Peer Tutoring

How successful is peer tutoring in schools?

As students make their way through school, many children and parents find that tutoring can be a helpful educational supplement. Whether your child excels in the classroom or independently, every student benefits from some form of tutoring.

Many children enjoy the classroom, but find it difficult to speak up in class. If your child identifies with this situation, you should consider arranging a peer tutoring session for him to help build confidence and to give him the opportunity to ask more questions in a comfortable environment.

Peer tutoring is often more comfortable for children who are anxious about speaking in class. Often, when an adult tutors a child, the child will feel as anxious about interacting with his tutor as he does with his teacher. If the tutor is a peer, however, the child might feel more relaxed.

Additionally, a peer tutor does not need to be briefed on the lesson. The child is in the same class, or has recently completed the same assignments that your child is being tutored in. As your child does not have to review the lesson with his peer tutor, he won't feel anxious and wonder if he is correctly conveying the lesson to the tutor.

The cost of a peer tutor is often much lower than professional tutors because the peer is likely to be less knowledgeable in his subject. However, peer tutors can often be arranged through your school, which makes it convenient for you, since it cuts down on commuting cost and time.

Peer tutoring is more appropriate for children who are lost in class or on a subject briefly than it is for students who are seriously struggling or getting bad grades. If this is the case, a professional tutor or tutoring center is more likely to be able to help your child improve.

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