Ideas for Peer Tutoring in High School
- Implement programs where older students tutor younger students in younger classes. For example, senior students could tutor junior students. By setting up this type of program, you can help build confidence in students' tutoring ability, because the upperclassmen have already completed the classes the younger students are enrolled in. It also helps underclassmen build relationships with upperclassmen. This type of program is a learning experience for all students involved.
- Reading is a skill that can greatly improve by reading with partners. High school students can be paired up several different ways. For example, you can pair two students at the same reading level together to read so they do not feel as self-conscious about any difficulty they may have. If the student needs a lot of help to get through the reading, you may want to partner the student with a mentor who is a fluent reader who can provide guidance if needed. Consider who the reader will be most comfortable with because being comfortable with your mentor is an important factor of successful tutoring.
- Teach responsibility on the Internet by establishing peer-tutoring programs that look specifically at social networking sites. High school students today have been exposed to Internet technology their entire life, so use this advantage to create tutoring programs that address the issues that arise from the Internet. Students can meet to work with one another to learn how to responsibly use social networking sites, utilize the benefits of social networking sites and avoid irresponsible behaviors that may hurt them, or other students. Essentially, this program should tutor students on Internet etiquette. This might be a short-term program with new students continually being brought in.
- Create a program for high school students to work with one another on homework before or after school. These programs can be formal or informal, depending on your preference. Students may want to work together with other students in the same class to explore a project, or may want help from an older student to better understand the concept. The key to a successful homework club is to have a set location, where students routinely attend to work on school assignments.
