F.A.T.S. Knows!
Becoming a Peer Tutor
Are you successful in your program? Are you interested in helping other students with their studies and receiving paid work experience at the same time? If you are interested, visit the Student Success Centre in F2010 to see about becoming a Peer Tutor. Peer Tutors are paid $9.00 per hour and you arrange times that work best for your schedule. All Peer Tutors must have an A or B grade in any course they wish to tutor and must attend a tutor training/ information session.
Receiving Peer Tutoring
Peer tutoring assistance is one-to-one help with courses you are having difficulty with to help you obtain a firm understanding of course material.
Peer tutoring is not for cramming before a test or exam, an alternative to attending classes, or having an assignment completed for you.
To receive peer tutoring you must first fill out a request form, from the Student Success Centre. The Peer Tutor Coordinator will match you with a qualified Peer Tutor. Once you have arranged to meet with your tutor, you will need to purchase a contract for $15.00. The contract entitles you to five hours of peer tutoring for a specific course. If you require more tutoring hours after completing the contract, please see the Peer Tutor Coordinator in F2010.
If you received resource or special education assistance previously, you are encouraged to meet with a counsellor to determine if you are eligible for additional academic accommodations and other supports.
The primary focus of the first tutoring session is to:
·Clarify the expectations of the peer tutoring service, the role of the tutor, and the needs of the client.
·Identify the academic problem.
·Establish goals and realistic expectations.
·Identify study habits and learning styles.
Suggestions for successful learning with a Peer Tutor:
·Exchange information with your peer tutor about the best way to make contact (e.g.: telephone, email). Let your tutor know, in advance, if you are unable to make s session or will be late. Your tutor will extend the same courtesy. If you experience difficulty with your tutoring sessions, contact the Peer Tutor Coordinator immediately.
·Be clear with your tutor about what you are struggling with and ask if they are familiar with the current course material.
·Be prepared to work when you meet with your peer tutor. Bring notebooks, course outlines, handouts, paper, and pens. Come with specific questions or problems that you and your tutor can work on.
·Be on time! If you are late, your tutor may leave after waiting fifteen minutes. Missed time will be deducted from your contract.
·Effectively utilize your time by giving your tutor material you wish to work on in advance.
·Organize your notes and handouts in advance of your peer tutoring session.
·Ask your professor for specific information abut upcoming tests and assignments. You may also ask about your standing in the course if you are not sure.
·Space your tutoring sessions so you will have time for individual study and attendance in class.
·Don't cram! Peer tutoring is not designed for cramming the night before a test.
Office of the Registrar …We're working for you.
This column is a Student Success Initiative sponsored by Counselling and Student Life Services, Financial Aid and the Office of the Registrar.
