by Julie Kliegman

Created on: March 04, 2009

Using gifted students as classroom tutors is a great way to supplement teachers' lessons. Some children need extra reinforcement to grasp certain concepts, and sometimes they can understand ideas better they are when explained by their peers.

By no means should implementing a peer-tutoring program be used as an excuse for educators to slack off in the classroom. Gifted students can only do so much without a solid curriculum and talented teachers to rely on as a foundation. Overall, the students at the top of the class can be great tutors for struggling pupils. There are, however, advantages and disadvantages to be considered before deciding to start a tutoring program at an elementary, middle, junior high or high school.

PROS

1. A student who needs help may be too shy to consult a teacher. He may feel more comfortable turning to his peers people he has seen and gotten to know on a personal level inside and outside of the classroom. As helpful as teachers can be, bright students may relate better and develop a connection with the tutees that will catalyze the learning process.

2. Gifted students are gifted because they are able to break down information given to them, understand it on a thorough level and reformat it in different ways. Therefore, it is likely that these children are capable of presenting a difficult lesson to their peers in a way that makes more sense to them.

3. For students struggling in a certain subject area, tutoring will be beneficial not just to their report cards, but also to their social and time management skills. Interacting with other children their age in a way other than playground banter will serve as a way to develop their communication and listening skills. At the same time, children will see that the more time they spend on studies, the more they will like the grades they receive. Many children do not succeed academically because they are not stimulated enough intellectually outside of school. Even an extra hour of studying a week can work wonders.

CONS

1. Some gifted children grow to resent having to devote time to others' studies instead of their own. It can be frustrating to always have to be the one giving attention and not getting any in return. Schools must be careful to show their appreciation to gifted students and offer them help if they are confused about a topic covered in class. There should be no assumptions that gifted children can fend for themselves and learn on their own.

2. In some cases, a gifted child may try to explain something in a way that is incomprehensible to the tutee. This should not be a problem as long as the child struggling can effectively communicate his confusion to the tutor and the two have a good rapport established.

In general, gifted tutors can work with their peers to supplement classroom activities. The advantages definitely outweigh the disadvantages in this situation. As long as teachers monitor progress and supervise sessions when necessary, gifted tutoring programs will be successful in fostering a love for education and higher academic standards in other children.

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