If you want to set up a tutoring program in a high school then a good approach would be to focus on peer tutoring. A lot of research has shown that students helping other students study can lead to very positive results. These positive results are particularly important during junior high and high school years, as much of a child’s future can be affected by the test scores that they are able to achieve during that time period. Setting up a tutoring system that works is easier said than done, however.
Research is the first step when creating a tutoring program. Administrators cannot suddenly decide to implement peer tutoring and expect it to work. Once the decision to explore the possibility of a peer tutoring system has been made, administrators should make the idea known to students and see what kind of response they get. This can be done during an assembly, through surveys or as an announcement at the end of classes. If there is a positive response, then the next steps can be taken for student peers to become English and/or math tutors, or any other subject.
The way peer tutoring programs usually work is through the pairing of students. Usually those in the top of the class, such as those getting A’s in certain subjects, will be assigned to work with students at the other end of the academic spectrum, such as those failing or struggling to maintain even C averages. Some schools have had great success by allowing the students to choose each other, and in some cases letting students advertise themselves as providing a tutoring service. Each school will need its own approach, and this can be determined again through proper research.
Payment is not always found in peer school tutoring programs, but it can provide positive results. Payment can be in the form of money, given to the student by the school, not the student being tutored; or it can be in the form of other types of rewards. This could be anything from cafeteria food to points that build up to be used in field trips. Without payment, these programs will only go so far. Maximum success will result from a financial investment made by the school.
The ultimate end of a well-run peer tutoring program is a group of students who have the satisfaction of helping others and being paid for their academic abilities, and a group of students who haven’t fallen through the cracks and are able to reach their own scholastic goals. This of course can be measured in the increase of grades and test scores by those receiving the tutoring, and by the feedback provided by both groups of students. Peer tutoring has a great chance of succeeding but the students involved will need the support of the adults in charge at the school.
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Education • October 1st, 2009 •