Transcript of Peer Tutoring Session Cycle
A successful tutoring session will use the following steps to some degree; however, depending on the
length of the session and the student's needs, you may adjust how much time you dedicate to each
step. You will also develop your own style and approach to tutoring that will build on these steps as you
gain experience.
Step 1: Greet the Student (Set the Tone)
Welcome the student and put them at ease; let them know you are happy to help
Get to know the student a little bit; build rapport
Ask for and write down the information you’ll need to complete your session report (i.e. student
#, name, course name, assignment they are working on)
Step 2: Beginning the Session
Ask the student to explain his or her reason for coming to the tutoring session
Understand WHY the student has come and WHAT the student hopes to accomplish
Begin with broad open-ended questions
Use empathetic language to show you understand the student's needs
STEP 3: Set the Agenda (Establish Session Goal)
Many students come in with misconceptions of what can be accomplished in a session. Setting an
agenda allows the student and tutor to manage expectations and set a reasonable goal for the session
time...
Have the student state their agenda
Ask more probing questions to identify specific tasks
Identify the core issue(s) that you can address during the session’s time frame
Negotiate an informal and realistic agenda for the session that addresses the student’s needs
Tips!
Help the student stay realistic about what can be covered in a 30-45 minute session
Write the agenda down and refer to it during the session to stay on track and at the end to
assess progress
Be flexible; the agenda is a great guide, but you may also find you need to revise it as you go
STEP 4: Address the Task
There are many strategies that you can use to support your tutee with their task/problem. With practice
and experience, you’ll develop strategies that you feel comfortable with and you’ll also find that you’ll
be more prepared to use different tactics with different students.
Tips!
Review the assignment and ask the student what their understanding of the assignment is
Ask the student to explain their general approach to the type of problem they want to solve and
then work together to identify if the approach works or needs to be changed
Guide the student to break the task into parts and have them explain the steps to confirm their
understanding
Rather than explaining course information, show the student how to use reference materials,
such as student notes, the textbook, workbooks, Canvas, etc.
Check for understanding by having the student explain what they have just learned
STEP 5: Closing the Session
Before ending the session, allow time for the student to summarize what they’ve learned
Encourage the student to think about how they will apply what they’ve learned to similar
problems in the future
Review what’s been accomplished and discuss the student's next steps; what will they do after
the session to continue learning?
Thank the student for being engaged and for coming to the session
Tips!
Congratulate the student for working hard and not giving up
Reassure the student that he/she has the skills to work independently
Offer positive reinforcement and confirm that the student really did understand/improve
Be honest, but kind about any further improvement that the student needs to focus on
LAST STEP: Session Report!
In the Peer Tutoring Canvas Course you will find a section for submitting Session Reports.
Be sure to leave yourself a few minutes between students to complete your session report!
Tip: Jot down notes at the beginning, middle and end of the session that will help you to
complete your session report
