Peer tutoring helps boost student success

For new and returning Durham College students, a new year is often filled with a renewed commitment to improvement, whether it’s promises to be healthier and return to the gym or a goal to learn a new skill. The new year can also mean a vow to improve scholastically, a resolution the college is able to help achieve through Student Academic Learning Services’ (SALS) peer tutoring.

All students are eligible to apply for peer tutoring and gain the advantages it can provide for a minimal fee of $10. Students are provided with the opportunity to be tutored by fellow students in two subjects with a maximum of 15 hours in each subject, most often working out to approximately two hours of tutoring per week.

“Peer tutoring is a win-win program for both the tutees and the tutors,” said Leslie Linstrum, writing specialist with SALS. “Tutees receive subject-specific support in a course they are experiencing difficulty with while tutors are able to help fellow students; add to their co-curricular record; and receive part-time employment income.”

Peer tutoring has a proven track record of improving academic performance. Last year, 82.3 per cent of students who accessed peer tutoring received their credits. Students gain valuable abilities including organizational skills while learning in a friendly environment alongside a fellow student.

This semester’s peer tutoring sessions are set to begin on Monday, January 20. For more information and instructions on how to apply for peer tutoring or to be a tutor, please visit Durham College’s peer tutoring webpage.