Perceptions of ESL Student Tutors on Challenges Faced in Peer Tutoring

Abstract

The main purpose of this study is to discover the tutor's perceptions of challenges faced when performing simulation-based tasks. 50 Diploma in Business Administration students with mixed English proficiency in an institution of higher learning formed 10 groups in this study. The observations, interviews and diary entries used revealed that the tutors experienced a number of difficulties during the peer-tutoring sessions. They range from problems in the areas of communication, time management, group management, interest sustenance and lack of knowledge. It is important for instructors to be aware of the problems that student tutors face in the course of tutoring. The knowledge will enable them to improve and refine future peer-tutoring sessions which in turn, benefit both tutors and tutees.

The Effects of Online Peer Tutoring on First-Year Undergraduate Students’ English Grammar Achievement

“…It is also reasonable to say that the advantages of peer tutoring are given not only to students with high performances but also to those with low performances. The student tutors gain experiences and confidence, while the tutees can improve their academic achievements as well as practical skills and abilities through a peer tutoring process as they assist and facilitate each other based on sense of responsibility, friendly supports, and a positive learning atmosphere, all of which make learners feel relaxed and become more active in classes (Chai and Lin, 2013;Wessel, 2015;Campit et al, 2015;Raheem et al, 2017). Haider and Yasmin (2015) mention that another advantage of peer tutoring, apart from learning achievements, is learners' better attitudes on teaching and learning activities because they are cordially motivated by peers.…”