PEER TUTORING

The TAFE Peer Tutoring program is a daily literacy support program for identified Year 7 students. The peer tutoring program supports targeted junior students with their reading comprehension while enhancing the communication and mentoring skills of the tutors.

Targeted Year 7 students are supported by their tutors with subject specific reading
material supplied by class teachers across the curriculum. Readers are assisted with decoding and comprehending of text books, novels, assignments and worksheets before receiving the reading material in class. The aim of the peer tutoring program is that Year 7 students will have some prior knowledge and understanding of key concepts and subject specific terminology allowing them greater access to the curriculum and to participate in class discussion.

Tutors are trained through the Adult Basic Education Department at Sutherland TAFE Gymea Campus in peer tutoring. Upon completion, tutors receive a TAFE certificate in the Literacy Volunteer Tutoring (School) Course. This mentoring program gives twenty tutors an opportunity to reflect on their own learning and helps to build their confidence often enhancing their future academic success. As well, senior students gain an appreciation of an adult learning environment and an insight into further educational opportunities.

Peer tutoring operates in the library during roll call. This ensures that there is minimal disruption to the curriculum and that the Year 7 students are supported with their reading for fifteen minutes daily.