Tutoring can make the difference of academic success for many students. Having a tutor can mean that a student has a stronger grasp of the course material and may receive a better grade. Most of us understand why a student may want to get a tutor.
However, we may wonder why a student might want to become a tutor. Of course, some students may become a tutor for some extra income, but tutoring is time-consuming and requires hard work, preparation, and effort. Why would a student want to become a peer tutor to help other students with their coursework?
There are actually many benefits of tutoring – for the tutor as well as for the tutee.
Tutors often have flexible hours and can set convenient appointment times with students. Tutoring times can be worked around your schedule.
Tutors often make a difference in the lives of the students that they tutor. For a student who wants to contribute to his community and have meaningful interactions with others and make a difference, tutoring is a great avenue.
Teaching someone else material is the best way to solidify the material and learn it better. Although a peer tutor may feel that he understands course content, he will look at it and learn it in a completely new way when he tries to help someone else understand it.
Tutors often make important gains in their problem-solving abilities. In order to help others learn material, they need to understand students and learning styles, resolve complex issues and break things down into separate parts.
You may gain a greater sense of empathy as a tutor.
You may gain important self-esteem and confidence as a tutor.
You may gain important interpersonal skills by working on listening, communicating clearly and accurately, dealing with possible intercultural issues and creating a positive communication climate.
You may gain greater self-awareness as you discover your own strengths and weaknesses and help tutees consider theirs.
You will work at goal setting skills as you help your tutee plan a course of action.
You will gain an understanding of the balance between support and challenge as you work to create a plan to help your tutee achieve his goals.
You will have an important experience to add to your resume. The academic experience, responsibility, and individual skills will be important qualities of interest to employers.
You will have an opportunity to gain important skills at the same time that he is helping others. You will be able to learn material better than you would in any other way and to grow personally. I encourage you to explore this possible way to add to your college experiences.
Open tutoring jobs are published on the Berkeley College website under "Careers at Berkeley" at https://re21.ultipro.com/BER1008/jobboard/ListJobs.aspx?__VT=ExtCan if you are interested in submitting an application. You can also visit your campus or Online ASC for more information.
Adapted from college parents