Have you struggled in a class but felt unsure about asking the teacher for extra help? Or have you noticed some concepts make more sense when your friend explains it? A lot of students experience this, which is why South’s counselors started a new program called the Peer Tutoring. The program is designed to allow students to support their peers.
“I helped a friend, which was a very positive experience,” said peer tutor Eshaan Arora (‘27).
Tutoring sessions officially began on Dec. 10. Students can sign up for peer tutoring during their study hall, and will be assigned a tutor for the hour. Peer tutors are available from 8:45 a.m. to 2:50 p.m., for every hour except for first hour and lunch. Ms. Molly Rooney, the lead school counselor, is leading the program and is assisted by Ms. Pooja Surti.
“A peer tutor has gone through all different sets of subject area problems or conflicts and knows where his peer can be struggling,” said Ms. Surti. The peer tutor “can be the best to help.”
The peer tutors also benefit from this program. “I’ve found that explaining material reinforces my own understanding, and I like being able to support classmates in a way that can help them get a better grade in any upcoming tests,” said Arora. “I hope to improve my communication and tutoring skills and learn how to better support students with different learning styles.”
Peer tutors are selected by counselors based on their academic records and interests. For many, this is a way to get more involved in the community. Peer tutors receive volunteer hours for every hour-long session, even if they don’t tutor anyone during the session.
“I wanted to be a peer tutor because I thought it would be a good way to get involved within the school and help my peers,” said Gabrielle Fadiora (‘26).
Once selected, peer tutors can choose the days they want to tutor. Students can sign up for tutoring by completing Google Form where they can indicate the subjects they need help with and their availability.
Fadiora said, “I also enjoyed the idea of how flexible it was, like being able to choose the days I tutor, as well as being in contact with Ms. Surti about days that I might not be able to tutor.”
The program is clearly meeting the needs of students. “We are really seeing a good turnout of the peer tutors and the students who are wanting to get help,” said Ms. Surti. “We did not expect this huge amount of response from students, but we are really happy that the peer tutors are really willing to help.”
The program continues to grow by gaining tutors and resources. By encouraging collaboration and creating comfortable learning environments, peer tutoring provides another opportunity for students to enhance their educational experience by learning from and teaching others.
“I think this program is going to run nicely, and I’m looking forward to having more enrollments as a peer tutors and as the students who are going to need help,” said Ms. Surti.
