Embedded Peer Tutor Roles & Responsibilities

For Face-to-Face Courses

On This Page

Core Responsibilities
Key Characteristics of EPTs for Face-to-Face Courses
What EPTs Are Not
Specific In-Class Support Strategies
Communication Best Practices
Tools & Materials EPTs May Use
Benefits of EPTs in Face-to-Face Courses
Expected Time Commitment
Success Indicators
Important Reminders

Face-to-Face Embedded Peer Tutors attend class sessions alongside students and provide integrated academic support within the physical classroom. EPTs serve as a bridge between the instructor, students, and the Student Success Center, helping to reinforce course content, facilitate active learning, and create a collaborative in-person learning community.

📋 Core Responsibilities

› Agree on and attend relevant class sessions and arrive on time, prepared to actively support learning
› Circulate among students during class activities by answering questions, clarifying concepts, and providing immediate feedback
› Facilitate small group work by guiding discussions, ensuring all voices are heard, and keeping groups focused and on task
› Provide in-the-moment academic support by identifying struggling students during class and offering assistance discreetly
› Offer supplemental tutoring hours outside of class time in designated tutoring spaces or through scheduled appointments
› Observe classroom dynamics and communicate patterns or concerns to the instructor (e.g., common misconceptions, engagement levels)
› Collaborate with the instructor before and after class to discuss student needs, lesson plans, and ways to enhance support
› Model effective learning behaviors such as active listening, note-taking, asking questions, and engaging respectfully with peers
› Maintain appropriate boundaries as a peer supporter rather than an authority figure

↑ Return to top

⭐ Key Characteristics of EPTs for Face-to-Face Courses

› Approachable and welcoming – makes eye contact, smiles, and creates a comfortable environment for students to ask questions
› Observant and attentive – reads body language and facial expressions to identify confusion or disengagement
› Knowledgeable about course content – has a strong understanding of the subject matter and can explain concepts in multiple ways
› Patient and encouraging – gives students time to think, validates their efforts, and celebrates progress
› Collaborative team player – works seamlessly with the instructor and respects their classroom management style
› Clear verbal communicator – speaks clearly, asks probing questions, and checks for understanding
› Punctual and reliable – arrives on time, prepared, and ready to contribute to the learning environment
› Professional in demeanor – maintains confidentiality, dresses appropriately, and models respectful classroom conduct

↑ Return to top

⚠️ What EPTs Are Not

Important: Understanding these boundaries protects students, instructors, and the EPT program.

✕ Not a substitute for the instructor – does not deliver lectures, design lessons, or make grading decisions
✕ Not a teaching assistant – does not grade assignments, take attendance, or manage classroom discipline
✕ Not doing work for students – guides thinking and problem-solving rather than providing direct answers
✕ Not a one-on-one personal tutor – supports all students in the class equitably, not just individuals
✕ Not responsible for classroom management – defers to the instructor for behavioral issues, policy enforcement, or logistical decisions

↑ Return to top

🗓️ Specific In-Class Support Strategies

During Lectures and Presentations

› Sit among students rather than with the instructor to remain approachable
› Model active listening and note-taking behaviors
› Watch for confused expressions and follow up with students afterward
› Clarify complex concepts in simpler language during appropriate pauses

During Active Learning Activities

› Move strategically around the room to check in with different groups
› Ask probing questions to deepen student thinking rather than giving answers
› Redirect off-task groups back to the activity gently
› Encourage quieter students to contribute to their groups

During Problem-Solving or Lab Work

› Work through problems alongside students, demonstrating thinking processes
› Identify common errors and misconceptions to share with instructor
› Provide scaffolding hints that guide without solving
› Celebrate successful problem-solving approaches students discover

During Discussions and Debates

› Facilitate small group discussions by ensuring balanced participation
› Help students articulate their ideas more clearly
› Bridge connections between different students' ideas
› Model respectful disagreement and active listening

