The reasons why students tutor other students goes beyond just class requirements.
Volunteers in the multiple programs at the University of Indianapolis said they did not feel as if there was only one reason they helped others. They enjoy helping students and trying to better themselves for the future.
Sophomore elementary education major Christopher Nichols tutors in several different settings
“I helped throughout middle school and high school experiences, in metro Indianapolis schools, with students that struggled beside me,” Nichols said. “I enjoyed helping the students be able to have the ‘it clicks’ moment when the student finally understands the material.”
Junior social work major Latrice Gebrewold receives advice from Laura Day, a faculty adjunct in the Writing Lab. Photo by Kameron Casey
Nichols volunteers on campus and spends a lot of his personal time tutoring at his church.
He is tutoring in the Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning program at UIndy.
CELL Assistant Director of Educational Initiatives Tyonka Perkins explained that the CELL program is a partnership including Oasis Indianapolis, CELL and Raymond F. Brandes School 65. The program helps students who need direct attention improve their reading skills.
“Of the students that they placed in the program last year, they were able to improve the Lexile levels over 100 points, which is a big achievement,” Perkins said.
Perkins is also faculty member for the program and involved in tutoring students.
“It feels rewarding. It makes me feel happy to see the students eager to learn,” Perkins said.
Junior psychology major Olivia Butz works as a tutor in the Writing Lab.
“Tutoring at the Writing Lab is a great experience. I get to help other college students improve their writing, and it has even improved my writing,” Butz said. “I enjoy coming up with solutions with the client on how to improve their paper. It is a unique experience working with so many diverse people. You get to listen and understand their thoughts, opinions, views and thinking process.”
The reasons students enjoy tutoring vary. They do not have just one reason for why they put in the time to help others with their studies.
For the most part, helping others provides students with a way of learning about new things and the viewpoints of others.
