About the Peer Tutoring Program
The Faculty of Computing, Health and Science at Edith Cowan University invites
the participation of schools, teachers and university students in a beneficial
community service program of Peer Tutoring.
Since 1997, the STEP UP! (Science, Technology and Engineering Project enhancing Understanding and Participation) program has provided classroom peer tutoring by high achieving university students from the Faculty of Computing, Health and Science to schools surrounding the Churchlands, Joondalup and Mt Lawley Campuses of Edith Cowan University.
The STEP UP! Peer tutoring program is one of many internationally successful programs, all of which aim to enhance future choices for secondary science students.
Faculty students invited to participate in this successful community service commit themselves to assist teachers and students in the classroom for a regular weekly session throughout the school year. Peers tutors assist the teachers with many aspects of the classroom including; laboratory work, computer based activities, small group discussions and general assistance to individual students in class. They interact with the school students, increasing their communication skills and confidence as well as conveying images of university life and studies which may beneficial and relevant to school students when considering their own future.
Peer Tutoring is recognised internationally as an effective way to enhance the profile of higher education, specifically in the areas of science and technology and for raising the motivation and aspirations of young people. During 2004, the Western Australian government, through the Office of Science and Innovation at the Department of Premier and Cabinet, acknowledged the benefits of peer tutoring to school students and has provided funding for four years with the aim of increasing participation in peer tutoring at Western Australia’s four government universities.
The STEP UP! program continues to reach out to more schools and school students each year with this valuable community service provided by the Faculty of Computing, Health and Science at no cost to participating schools.
General Benefits to Schools, Teachers and School Students
• Teachers have additional classroom assistance at no cost.
• Tutors can allow teachers time to focus on problem areas.
• Tutors provide assistance during practical work in the classroom with
demonstrations, laboratory work and computer based activities.
• Tutors may be used in small group tutoring or one-on-one catch up sessions.
• Beneficial links with university which help raise the aspirations of students
and offer scope for on campus visits.
• Young students may be encouraged by a positive role model to pursue tertiary
study in science.
Benefits to University Student Tutors from peer tutoring
• An opportunity to develop and improve communication, time management
and organisational skills.
• Reinforcement of knowledge by helping younger students to greater understanding
of their specific subject areas.
• Increased self confidence through interactions with school staff and students.
• Insight into the education system and teaching and learning processes
(May help those considering becoming teachers).
• Formal acknowledgment of participation in the program is given through
Certificates and Testimonial letters which may give students an employment edge
other students with a similar degree.
For further information please contact
John Poland
Faculty Community Officer
STEP UP! Coordinator
Faculty of Computing, Health and Science.
Edith Cowan University
100 Joondalup Drive
JOONDALUP WA 6027
Telephone (08) 6304 3451
Facsimilie (08) 6304 5131
Email j.poland@ecu.edu.au
