The Peer Tutoring Program provides assistance for students with the academic content of their courses. Upper-division students are available to tutor students in most lower-level courses at the University, free of charge.
Program Mission Statement
To foster a positive and encouraging learning environment where diverse groups of students can achieve academic success. Through working in partnership, highly skilled tutors will empower students by providing them with the tools to become effective independent learners while increasing their confidence in their skills and abilities.
Our peer tutors can help to strengthen your knowledge of a particular course or subject. Tutors are not there to do the work for you; rather they will guide your learning, enabling you to become more confident and independent in your understanding of the course material.
Who can participate in peer tutoring?
All undergraduate students can attend peer tutoring. The Tutoring Program is not only for students who are struggling, but for those who would like an extra boost towards achieving a desired success level in their classes. Students report that the chance to study alongside a peer boosts their motivation and desire to learn.
How can I meet with a peer tutor?
Please access the Penji platform or download the Penji app. Once you have accessed Penji, you will see the peer tutoring community and will be able to schedule a one-off session with a tutor, or a recurring session if you would prefer to meet more regularly.
You will be able to select tutoring from a list of courses you are currently taking, and will then select a date, time, and peer tutor you wish to work with. Once your session is confirmed, you will receive an email confirmation from Penji with the details. Please save the meeting invite so you are reminded of your tutoring session.
What classes can I get tutoring in?
Our tutors support a range of entry-level courses across multiple subject areas. Once on Penji, you will select from a list of courses that you are currently enrolled in at W&L. If, for some reason, we cannot find a tutor for the course you request, you will have an option to notify us and we will suggest alternative forms of academic support.
What can I do before a tutoring session?
You are encouraged to think about specific areas of your course you would like support with. You will maximize your tutoring session by arriving with specific questions, problems, or areas you would like to work on with your peer tutor.
You will see a chatroom feature on Penji and you are encouraged to use this to chat with your tutor before the session if you have questions. You may also contact your tutor in other ways if you prefer, such as via email.
What can I expect during a tutoring session?
This will largely depend on your unique needs as a student. Tutors will usually start a session by understanding your learning goals, and the particular challenges you might be experiencing with the course content. The tutoring session will then be tailored to the information provided. Tutors are trained to ask effective open-ended questions throughout the session to guide your understanding of important course concepts and ideas.
What are the benefits of peer tutoring?
Develop your understanding of course material.
Increase your confidence as a learner (self-efficacy).
Increase your independence in studying and learning.
Work through problems and ideas in a supportive and non-judgmental setting.
Build a relationship with a peer over an extended period of time.
How do I become a peer tutor?
The Harte Center for Teaching and Learning welcomes peer tutors who are highly motivated and committed to student learning. Peer tutors support fellow students by providing one-on-one and small-group tutoring in courses that align with their strengths, passions, and interests. Tutors will also participate in ongoing training and events to enhance their personal and professional skills.
Please email the peer tutoring leadership team if you are interested in becoming a peer tutor at peertutors@mail.wlu.edu.
Subject Support Centers
Drop in to study, collaborate and receive help
Our Subject Support Centers are department-based peer tutoring spaces where you can receive support with particular subjects on a drop-in basis.
A Subject Support Center is particularly useful in receiving help with a course that is not included in the Harte Center's Peer Tutoring Program. Alternatively, students may wish to use a Subject Support Center as a structured place in which to study, complete assignments, and ask questions.
Below are the Subject Support Centers available this winter term:
LATN 101, LATN 202, LATN 395, GR 102, GR 202 Leyburn 109 Tues, 7-9 PM Contact: Prof Rebecca Benefiel Professor of Classics