Peer tutoring is not new, in fact it might possibly be as old as any other form of collaborative study scheme. Peer tutoring mostly takes place tacitly. However, in this changing landscape of higher education, formalised and more assessed forms of peer teaching are becoming more popular, with universities and other higher education institutes actively promoting peer-teaching campaign.
Before moving forward, let us define what peer teaching means:
Peer tutoring, sometimes referred to as peer mentoring is a relatively effective and more personalised way of providing students with academic support from other students. In simpler terms, a student who is adept in a specific field, uses his own expertise, knowledge and method of studying, to teach a fellow student who is struggling in the same field. The biggest benefits of peer teaching is that it entrust students to teach their fellows in a more comfortable and engaging environment not necessarily within the bounds of a classroom.
Moreover, this also help the student being taught to learn in an environment where he is not judged for his lack of abilities to understand something. This way, he can get his endless doubts cleared in an amicable way without the fear of being put in spotlight.
Unlike a conventional classroom, peer teaching allows students to generate ideas, and devise solutions to complex problems in a collaborative and personal environment.
We have listed a couple of benefits offered by peer tutoring
Boosts self-confidence
Studying with someone of your same age will definitely help you to feel more connected with the lessons that are being taught. Moreover, it will make you less hesitant to ask for clarifications.
Builds essential skills
Not just learning, peer tutoring helps in building excellent practical skills as well. Skills such as, critical thinking, voicing concerns, problem solving and decision making. Peer tutoring improves personal relationships between students, while promoting positive social behaviours and enhancing communication skills.
