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Using gifted students as classroom tutors, can be beneficial to both the tutor and the child being helped. When the need arises, a teacher can pair up a tutor with a student, who he feels will benefit from the arrangement. My son has been a peer tutor for the last five years. There are definite pros and cons, associated with the whole concept. I believe, over all it is a positive experience.

PROS:

1. Both children build confidence and self esteem. The child being tutored, benefits from the other child's knowledge and assistance. He gets a better grasp of the material being taught. This may give him the confidence to participate more in class, knowing he understands what is being discussed. There will also be a noted change in homework being completed. The child doing the tutoring, feels like they have something valuable to offer. They build the confidence to show their intelligence, without the fear of teasing. My son was very shy and timid. This has certainly brought him out of his shell. Knowing the importance of what he's doing, he gladly accepts any assignment, with pride and confidence.

2. Each learns to work as a team. They must work together to achieve a common goal. Each plays an important role, within this arrangement. For there to be any benefit, both must carry their own weight. Once this is achieved, there is a feeling of success. The value of team work will benefit them throughout their lives.

3. Communication skills will be improved. The child seeking help, must be able to accurately describe what is presenting a problem. They need to identify what they don't understand. The tutor needs to be able to explain things, in a way that will be understood. If something still isn't clear, there needs to be good communication. With proper communication, their success will be self evident. Another valuable life lesson.

4. The most obvious pro, is better grades. The child being tutored, will start to progress and grades will improve. This may even be true, for the tutor as well. A little extra practice never hurt anyone.

5. Compassion is also learned. The tutor sees the importance of helping others. The other child knows people care enough to offer some help. It may also be easier for him to accept help from a peer.

CONS:

1. Other children in the class may feel as though the teacher is favoring the tutor. He may be deemed as "teacher's pet", and teased for being smart. This is usually because of jealousy, but when you're a kid, it's still tough.

2. This may take away from the tutor's own studies. These new found responsibilities, may leave less time to concentrate on his own work. If the tutor's grades start to be affected, the situation will need to be reevaluated. This usually doesn't prove to be much of a problem.

3. The tutored child may be the target of bullying. He may be taunted, because the kids think he's "stupid". Since he's being helped by a fellow classmate, there isn't much secrecy. The whole class is privy to the situation.

Taking everything into consideration, the pros clearly outweigh the cons. It is a very practical approach for academic achievement. There are a lot of valuable lessons to be learned, by both children. As for the kids who feel the need to tease and poke fun, they'll just have to get over it.

Learn more about this author, Erin Knight.
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