Group Tutoring


The Advantages of Group Tutoring

  • Students benefit from helping each other
  • The group benefits from a diversity of ideas and points of view
  • It builds tolerance for differences in background, personality, and intellectual style

Tips for Successful Group Tutoring

Inclusive Seating
Arrange seating in a circle to include everyone.
Face the Blackboard
When using the blackboard, be sure everyone can see.
Students Explain
Have students explain answers, concepts, and definition to each other.
Equalize the Talk-Time
Make sure everyone in the group gets a chance to participate. Control vocal students by ceding the floor to others.

Tutor:
We've heard your thoughts on the previous point, Shawn, let's see if someone else wants to suggest and idea.
Praise
Praise students who come prepared to work.

Tutor:
Emerald, it's great that you did the problem set before coming here. It lets us make lots of progress.
Encourage Participation
Provide opportunities for quiet students to participate.

Tutor:
We haven't heard from you in a while, Ralph. What do you think of Emerald's answer?
Summarize Everyone's Contribution
Summarize the contributions of all students and integrate them into a whole. This reinforces learning and helps all to see their contribution and feel included.

Tutor:
Great. It looks like we've finally got it. Shawn said that mitosis was when a cell replicates itself by dividing in two. After xeroxing it's DNA, as Emerald called it. And Ralph added that in meiosis, there's one xeroxing that's followed by two divisions, which is how you get a haploid cell.

Workbook Assignments