What is the Maximum Number of Tutoring Hours per Course per Week?
A student can receive up to 3 hours of peer tutoring per course per week on the Knack platform.
Why was this Maximum Selected?
The implementation of college and university tutoring programs is guided by a body of research, emphasizing the need for moderation in the duration of sessions and a focus on promoting independent learning. The following points outline the rationale for providing students up to three hours of tutoring engagement per course, per week:
Development of Independent Learners: The primary goal of tutoring in higher education is to foster independent learners equipped to tackle academic challenges without excessive reliance on tutors (Hock, Deshler, & Schumaker, 1999). Over-reliance on tutoring can hinder the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills, essential components of academic success and lifelong learning.
Effectiveness of Steady, Ongoing Support: Research indicates a positive correlation between the number of weeks students engage in tutoring and their final course grades, suggesting that regular, moderate engagement in tutoring across the semester is more beneficial than intensive, short-term tutoring sessions (Colver & Fry, 2016). This approach encourages consistent study habits and allows for the gradual assimilation of course material as opposed to “cramming”.
Prevention of Dependency: A focus on developing the tutee's skills rather than providing quick solutions encourages students to become more self-reliant in their learning process. Programs that articulate goals, boundaries, and policies support this development by creating a framework that encourages students to work independently and think critically (Winnard, 1991).
Building Good Study Habits: Encouraging students to spread tutoring sessions throughout the term, rather than cramming multiple sessions into a short period, promotes good study habits and time management skills (Ebron Jr. & Mabuan, 2021). This approach aligns with the flipped learning model, which emphasizes active engagement and the development of soft skills such as communication, socialization, and perseverance.
Positive Tutor-Tutee Relationship: A sustained and supportive tutor-tutee relationship fosters an environment where tutees are more likely to adopt independent study skills. Tutors play a crucial role in suggesting study strategies that can improve course performance, with the effectiveness of these strategies being amplified by regular and conflict-free interactions (Marx, Wolf, & Howard, 2016).
Additional Context
Colleges and universities typically specify the duration and frequency of tutoring sessions students may engage in as a strategic measure to encourage independent learning and the development of effective study habits among students. This moderation ensures tutoring acts as complementary support, enhancing students' engagement with their coursework independently.
Institutions like Harvard University, the University of California, Berkeley, the University of Michigan, and Arizona State University offer structured tutoring programs with specific guidelines on session lengths and frequencies, aiming to promote critical thinking, time management, and self-reliance in learners. This approach aligns with a broader educational philosophy in higher education, emphasizing the empowerment of students as active, autonomous learners equipped to tackle academic challenges on their own. Through such practices, universities strive to optimize the educational benefits of tutoring while fostering lifelong skills essential for academic achievement and beyond.
Conclusion
Encouraging no more than 1-3 hours of tutoring sessions per course, per week is a practice grounded in research. It not only supports academic achievement and retention of knowledge, but also promotes the development of independent learners who are capable of managing their study habits effectively. Spreading tutoring sessions across the semester encourages students to engage with the material actively and develop the skills necessary for academic and personal success.
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