Peer Tutoring

The Peer Tutoring Program offers academic support for medical students through group sessions or one-on-one tutoring led by peer tutors. Tutors are upper-level medical and/or graduate students who have successfully completed the course(s) they tutor and who are recommended by course faculty. Tutoring assistance allows medical students to develop a deeper understanding of course materials, help clarify any course concepts, and to support and encourage the student(s).

How do I get access to a peer tutor?

From August to May of each year, Brody learners have access to peer tutors.  The tutoring services offered by OSSaW are available free of charge to current Brody learners. Tutoring is available in segments determined by the Peer Tutor Coordinator (Aubrey Mizell) and tutoring team. M1’s will receive specific information about the session dates and tutee expectations in a Canvas Module, and can reach out to Aubrey Mizell with any questions.

Services are typically prioritized according to student need. Primary access to tutoring services is provided to students in academic difficulty, & secondary access is provided to students who want a tutor but who are not in academic difficulty.  Academic difficulty is classified as a student who meets 1 or more of the following:

  • Failure of two quizzes before the first exam of the Block
  • Failure of the first exam of the Block
  • Failure of two or more exams
  • Cumulative course average of < 70% after an exam
  • Course Director makes a tutoring referral to OSSaW

Who are the peer tutors?

Tutors are recommended by course faculty and must show academic proficiency in the course to be tutored and demonstrate evidence of strong interpersonal and communication skills. Tutors are expected to maintain confidentiality, work well with peers and faculty, complete tutor onboarding materials, be prompt for tutoring sessions, and complete brief reports. Tutors are paid hourly.

What are the qualities of a good tutor?

A good tutor is more than a good student. A good tutor should possess the following traits:

  • Patience
  • Dependability and punctuality
  • Good communication skills: listening, speaking, and observing
  • Ability to be discreet and keep information confidential
  • Empathy and understanding towards others
  • Good study habits
  • Can work well in small groups

What are the benefits of being a peer tutor?

 

  • Improved interpersonal and communication skills
  • Good communication skills: listening, speaking, and observing
  • Empathy and understanding towards others
  • Enhanced knowledge of subject matter and review for USMLE
  • Increased team-building skills
  • Provides leadership and personal development

If I have more specific questions about tutoring, who should I contact?

Students can contact OSSaW at 252-744-2500 or by email at ossaw@ecu.edu. or Aubrey Mizell.