This article explores the efficacy of formative assessment feedback models in higher education. Over 1 year and two courses, three feedback techniques were trialled: staff-to-student feedback in class, peer-to-peer feedback in class and peer-to-peer feedback online, via "the Café," an e-learning application hosted by…

In recent years, many institutions have developed residential living-learning communities that aim to involve faculty in promoting peer-to-peer learning and furthering students' scholarly interests in a residential setting. A special type of living-learning community--the residential college--has been embraced by many: Harvard University; the…

Raises the complementary issues of faculty/tutor collaboration and tutor-writing confidentiality at writing centers by relating a serious dilemma involving a student's blatant attempt at plagiarism of an online text. Raises concerns regarding conflicting roles of the writing center in upholding itself as a safe place for students and/or as a place…

Examines some of the difficulties in peer tutoring and points out the dilemma of whether to emphasize the tutor component (apprentice model) or the peer component (colearner model). Offers a solution that incorporates elements from both stages, one that treats tutors developmentally. (NKA)

This book presents 53 firsthand experiences of peer writing tutors. Each story explores a particular tutoring issue, from working with a quiet student to tutoring a student with a learning disability. Each tutor writes candidly in an informed and sensitive manner about successes and failures as partners in the collaborative learning process.…

Several studies of distance education students' attitudes toward and need for local student-teacher contact time suggest that the provision of local tutorial time can be important for student success and should be planned by the tutors in consultation with their students. (MSE)

Reflective tutorials used in supervising nursing student teachers raised several questions: What is the link between reflection and quality of practice? Can tutorials be used for assessment as well as personal development? Is reflection dependent on context? and How do the roles of supervisors and students change? (SK)

Writing labs should utilize the knowledge gained from a variety of fields to enhance further their programs, particularly with regard to the study of nonverbal communication. Regardless of the sincerity and importance of the tutor's suggestions, nonverbal messages often are sent to the student which undermine the session. Various channels of…

Students' non-participation in tutorials seems to be more widespread in certain cultural environments than others. This paper investigates the usefulness and effectiveness of tutorials as pedagogical tools and cultural links. It is postulated that the conflict results from face-considerations and the students' definition of tutorials within an…

This practicum study developed a form for the evaluation of tutors by college students with learning disabilities at Brenau University (Georgia). Consultation with 15 experts in the field of college tutoring and a literature search led to the identification of 14 traits best evaluated by students. The evaluation form was developed and field tested…

These "tips" on how to tutor a student in a foreign language include: (1) Get to know the student, which class he or she is in and how the instruction is conducted; (2) Be a good listener, a skill that, like the first tip, is essential in lowering a student's affective filters; (3) Be patient--instruction may require many repetitions;…

Examines reasons for the resistance and resentment of many student athletes to working with writing tutors. Discusses successful intervention strategies for dealing with counter-productive behavior. Argues that the resultant learning not only enriches the athletes, but the entire academic community, since their stories are a tremendous asset for…

States that for faculty to make effective referrals to academic support programs, they should be knowledgeable about services and describe them to students in their classes early in the term, they must endorse the use of the service and repeatedly encourage students to attend, and they must make their referrals personal. (VWC)

A study of 336 staff-led, problem-based tutorial groups in a European university health sciences program found that students who were tutored by subject-matter experts achieved somewhat better and spent more time on self-directed learning. In addition, tutoring skill and content knowledge were important in effective tutoring. (Author/MSE)

This study, which took place in Maastricht (Netherlands), examined whether motivation affects the reliability of students' ratings about tutor behavior and whether different types of students have different expectations about tutor behavior. Four types of motivation were measured: intrinsic, extrinsic, and achievement motivation, and fear of…