SOS! (Slaying Online Stress)

By: Amy Bareham

Already confused? Struggling with your coursework? Fed up with trying to navigate Blackboard by yourself? Whether you know the ins and outs of online learning or feel NCVPS illiterate, the Peer Tutoring Center (PTC) is here to get you back on track. We have a team comprised of eager peer tutors, all ready and willing to work with you whenever you feel like you’ve hit a wall. And the best part is that they’re all really nice!

But don’t just take my word for it. The team was recently asked how they would define peer tutoring…here’s a little insight into the minds of the students running the PTC:

“I believe peer tutoring is when a group of two or three students talk through a specific topic in a certain subject. I say two or three because, if it gets to be more than that, it's more of a group study session, and isn't as one-on-one as normal tutoring, and therefore not always as effective if someone is really struggling.”

-Anonymous

“My definition of a Peer Tutor is getting help by someone you own age. You can ask questions without being nervous, you feel as though you can relate to a peer tutor, better than you could with a teacher…They are people you can depend on and trust.”

-Salena V (Musical Appreciation, Digital Communications, English I, Health, Algebra I, Geometry, & Biology)

“Peer tutoring is a process that seeks to create future leaders by pairing current ones with those who may be struggling - it isn't just about gaining knowledge and intellect, but about gaining self-confidence and self-respect as well.”

-Molly W (English I)

“To me, peer tutoring is simply helping a student achieve the gaining of knowledge in a certain subject or area. In the process of peer tutoring, the peer tutor will reinforce his knowledge of the subject that he is teaching. Everyone wins!”

-Erick A (French I, Spanish I, & Spanish II)

“My definition of peer tutoring is helping others in what they need to the best of my ability.”

-Shaily A (Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, & Integrated Math I)

“…helping a student achieve their goals by guiding them through their work.”

-Geoffrey M (Success 101, English I, Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Latin I, Latin II, Spanish I, & Spanish II)

***

Asking for help isn’t always easy. It can feel awkward and, more often than not, is synonymous with stepping outside of your comfort zone. Remember that the PTC is here for you. When you feel overwhelmed or you’re having a bad day and 2 plus 2 just won’t add up to equal 4, there’s a lifeline. Get in touch with your online teacher for more details on partnering up with a peer tutor. It’ll be the best decision you make all year.