Responsibilities of Peer Tutors

Helping to Find Problem Area:

Create an informal, hospitable atmosphere for the student.
Don't accept that your students are having trouble with everything; ask them to be more specific.
Speak clearly and articulately.
Ask one question at a time.
Don't assume a student does or does not know something; it's always best to ask.
Use "wait time" within session to let student answer question.

Explaining and Clarifying

Present clear and accurate explanations.
Come up with a few different ways to explain the concept.
Refrain from commenting on how easy a problem or concept is to understand.
Ask the student to explain back to you the steps that were needed to solve a problem.
Check to see that the student understands the material.
Admit you don't know the answer and find the answer together.
Check to see if you have been understood.
Go back to basics if necessary.
Present and alternative explanation if needed.

Fostering Independence: (see addendum for resources)

Encourage the student to become involved in the problem
Look for opportunities to encourage and affirm the student's work
After working out a problem together, have your student work on a similar one without your assistance.
Convey to the student an expectation that he/she will learn and improve.
Let the student do most of the talking
Let students come up with their own ideas, as well as identify and correct their own mistakes.
Provide realistic feedback about learning; high school vs. college perspective.
Increase their self-reliance by encouraging students to refer to the text, glossary, or dictionary.
Listen actively.
Actively incorporate learning and study strategies into the tutoring session.
Express your confidence in the student's ability.