Peer tutoring helps NGU students succeed in the classroom
Treasure Hardwick, News and Feature Editor
Photo by Treasure Hardwick
North Greenville University provides students with many resources designed to help them succeed in college. One of these opportunities is the school’s tutoring program which stands out as a valuable resource for students who want extra help in challenging classes.
Through one-on-one sessions with tutors, students can strengthen their studying and improve assignments.
At NGU, tutoring is led by students. Peer tutors who have done well in certain courses meet with other students to review assignments, study for exams and work through difficult concepts.
Claire Gour, sophomore psychology major, serves as a tutor for Intro to Psychology, Human Growth and Development and introductory writing classes. She explained that she had the idea of becoming a tutor after her first semester at college. After she did well in her psychology classes, she applied for a tutoring position online, had an interview and completed tutor training.
Tutoring sessions are typically held in the library. The student and tutor meet for 30 minutes to focus on whatever the students needs. Gour said that she usually begins the session by asking the students what they want to work on and then letting them guide the session.
When tutoring writing, Gour focuses on helping students recognize specific patterns of mistakes in their writing rather than simply correcting them. This approach helps the students develop stronger writing skills over time.
“The goal is not to just make the paper good,” Gour said. “You want to help them become a better writer.”
For psychology tutoring, she usually works with students who are struggling to figure out how to study for the exams effectively. Introductory psychology courses cover a wide variety of concepts and theories. This can feel overwhelming for students.
Beyond academics, Gour explained that one of the most rewarding parts of tutoring is the relationships that she develops with students throughout the semester. Tutoring appointments often become a regular meetings, and tutors see the same students around campus later.
“I think it’s fun to run into that person again on campus later and ask them how their test or paper went,” Gour said.
Gavin Arthun, freshman Christain studies major, attends tutoring for English and math courses.
He explained that he needed additional help studying and learning how to focus on the material. He heard about tutoring from his professors and advisors, and also saw the QR codes on the walls linking to tutoring sign-ups. Since then, Arthun said the tutors he has worked with have been helpful and encouraging.
Tutoring has also provided him with reassurance that help is always available whenever he needs it.
“Now I know that if I need help, I can go to tutoring to get it,” he said.
Arthun said he would recommend tutoring to any other students who many need extra academic support.
“If you’re struggling in a class and can’t figure it out on your own, there are people willing to help you,” he said. “There is always someone looking out for you at NGU.”
