The University of Eastern Finland encourages peer tutors to guide new students in small groups. Small group tutoring facilitates a smooth start to university studies and commitment to studies in general, because a small peer group guarantees a safer atmosphere to get to know each other and ask for help.
EFYE2024 – CopenhagenShow-and-tell | Social integration/belonging
| At the University of Eastern Finland, centrally organised orientation for new students includes peer tutoring. Peer tutor training is provided by the Student and Learning Services, various key actors at the university participate communally in the peer tutor training, in addition, the academic subjects, student associations and Student Union. Peer tutors play a significant role in new students’ early-stage orientation to help them become part of the academic community. Peer tutors are senior students in the same field of study. New students get to know their peer tutors during the course ‘Orientation to University Studies’. They guide small groups of about ten students which is a new student’s first peer contact with the university. The tutors start contacting new students already during the summer when the formation of the groups begin. The groups meet on campus at the beginning of the semester. Getting to know the small group will gradually expand across communities that are important in the wider academic community. Peer tutors familiarise new students with the practices of the university and the university as a learning environment. They share practical tips on studying as well as other aspects of student life. Tutors introduce student services as well as the key actors on the campus. New students also get to know the staff of their own academic subject and other students as part of the tutoring activities. It is safe to explore the university and the campus facilities in a small group, not to forget the opportunities of student life. Peer tutor will continue to support they students in various study-related questions during the semester. Peer tutoring is arranged in small groups to guarantee a safe learning environment and provide a lower threshold to get to know the academic atmosphere, also making it easier to ask for help and advice. In terms of integration and engagement into the community, participation in a small group makes it easier to attach to the university, even for socially sensitive students. A smaller group offers better opportunities to connect with other new students and facilitates deeper interaction with each other. In the big picture, the feeling of belonging to a group and engagement to studies will promote students’ well-being and their study ability in the long run. Feedback collected from first-year students shows the significance and positive impact of small group tutoring for a successful start to studies and integration into the community. |
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