University of Memphis students can receive free tutoring throughthe Educational Support Program's centers specializing in math,English, business, science and foreign language.
But some students don't go to ESP and instead either fail orbarely pass their classes.
Kim Williams Collins, ESP's learning specialist, said a numberof people don't know about the free help, and even some people whoknow about the program still fail to take advantage.
"It's a certain responsibility for your own learning. If yourealize you don't know something, then you should become moreactive and get help," Collins said.
Another problem that arises among students is the belief thatasking for help is a sign of weakness.
"Some people mistakenly think asking for assistance isshameful," Collins said.
ESP provides a one-on-one setting that can't be found in theclassroom.
Jennifer Lamb, a 22-year-old junior, said ESP has helped herexcel.
"The ESP center is available whenever I need them," Lamb said."It helped me get an 'A' in 'world history.'"
But sometimes the students don't want the help.
"If they (students) are not in a major in a class, they areoften satisfied with the lowest possible passing grade," saidBarbara J. Bekis, ESP coordinator.
Because failure rates are high in many science and math courses,it seems more students would want tutoring, ESP officials said.
Dayan Perea is a graduate student who works with a part of ESPcalled Supplemental Instruction. He helps teach science and saidmany students expect maximum results for minimal work.
"I can't give instant support," Perea said he often tellsstudents.
Many students believe they can learn everything in one class ina short period of time, he said. And when they don't learn it, theyget frustrated and fall behind.
ESP is designed to give students help in a closer setting thanin the classroom. And although there may be a variety of reasonsmany students do not use the service, ultimately it is left to eachstudent to ask for help, ESP officials said.
