On October 29th all classes in the Upper School announced a new tutorial time in class. While in person, tutorial time will be the last 20 minutes of class except for the last period. For online classes, each class will be 20 minutes shorter except for last period. Students, while in person can go visit their teachers, but for online classes all teachers will be on their assigned tutorial google meets to answer questions.

As school switched modalities to hybrid learning the tutorial time of 45 minutes was taken away. Recognizing the value of tutorials is a reason they instituted the new time, “We instituted the tutorial times to try and slow down the pace of the learning so that everyone has a chance to get their questions answered.” Dean Anderson said. The time gives a nice break between classes, slowing down the academic workload, and giving students the opportunity to have their questions answered.

Students also appreciate the changes made by the administration, “I have found it really helpful as it breaks up the long class times, and I really appreciate having time to ask my teachers questions.” Junior Griffin Ziemer said. Both students and administration agree that this is a necessary change for the adjusted schedules of hybrid learning. As the school transitions to online classes this gives students the individual time that is missing with online school.

Some teachers are not quite as supportive of the idea as Dr. Hodges said, “I have been finding it difficult to institute the tutorial time as it disrupts the class but I do see the value as it gives students some extra work time but I have not found that many people come to talk to me during the time but I will always welcome them.” This new tutorial time takes away from the class time that had already been established and in the lesson plans. This means that it will take some time for teachers to adapt to them being a part of the class in a constructive way. Although it will take some time for teachers to adjust their classes, it is a constructive change for students learning.