Peer tutoring fosters student bonding

Every day in the classes of AVID, Algebra 1E and Opportunity, students and tutors can be found helping, teaching and bonding to promote learning. These classes offer extra help to those who are limited in resources or are looking to further their understanding of what they are studying.

The classes typically consist of about 6 student tutors who split into groups and support about 25 students in their studies.

Sophomore Tony Hughes said he benefitted from his experiences in Opportunity and Algebra 1E.

“The class was very helpful because I learned a lot not only about math but about independence too because we had to go at our own pace,” Tony said.

Sophomore Marco Salinas participated in numerous support classes, which have motivated him to excel in school.

“We do the work at a pace where the students get the material and the tutors really help and understand us,” Marco said. “If we don’t get something [well], the tutors or the teacher would explain the material in a fun way so that you would remember. These programs have helped me so much. The support from the tutors and how they don’t mind sitting with you and explaining the material over and over until you get it – it’s great.”

Marco believes that his experiences in these classes have changed who he is as a student, and is currently enrolled in AVID this year.

“When I was in middle school, I really was a student that slacked off, and when I was put in [social studies teacher Christa] Wemmer’s class, I didn’t feel like I belonged there,” Marco said. “I later liked it and stayed in the program. With the help, I had grades and a GPA I have never gotten, so I felt proud of myself.”

Wemmer said this class has the “best teaching techniques in 11 years.” She believes this is true because of the students’ one-on-one attention from tutors.

“The coolest thing is when you have an upperclassman working with a freshman … two kids who normally wouldn’t bond or be friends … and then the upperclassman has become more than just a tutor, kind of a mentor,” Wemmer said. “They would take the students out to lunch as a reward. It means a lot to the freshmen.”

AVID tutor senior David Illishah reflects on his most memorable moment while tutoring during fourth period.

“It was a great feeling seeing a girl achieve a 4.0 GPA considering the amount of work she put in and what it meant to her,” David said. “It was very moving to see her burst into tears when the class gave her a standing ovation. I almost cried myself.”