Creates a safer and less embarrassing and intimidating setting and climate for students to ask questions, express misunderstandings, etc
Allows students more opportunities for assistance
Increases academic and behavioral support
Provides frequent and constant redirection and refocusing
Provides quicker feedback and attention
Gives students one on one help and attention
Helps students to get to know other students and make friends and trusted relationships
Increases student trust and rapport
Increases classroom teaching efficiency
Helps to free up the teacher to instruct and help other students
When should I do it:
When a student is inattentive and unfocused
When a student needs frequent one on one help
When a student needs directions repeated a lot and concepts reviewed multiple times and ways
When a student is apprehensive to ask questions or for help
When a student gets overwhelmed and frustrated
When a student needs extra help starting assignments
When a student asks frequent questions and needs frequent clarification
How do I do it:
Peer tutoring may be done as a structured and routine procedure or on an as needed basis, depending on the students needs and peer tutors
Peer tutors should be those students that are capable of working with others well and who grasp the concepts and ideas well enough to explain to others
Peer tutors should be given some basic ground rules before being allowed to serve as peer tutors, like:
Don’t do all the work for the student
Keep the focus on the work/assignment
Avoid arguments and debates
Peer tutors should have the student they are helping repeat directions and questions back to clarify understanding
Tutors should use active listening skills
Avoid name calling and utilize positive remarks and praise
Tutors should help model behaviors like listening, raising hand for help, asking questions for clarification from the teacher, etc
Disengaging from students who refuse to focus on the work or become too confrontational
Peer tutors may be assigned or chosen by students
Peer tutors may rotate from one student to another or remain with one student for a longer period, for example a card marking
Teachers should always ensure the peer tutors have grasped the concepts themselves before moving on to help others
Peer tutors may be same age/grade or older
Teachers can have peer tutoring daily, weekly, monthly, or as needed, etc
Peer tutors may work with more than one student at a time, but should not work with larger groups
