Peer Education: Perceptions of Student Learning in Online and In-Person Tutoring Sessions

Post-secondary peer education provides both academic support and employment opportunities for students. Traditionally, this valuable resource has been held in person at specified tutoring centers on college campuses. Recently, in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for online academic support options is higher than ever. This study surveyed both tutors and students who taught or attended tutoring through both in-person and online formats throughout their time at South Dakota State University (SDSU). Twenty-six tutors and forty students completed this survey to generate both quantitative and qualitative data. Results of both the tutor and student survey showed that an in-person peer education format is overwhelmingly preferred. This can be explained by technology issues, lack of student engagement online, and the challenge of transitioning previously successful teaching strategies to an online format. All parties agree that going forward, a combination of both online and in-person tutoring offerings, or solely in-person tutoring, will best meet students’ needs and expectations