What does it entail?

The Peer Tutoring Program hires and trains faculty-nominated peer (content) Tutors to help students improve their learning in specific courses, usually within the Tutors’ majors, for courses they have taken and with professors they know.  As peer content-specialists, Tutors give feedback on students’ understanding of course concepts and application in various contexts. Tutors work with students’ course materials and notes during the session. Students practice using their texts more effectively, as well as a variety of writing-to-learn activities helpful at several stages of the learning process: before class, from readings; after class, consolidating information from readings and class notes; and at later stages, before tests and papers, summarizing information in meaningful categories.  Thus, Tutors both model and monitor students’ strategic use of reading, learning, and problem-solving techniques. Tutors document the sessions for both clients and faculty members in session notes.

How do tutors benefit?

Content Tutors enter into new roles with students, faculty, and professional staff as they collaborate on the academic demands of courses in their major   Their professors no longer see them as just good students, but as peer educators who also think deeply about the learning process and the good communication necessary to nurture it.  In their own growth, tutors enrich their own learning outcomes in class everyday and in entrance exams for graduate school and for their major, in departmental exit exams.  They are even more appealing to graduate programs with official tutor training and experience, prized by universities looking for talented graduate teaching assistants.  Tutors are paid for their efforts with students, though for students, the sessions are free of charge.

What is Required?

1. Participate in about ten hours of face-to-face crash training spread over the first few weeks, mostly on Wednesday evenings, in the first semester you tutor.  This is a one-credit course, TPJ 106.
2. After crash training, attend semi-monthly staff meetings on Wednesdays from 5:30-6:30.  For this one-credit course, TPJ 111, you must keep in contact with professors whose courses you tutor and follow their course syllabi carefully. You might share some of these responsibilities with other tutors in your department.
3. Offer six hours a week for possible appointments throughout the semester. Time spent with clients is paid.

How do I Apply?

If you are interested in working with students in this way, fill out an application. Tutor Application.

Email the application to Susie Robertshaw at srobertshaw@rollins.edu, or drop it off at her office, room 209 on the main floor of Olin Library, in the Lakeview Lounge area.