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Peer Tutor vs. Professional Tutor: When to use which?
Peer Tutor vs. Professional Tutor: When to use which?

How to decide when you should schedule a session with peer tutor versus hopping into an on-demand session with a professional tutor

Farah Buzzo avatar
Written by Farah Buzzo
Updated over a week ago

While peer tutoring has proven to be more effective than professional tutoring, each has their own unique benefits, so it's important to understand how to get the most out of your academic support.

Peer Tutoring (Scheduled)

Peer tutoring is a great option if you're looking to build a long-term relationship with your tutor, and maximize your potential in a given course. Peer tutors are students who have taken the same class you're currently enrolled in (they may have even had the same professor as you). They can offer valuable insights into the coursework and provide highly relevant support for you based on their own experience in the class.

Some benefits of peer tutoring include:

  • Building long-term relationships with your tutors by making use of recurring sessions

  • Receiving personalized support based on shared student experiences

  • Having the flexibility to meet in-person or online, 1:1 or in a group

Professional Tutoring (On-Demand)

On-demand professional tutoring is a good option if you need help with a specific topic or assignment, but don't necessarily need ongoing support. These professional tutors are available to provide quick help within a general subject area. On-demand tutoring does not allow for you to keep working with the same professional tutor over time.

Some benefits of on-demand tutoring include:

  • Getting quick access to help when you need it

  • Asking questions specific area of difficulty

  • Gaining perspective from a general subject area expert

Using Both Resources

While peer tutoring and professional tutoring have their own unique benefits, they are not meant to be used exclusively. In fact, using both types of tutoring can create your own personal mix of academic support. By using peer tutors for ongoing support and on-demand tutors for quick help, you can get the best of both worlds and maximize your academic success.

Remember, academic support is all about finding what works best for you. Consider your goals, your learning style, and your schedule when deciding which type of tutoring to use. With the right support, you can achieve your academic goals and excel in your coursework.

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