Tutoring Resources
Wish you had the inside scoop on what to expect? Want tips on how to earn maximum points? Not sure what you need? Want to polish up your learning skills? Want to work smarter, not harder?
You've come to the right place! Check out these tabs to find what'll work best for you.
https://portal.rasmussen.edu/ BF link to portal
HEY! There's an app for Brainfuse! Click here
Tutor Match
Make an appointment to meet with a tutor who has been successful in the course or in terms of the learning skill (time management, etc.)
Follow the these user-friendly instructions.
Live Tutoring
No appointment necessary to meet with these tutors.
Check the schedule and follow instructions and meet with a tutor for immediate help. Follow these user-friendly instructions.
NOTE: Full paper review should be done using the Writing Lab.
Writing Lab
Submit a paper for review.
The Brainfuse Writing Lab staff will send it back to you within 24 hours.
Find it by clicking the Brainfuse Message Center tab and make changes before submission to your instructor.
Click here for more information.
Study Pairs/Groups
Click on Collaborate and Meet to set up a meeting with classmates in a virtual classroom.
They're available for 24/7 for your use. Follow the these user-friendly instructions.
Skill Surfer
A learning library where you can build your academic skills using self-paced tests, videos and more.
Follow the these user-friendly instructions.
The APA Guide is a great place to start! It has everything.
Research Papers
Direct Quotations
Direct quotations should be used sparingly, and only when absolutely necessary. Remember that you are the one writing the paper, and the vast majority of the ideas and words in the paper should be your own. Your instructors and readers want to hear from you, and the quotations or paraphrases you use should support what you have written. Keep in mind:
When to use a Quotation:
Although paraphrasing information is preferable, there are specific situations when a quotation can be an effective choice. For example:
Step 1: Choose the template for your research paper
Setting up a research plan
Step 2: Choosing a topic
Step 3: Writing a thesis/introduction
Step 4: Creating an outline
Watch the short video below for information on creating an outline in Microsoft Word 2013.
Step 5: Researching
Think of a time when you wanted to know more about a topic (e.g. The best oil to use in your car). You probably went on the internet and looked things up in a search engine like Google. You used search terms (oil for car, synthetic oil better?, 30w oil for car?, etc.) and then sorted through the sites that came up to find the ones that were most applicable and 'legit'. This is actually the same process you will do for researching for your paper, you'll just do it with a few differences. We've made it easier for you because we have provided databases where you can find credible sources with the information you'll need.
Researching is simply finding the information that will make your paper credible. When you research, you are finding information.
Here are some things to help you navigate through the research process.
Need help with the process?
Step 6: Build the paper: your rough draft
Now that you have the information you need to write your paper, you'll start your rough draft. You can take the information from your outline and place it into your APA formatted paper that you've already downloaded and saved. Your outline will show you what your paragraphs will contain. Your paper will consist of: a
Remember that writing is a process. If you get stuck as you go, utilize your resources:
Watch the short video below for an introduction to APA style.
Step 7: Creating a reference page
The reference page will be at the end of your paper and it will list all of the sources you used. Each in-text citation in your paper should connect to a source on the reference page. Think of it this way, anyone who reads your paper should be able to look up the information you have in your paper.
The APA Guide has a page on creating references complete with examples for each type of resource you may encounter while researching.
To find an example of what a reference page looks like, view the APA Sample Paper.
Step 8: Review the paper
Watch the short video below for information on revising your paper.
Step 9: Write the final draft
Now that you've received feedback about your paper, it's time to take that feedback and write your final draft. Double check that the assignment's required elements (bulleted from earlier) are all in your paper.
Remember that writing is a process. If you get stuck as you go, reach out for resources.
If you would like feedback on your final draft, you can utilize the Writing Lab:
Step 10: Submit your paper
The General Writing Rubric
Use this rubric as a first step to self-assess your assignment. After determining which column you think best describes your work, use the resources to the right to improve your work. Refer back to it each time you feel you are near completion of the assignment to help you stay on track. This is also the same rubric that the Writing Lab staff will use to provide feedback and resources suggestions.
Video: How to use the Rubric
Submit to the Writing Lab (in Brainfuse)
Writing is a process. It helps to have feedback from others as you go through that process. You can submit your work for review to the Writing Lab. Just make sure you have time before your submission deadline (it takes 24-48 hours). Here's the process:
After using the rubric to self-assess where you're at in terms of your assignment and you've made changes using the resources provided, you can opt to submit your assignment to the Writing Lab in Brainfuse for feedback and suggestions. Once you're logged into Brainfuse, click on the Writing Lab. How to use the Writing Lab.
Using the Writing Lab