Course Dates and Details
| Program | Course Dates | Class Time (Eastern Time) | Credit/Noncredit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer College – Online | 6-Week Session: Monday, July 3 – Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023 | TTh; 7 – 8:30 p.m. | Noncredit | Closed |
Course Requirements
- Laptop or desktop computer with a webcam and mouse
- Reliable internet access
- A space conducive to taking an online class (without distractions)
Typical Day
Tentative Schedule
Students are required to attend class on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 – 8:30 p.m.
When class is over, and on weekends, students can look forward to various Summer College virtual activities to meet and connect with other students across the world. Check out our Virtual Campus Experience page for more information!
Faculty Bios
Charlotte Sharpe
Charlotte Sharpe is a Researcher for a corporate instructional design company and a former teacher educator in the Department of Teaching and Curriculum at Syracuse University. She’s originally from Texas, where she first started as a high school math and English teacher. She attended Vanderbilt University for her PhD and has worked at Syracuse University since 2016. She works actively with teachers in the Syracuse area, providing professional development, coaching, and other forms of support at multiple grade levels. Her previous areas of research include studying teacher education to find innovative ways to support prospective teachers develop beliefs and practices that will enable future generations to succeed. In her current role, she designs and evaluates multimedia e-learning content, utilizing video and technology best practices along with research skills to understand how learners engage in online learning.