Outside of Class Time

› Hold regular tutoring hours in Student Success Center (if possible)
› Review challenging material from recent class sessions
› Help students prepare for upcoming exams or major assignments
› Connect students with additional campus resources as needed

↑ Return to top

💬 Communication Best Practices for In-Person Tutoring

› Use positive body language – make eye contact, smile, nod, and position yourself at students' level (sit or kneel)
› Ask open-ended questions – use "How?" "Why?" and "What if?" to promote deeper thinking
› Practice active listening – paraphrase student ideas back to them to check understanding
› Be mindful of your voice – speak at appropriate volume so as not to disrupt but still be heard
› Give students thinking time – resist the urge to fill silence; allow processing time after asking questions
› Build rapport through consistency – learn student names, remember previous conversations, and show genuine interest

↑ Return to top

🧰 Tools & Materials EPTs May Use

› Classroom supplies: Whiteboard markers, sticky notes, index cards, manipulatives
› Visual aids: Concept maps, diagrams, charts, graphic organizers
› Reference materials: Textbooks, handouts, formula sheets, study guides
› Technology: Laptop or tablet for quick references, calculators, classroom response systems
› Canvas LMS: Course materials, announcements, gradebook (view-only access)
› Campus resources: Tutoring center schedules, library access, Student Success Center information

↑ Return to top

✨ Benefits of EPTs in Face-to-Face Courses

For Students

• Immediate, in-the-moment support during challenging activities
• Increased confidence to ask questions in a less intimidating peer context
• Enhanced engagement and participation in class activities
• Access to alternative explanations and learning approaches
• Stronger sense of belonging and connection in the classroom community
• Improved academic performance through consistent support

For Instructors

• Real-time feedback on student comprehension during class
• Ability to implement more active learning strategies with additional support
• More personalized attention for students during group work
• Identification of common misconceptions and areas needing review
• Enhanced classroom culture and reduced anxiety around difficult content
• Partnership with a peer who understands student perspectives

For Tutors

• Mastery of course content through repeated explanation and application
• Development of interpersonal and communication skills
• Experience with collaborative teaching and classroom facilitation
• Valuable experience for careers in education, training, or leadership
• Leadership development and ability to positively influence peer learning
• Deep satisfaction from helping classmates succeed academically

↑ Return to top

🕐 Expected Time Commitment

Activity	Time
Class attendance	To be determined (consider essential class sessions rather than all)
Preparation time	1–2 hours/week reviewing course materials and preparing for upcoming lessons
Collaboration with instructor	2 hours/month meeting before/after class or via email/Zoom
Supplemental tutoring hours	1–4 hours/week scheduled in Student Success Center
Professional development	2 hours/month for training, meetings with Student Success Center staff, etc.
Total estimated commitment	Average of 3–6 hours/week, maximum of 20 total hours/month

↑ Return to top

🎯 Success Indicators

An effective embedded peer tutor in a face-to-face course:

✓ Attends class consistently and arrives prepared
✓ Students actively seek out their support during activities
✓ Facilitates increased student participation and engagement
✓ Provides valuable observations and feedback to the instructor
✓ Maintains professional boundaries while building rapport
✓ Contributes to a positive, inclusive classroom atmosphere
✓ Demonstrates growth in teaching and leadership skills

↑ Return to top

📌 Important Reminders

🔒 Confidentiality

Never discuss individual student performance outside appropriate settings.

🔖 Boundaries

You are a peer supporter, not an instructor — defer all policy and grading questions.

⚖️ Equity

Be mindful of diverse learning needs, cultural backgrounds, and accessibility considerations.

👔 Professionalism

Arrive on time, dress appropriately, and model the behavior you want to see in students.

📝 Documentation

Keep records of your hours and activities for reporting purposes.

↑ Return to top

The embedded peer tutor role is designed to enhance student success, build community, and create a more equitable in-person learning environment.

Your presence makes a meaningful difference in students' educational experiences.