What are some common peer tutoring models and methods?

1 One-on-one tutoring

One-on-one tutoring is the most traditional and personalized form of peer tutoring. It involves a tutor and a tutee meeting regularly to work on specific topics, skills, or assignments. The tutor can provide feedback, guidance, clarification, and encouragement to the tutee, while the tutee can ask questions, practice, and demonstrate understanding. One-on-one tutoring is ideal for students who need individual attention, support, or remediation.

2 Group tutoring

Group tutoring is a form of peer tutoring that involves a small group of students working together with or without a tutor. The group can share ideas, resources, strategies, and perspectives on a common subject or task. The tutor can facilitate, monitor, or join the group discussion, depending on the level of autonomy and interaction desired. Group tutoring is ideal for students who benefit from social learning, peer feedback, or cooperative problem-solving.

3 Peer-led team learning

Peer-led team learning (PLTL) is a form of peer tutoring that combines group work and structured activities. It involves a trained peer leader who guides a team of students through challenging and engaging tasks related to the course material. The peer leader does not lecture or provide answers, but rather prompts, questions, and supports the team members as they collaborate and learn from each other. PLTL is ideal for students who want to deepen their conceptual understanding, apply their knowledge, and develop their metacognitive skills.

4 Supplemental instruction

Supplemental instruction (SI) is a form of peer tutoring that targets historically difficult courses and provides regular and voluntary sessions led by trained peer leaders. The peer leaders are students who have successfully completed the course and attend the lectures along with the current students. They prepare and facilitate sessions that review and reinforce the main concepts, skills, and strategies covered in the course. SI is ideal for students who want to improve their performance, retention, and confidence in challenging courses.

5 Online tutoring

Online tutoring is a form of peer tutoring that uses technology to connect tutors and tutees across different locations and time zones. It can be synchronous or asynchronous, depending on the availability and preference of the participants. Online tutoring can use various tools and platforms, such as video conferencing, chat, email, forums, wikis, blogs, or learning management systems. Online tutoring is ideal for students who need flexibility, convenience, or access to diverse or specialized tutors.

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?