How can peer tutors leverage their own diverse identities and experiences to enhance their tutoring sessions?

2 How to leverage your identity

One way to leverage your identity and experience as a peer tutor is to use them as sources of empathy, rapport, and insight. For example, if you share a similar background, interest, or challenge with your tutee, you can use that as a common ground to build trust and connection. You can also share your own stories, strategies, or resources that helped you overcome obstacles or achieve goals. However, be careful not to assume that your tutee's experience is exactly the same as yours, or that they need or want the same kind of support. Always ask for their feedback, preferences, and goals, and respect their autonomy and agency.

3 How to respect diversity

Another way to leverage your identity and experience as a peer tutor is to respect the diversity of your tutee and others. This means being open-minded, curious, and respectful of their views, values, and beliefs, even if they differ from yours. It also means being aware of your own biases, stereotypes, or assumptions, and challenging them when they arise. You can do this by asking questions, listening actively, and acknowledging different perspectives. You can also learn more about the cultural, linguistic, or social norms and expectations of your tutee and their academic discipline, and adapt your tutoring methods accordingly.

5 How to grow as a leader

The final way to leverage your identity and experience as a peer tutor is to grow as a leader in diversity and inclusion. Peer tutoring is not only a skill, but also a role that can influence and inspire others. As a peer tutor, you can model and demonstrate the benefits of diversity and inclusion in your tutoring sessions and interactions with others. You can also seek feedback, reflection, and learning opportunities to improve your tutoring skills and your diversity and inclusion competence. You can also mentor, coach, or support other peer tutors who want to develop their diversity and inclusion leadership.

Peer tutoring is a rewarding and challenging skill that can help you and your peers achieve academic success and personal growth. By leveraging your own diverse identities and experiences, you can enhance your tutoring sessions and create a positive learning environment for everyone. You can also develop your diversity and inclusion leadership and make a difference in your institution and community.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?