Online peer tutoring can be a powerful way to improve your learning and performance in science courses, especially in remote or hybrid learning. However, to get the most out of your online peer tutoring sessions, you need to plan and structure them effectively.
Step 1: Define your goals
Before you begin your online peer tutoring session, you should have a clear idea of what you want to achieve. Having a specific and realistic goal will help you focus your session and measure your progress. You can also share your goal with your tutor and ask for feedback or advice.
Step 2: Choose your tools
When it comes to online peer tutoring, you should choose tools that meet your needs and preferences, and that are compatible with your devices and internet connection. Online whiteboards, such as Jamboard, Miro, or aw App, can be used to draw diagrams, graphs, or equations and annotate or comment on them. Additionally, online quizzes, flashcards, or games like Kahoot, Quizlet, or Socrative can help you test your knowledge or remember concepts. Finally, online documents, spreadsheets, or slides like Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides are useful for creating notes, summaries, or presentations and collaborating or commenting on them.
Step 3: Set your agenda
Once you have your goals and tools ready, you need to set your agenda for the online peer tutoring session. This should include a brief introduction and icebreaker to build rapport and trust with your peer tutor, as well as to check the technical setup and tools. Additionally, you should review your goal and expectations to clarify what you want to learn and how you want to learn it, while agreeing on the roles and responsibilities of each participant. The main activity or task should focus on active learning and practicing the topic or skill you want to improve, with feedback or support from your peer tutor. Finally, a summary and reflection should summarize what you have learned, what you still need to work on, and what you can do next. Don’t forget to thank your tutor and provide feedback!
Step 4: Follow the rules
During your online peer tutoring session, it is important to follow certain rules to ensure a positive and productive experience. Respect and courtesy should be observed to create a safe and supportive learning environment, while punctuality and preparation should be maintained to show commitment and respect for the peer tutor’s time and efforts. Additionally, it is important to be active and collaborative in the learning process, sharing ideas, questions, or challenges. Finally, one should remain flexible and open-minded in order to adapt to changes or challenges that may arise, as well as accept different perspectives or approache
Step 5: Monitor your progress
Throughout your online peer tutoring session, you should monitor your progress and check your understanding by asking and answering questions to clarify doubts or confirm assumptions. You may also use self-assessment or peer assessment strategies to assess your knowledge, skills, or performance, and to identify your strengths and weaknesses. In addition, you should ask for or give feedback to improve your learning outcomes and to recognize or appreciate the contributions of your peer tutor. Finally, review or summarize your main points to strengthen your memory, recall, or understanding, and to highlight your key takeaways.