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If your child is struggling in school you may be looking for the magic bullet that will help her improve her grades. There is no magic cure, but there are many different tutoring options to consider. One very popular and successful method is peer tutoring. Peer tutoring simply means that a contemporary of your child, a classmate or student who is only slightly older, tutors in a subject where he or she excels. Peer tutoring works for two main reasons. First, peer tutors understand the subject matter well, because they are studying the same things or have recently completed their course of study in the area where your child needs help.
Second, peer tutoring is successful because peers can often engage other kids in a way that adult tutors cannot. Kids who are helping other kids understand which analogies make sense, and speak the same language. Peer tutors also may be using certain tricks and tips to learn a subject themselves, and can share that knowledge with your child. They can relate and engage your struggling child without the endeavor feeling forced.For peer tutoring to really work, there must be a set program. Two teenagers getting together for peer tutoring in an unstructured environment may devolve into talking about music, clothes, or other kids at school rather than about geometry or world history. As a parent, if your child is going to learn from peer tutoring, set up a “study zone.” That can be a quiet local library, or a home office in your own home. Make sure that you choose a location where distractions are at a minimum. Peer tutoring also often works as a structured after school program. Check with your child’s school and individual teachers to see if there is a set program. National Honor Societies, for example, often offer peer tutoring by their members for fellow classmates who may be struggling in science or math. If your child’s school offers a structured peer tutoring program, take advantage! These programs are usually free, and your child can attend one afternoon or all semester depending on his or her peer tutoring needs. |
