The Peer Consulting program provides individualized support for students at all levels of comfort with and mastery of course content. As research has shown, structured review and study with a trained peer enhances both comprehension and retention of concepts. [1],[2] In addition to these benefits, the Peer Consultants integrate study skills with the content review work they engage in with students, thereby promoting healthy academic habits and independent learning skills.

Peer Consulting is conducted by students, primarily undergraduates, who have demonstrated excellence in the course content, are recommended by instructors, and participate in the Peer Consultant training program. Peer Consultants receive pre-service training in August at a full day workshop and in-service training throughout the year to develop and refine their philosophy and methodology. The training curriculum conforms to the International Tutor Program Certification requirements established by the College Reading and Learning Association.[3] A sampling of topics includes:

·          Ethics and responsibility

·          Effective communication skills

·          Theories of human cognition

·          Theories of adult learning

·          Learning styles / modalities theories

·          Effective questioning

·          Working with students with disabilities

·          Study strategies and skills integration

·          Cross-cultural dyads

Consultants do not teach new material, nor do they complete a student’s homework or coach a student through its completion. Rather, they engage students individually in learner-centered practice and application activities that promote a deeper understanding of course concepts and tasks. Consultations are structured so that students learn to see themselves as responsible for their own learning.

Peer Consulting is available in all SMART centers beginning the Monday after the first day of classes for the term.