Peer tutors must have a good understanding of the course material, but they also must be
- Personable
- Articulate
- Responsible
- Punctual
- Patient and "frustration resistant"
If you notice that some students in your class work well with others, see difficult course material as a challenge rather than a burden and have a passion for the subject matter, consider sending them to the Academic Support Center to inquire about becoming tutors.
What Can You Do?
Over the years, the Academic Support Center
staff has learned that faculty encouragement is often the deciding factor in whether or not a student chooses to become a tutor. If you have as student with exceptional people and academic skills, make sure to suggest to them that they consider tutoring. Even the very brightest and most competent students question whether they have the ability to tutor their peers. Faculty can encourage such students to consider tutoring by letting them know how well they are doing. A statement such as, "Out of all my students, you are in the top 10 percent," will let students know how competent they are. If students continue to be hesitant, cite specific examples of their academic and social skills.
Remember, you may be the deciding factor in whether a student chooses to become a tutor. Make sure to encourage the students who have the academic and personal talent to work with their peers.