Frequently Asked Questions about Bookable Tutorials
How can I book a tutorial?
The tutorial booking form is available on the IELSS Moodle. This is a self-enrol site. Instructions on how to enrol on the Moodle, if you haven't done so already, are available in a Word document on this webpage. Visit the moodle site and read the relevant instructions in Box 3. Next use the booking form appropriate to your status (either Box 4 or Box 5) to make a booking. If you wish to send a sample of your work to your IELSS tutor, remember the following:
- add your name, and date and time of tutorial at the beginning of the document
- email it at least two working days in advance of your tutorial
- include the task if you wish to receive feedback on the argument/structure of your writing
Who can use the service?
The service is open to matriculated students of the University, who use English as an additional language and who have yet to submit their final piece of coursework or complete their final assessment.
Who provides English language support for international students?
In-sessional language support for international students is provided by ELT. The tutors you will meet are qualified and experienced teachers of English for Academic Purposes.
How can I book a tutorial in advance?
You can book your tutorial using the online booking form available on the IELSS moodle (from January 2012 - June 2012).
If you have any problems, please contact: eltsupport@st-andrews.ac.uk
What can I do if there are no bookable tutorials available during the semester?
If there are no bookable tutorials at times to meet your needs, there is a drop-in tutorial service available during high demand weeks in semester. Details of the drop-in service appear on the IELSS moodle and are emailed out to IELSS users vis the moodle forum.
Do I have to pay?
No, this service is free and provided for you by ELT.
Can I do a diagnostic test before I come for a tutorial?
It is a good idea to use the online diagnostic tool before your first tutorial. This will give you and your IELSS tutor feedback on your language skills. Click for information on Accessing Diagnostic Tool/pdf (PDF, 767 KB).
How long and how frequent are the bookable tutorials?
Undergraduate and taught postgraduate students may book one 25-minute tutorial per week. Research postgraduate students may book one 50-minute tutorial per fortnight. In both cases, this is subject to availability.
How long in advance should I book a tutorial?
The service needs at least two working days' notice that you would like a tutorial.
What happens if I have major problems with my English?
If you have major problems with your English, please contact us as soon as possible. You should also discuss any difficulties you are having with your personal tutor. There are other services available in the University to help you e.g. CAPOD, but you may want to approach us first and then we can refer you on to CAPOD if appropriate.
Can I send you a sample of my work when I have a bookable tutorial? If so, how?
A sample of your work needs to be emailed to eltsupport@st-andrews.ac.uk at the time of booking and at least two working days' time before the tutorial. If you have not got any work to submit in advance, use the drop-in tutorial service.
In the case of writing, the sample should be no longer than 750 words long if you are an undergraduate or taught post-graduate. Post-graduate research students may send longer pieces of writing by prior agreement with your tutor. The piece of writing can be taken from a piece of work you have already submitted, or a piece of work you are going to submit. You may also send grammar exercises in Word or pdf form. For spoken work, your sample should be no more than five minutes long. In all cases, label your work with your name and date of appointment both in the body of the file and in the file name e.g. yourname_10sept.
Will you tell my school I am using IELSS?
No, we don’t tell your school unless you have been referred to the service officially by one of your tutors.
Are you a proofreading service?
No, we do not provide a proofreading or language correction service. However, you can get feedback on a sample of your writing and receive tuition in improving your proofreading skills. If you wish to find a proofreader/language corrector, go to the appropriate site: Undergraduate/Taught Postgraduate students' resources Postgraduate Research students' resources.
What is the difference between the In-sessional English Language Support Service and CAPOD's Academic Skills Provision?
The main differences are that the In-sessional Support Service is exclusively aimed at the needs of users of English as an additional language and works with students at undergraduate and post-graduate levels. It focuses on three types of development: language development, academic culture development, and academic practice development.
Are there tutorials at the weekend, in the evening, or on public holidays?
No, we regret we are unable to offer tutorials at these times. All the available bookable tutorial times are shown on the tutorial booking form. If there are none available at a time which is convenient, use the drop-in tutorial service.
What should I do if I need to cancel my tutorial?
If you are unable to attend a tutorial for any reason, cancel your tutorial using the booking form. Where possible, cancel at least two working days in advance. Repeated failure to cancel at least two working days in advance will result in a ban from the bookable tutorial service.
How can I give feedback?
If you have a comment to make on the service, good or bad, please let us know by emailing eltsupport@st-andrews.ac.uk. Once a year, you IELSS invites you to give your feedback via an online evaluation form. Users of the service periodically receive an email with details of how to access this.