PROPOSAL FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A TRIAL YEAR 8 PEER TUTORING PROGRAM.

The proposed peer tutoring program that is intended to be trialled at IGGS this semester will involve able mathematics senior (Y10, 11 and Y12) students (referred to as tutors) supporting more junior (Y8) students (referred to as tutees) to develop their mathematical skills and confidence to do well in mathematics. This tutoring will take place during lunchtime once a week during term 3 and 4. Depending on the success of this trial program, peer tutoring can then be introduced next year for year 8, 9 and 10 students.

Research has shown that verbal communication, sense of judgement and analytical skills can be enhanced through a peer tutoring system. Both the student tutors and the student tutees benefit from the experience. Although the benefits to the tutors often outweigh those to the tutees any program which enhances the student experience should be considered worthwhile as it is not only likely to have learning benefits but also enhance student self esteem. A number of the benefits to tutors and tutees have been outlined below:

HOW PEER TUTORING BENEFITS TUTORS

Peer tutoring will enable tutors to:

  • learn through teaching and become more responsible while doing something worthwhile to help others.
  • reinforce their understanding by developing explanations which are accessible to their peers.
  • clarify their ideas in their own minds.
  • re-consider how to present material and vary their presentation to meet the needs of tutees.
  • develop further their social, communication and leadership skills.
  • accumulate points towards their Service Award for their community service within the School. (TBC)

HOW PEER TUTORING BENEFITS TUTEES

Peer tutoring will enable tutees to:

  • improve their levels of self-confidence and mathematical aptitude.
  • be more comfortable to ask their peers to re-explain some aspect of a problem rather than ask the teacher since there is a reduced age difference (tutor-tutee).
  • be given individual attention provided outside class time and will not need to pay for private tuition classes.
  • develop further of their social skills.

Overall peer tutoring will contribute positively to both tutors and tutees in the development of their communication skills, self esteem and personal satisfaction.

TIMELINE FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF TRIAL PEER TUTORING PROGRAM:

Activity / Duration / Start Date / Finish Date / Person(s) In-charge
Inform Year 8, 10, 11 and 12 level coordinators and ask for their input re the introduction of this program. / 1 day / Thurs 9/8 / Fri 10/8 / AK
Invite able mathematics Y10 acc, 11 and 12 students to express their interest to become tutors. Students need to have above 80% ave in maths and be recommended by their maths teachers. / 3 days / Thurs 9/8 / Mon 13/8 / AK
AHU to approve draft letter to be sent home to successful applicants. / 1 day / Thurs 9/8 / Fri 10/8 / AK
Send letters home to successful applicants (tutors) / 1 day / Tues 14/8 / Tues 14/8 / AK
Meet with tutors to discuss what is expected of them and possible training(classroom observations) requirements. Formation of an executive committee and allocated responsibilities of this committee. / 1 day (lunchtime mtg-lunch providedTBC) / Fri 17/8 / Fri 17/8 / AK
Place information re tutoring classes in newsletter / 1 day / Fri 17/8 / Fri 17/8 / AK
Announce at assembly beginning of tutorial classes / assembly / Mon 20/8 / Mon 20/8 / Committee members-Tutors
Maths teachers to refer potential tutees to attend tutorial sessions. / Sem 2 / Mon 20/8 / Mon 29/10 / Math Faculty
Prepare evaluation forms for tutors and tutees to complete after each session. / 1 day / Fri 17/8 / Fri 17/8 / Faculty members to provide feedback-AK
Tutorial sessions to begin once a week (*date to be confirmed) / 2 months / *Mon 20/8 / *Mon 29/10 / Tutors +AK(teacher-in charge)
Review:
Evaluation will be formative and summative, verbal and written based on feedback from Maths teachers, tutors and tutees. / 2 months / *Mon 20/8 / *Mon 29/10 / Maths faculty to evaluate.