During my year at Dean College , apart from putting efforts in enhancing
my academic performance , I had been working as a peer tutor in the
Learning Center . The Learning Center provides materials and information
to enhance students ' learning skills , ability and their knowledge on the
content of subjects . My role is to offer content assistance in the areas
of Economics , English and Mathematics , but would often cross-tutor in
several other areas such as Criminal Justice , writing , and general study
skills . Experiencing the success in assisting other students and
receiving good feedbacks had gained me a really joyful work experience
as a peer tutor .
I had a relatively different idea of being a peer tutor , since students
usually went to the learning center for quick review on their essays
which were due shortly . I had been working hard in marketing strategies ,
whereas creating an atmosphere of a place that they can spare their time
here to concentrate , a place where combine the characteristics of
library and private tutors . In this place , they can concentrate on their
studies , with rich resources like computer stations , printers and
reference books . Moreover , to make them feel more comfortable , they
won 't feel like they are being tagged as doing bad on academics , since
tutors no longer wear staff tags . They will feel more confidence on
themselves in this way .
I think that it is essential to create a certain sort of relationship
right off the bat with the person you are tutoring . It is important to
make the student feel that we are also students that are continually
learning and also willing to contribute out ideas and point of view with
them . There is a major difference between a peer tutor and a teacher . I
believe that peer tutors do not judge and on top of that , they do not
give out grades ! It is also easier for tutors to come out and say that
they do not know all the answers . Many times , a student can have trouble
in class but never address these questions to their teachers for many
different reasons . One of them could be because they are afraid of
talking in front of a larger group of students . Another reason could be
because they might feel that their question is stupid . These reasons
could inhibit a student from learning and understanding the material . I
think that as a peer tutor , I am able to help these students on a
one-on-one basis .
I think that my experiece gained from this job is very meaningful and
has helped me a lot in the way to communicate with others in a more
positive and encouraging way . Helping others makes me feel more
satisfied with my performance and has definitely given me a lot more
confidence that I can assist others even though I may have shortcomings .
These students learn something from me as a peer tutor and on the other
hand , I learn a lot of things from the students who have sought for...