How Do Student Tutors Benefit from Tutoring?
Tutors benefit academically from the time spent reviewing and practicing material with their tutees. In programs like the Valued Youth Program, whose training classes encourage critical and higher-order thinking skills (IDRA 1991), tutors may also experience higher cognitive gains. Organizing material to teach “facilitates long-term retention, as well as aiding in the formation of a more comprehensive and integrated understanding” (Cohen). Tutoring also provides opportunities to practice and improve communication skills and work habits. Tutors’ self-esteem rises as they see their tutees improve. Knowing they are making a meaningful contribution is a powerful experience. Supik reported that many VYP tutors stop skipping classes and behaving disruptively after they realize they are role models for their tutees (Gaustad). What Problems Are Commonly Encountered? Simply putting two students together won’t result in successful tutoring. Untrained tutors–whether adults or students–may resor
