Cikgu Mahadiah Scribbles : Peer Tutoring

.....Year by year, teachers in whatever subjects, will keep on introducing new programmes..with all sort of bombastic names: ...simple ones like Tutor-tutee, Mentor- mentee...and complicated ones like 'Under-One-Roof', 'Go For Gold', 'Murid ku sayang'...many many many more which i have to check from other 'boarding schools'...I guess this is a vital part in this school system where teachers are supposed to get absolutely involve in the programmes...no way to escape!...As a responsible, dedicated teacher..................you must abide it...

...Why all the programmes?? Because by all means we want 100% of our students to excell...Nobody should be left behind...All Straights A's, No B's please...What more C, D, F ???
...In order to attain that excellent result, i believe that 'peer tutoring' could help....

In Biology, teachers explained facts and contents..students need to understand,,,, then memorise it..Of course the most difficult part is to memorise especially when they do not even understand the facts!

The art of memorising...well, it could be enhanced by peers...there comes the role of peers!!

Peer tutoring can be defined as “people from similar social groupings who are not professional teachers helping each other to learn and learning themselves by teaching.

What are the benefits of peer tutoring?...( Under One-Roof Programme..SESERI)

.....Tutors (We call it ENZYMES):
Help students increase their own understanding of the subject matter as they tutor students in/on, which boosts confidence and can carry over to their desire to learn other subjects .

Practice students’ communication skills

Give tutors great confidence to talk and an opportunity to develop their own leadership skills

...Tutees (We call it SUBSTRATE)

Help tutees feel more at ease, and concentrate better on the subject matter, with a peer tutor rather than a professional teacher

According to Goodlad and Hirst (1989), there are four main benefits for tutees when they seek out peer help:
Tutees receive individualized instruction
Tutees receive more teaching
Tutees (may) respond better to their peers than to their teachers
Tutees can obtain companionship from the students that tutor them

....Teachers (MENTOR)

Peer tutoring is also beneficial to teachers who may not have the time to spend with each of their students one-on-one.
Help the subject Teacher break the whole class into small groups so that students have the chance to learn in a more intimate environment, which allow them to take more initiative.

Why introduce Peer Tutoring?
Students may find difficulties in studying a certain subject
Facilitate better understanding of professional roles to students

What is the role of peer tutors and tutees?
Tutors :
-Motivator
Motivate students or tutees to learn
-Counselor
Sharing personal experiences with tutees
-Advisor
Provide comments on tutees’ effort. The final answers lie with the subject teacher
-Middle man
A peer tutor is the bridge between tutees and subject teacher

Tutees:
Tutees are expected to :
-Review relevant subject matters before tutorial sessions
-Raise questions before or during or after tutorial sessions
-Be cooperative and take active part in all tutorial activities
-Solve problems individually or as a team
-Be punctual and attend all tutorial sessions

...Since SPM is just a month to come, I would encourage everyone concerned, to start this type of revising Biology...Find your Peer Tutor!!!!Hope it may help you in the preparation to score A Biology....