University peer tutor: Concept, role and characteristics

Abstract

The aim was to describe and analyze meanings that students, peer tutors and teachers gave to university peer tutors figure. The sample was composed by 43 participants from a Chilean university. They responded to semi-structured interviews that were analyzed with Content Analysis. Although roles assigned to peer tutor’s work were varied and diverse, it is possible to understand and group them according to the existing literature in a guiding, academic, mediating and social role. Characteristics of a good peer tutor, however, seemed to be broader than what was proposed by literature, encompassing not only practical theoretical management and personal skills, but also teaching skills and had a strong relational component. Finally, no broad differences were found in narratives among the different kinds of actor.