Describes a study of tutors' experiences with small groups, offering findings from interviews with 37 tutors from 3 colleges as they relate to existing group dynamics research. Discusses tutor and tutee roles, group cohesion, identification of students' needs, development of a workable plan and timeline, jumpstarting, and floor management. Details…

Advocates grounding a tutor training program in research-based theoretical models, such as student development and metacognitive theories. Recommends that tutor training cover student development philosophy, effective communication skills, campus resources, instructional support materials, learning theory/learning styles, metacognitive approaches…