“Tutorit on ihan valtava resurssi ja siitä pitäis saada se kaikki potentiaali irti” – Tutortoiminnan kehittäminen korkeakoulussa

Authors

• Taina Civil Hämeen ammattikorkeakoulu
• Riikka Tuominen Hämeen ammattikorkeakoulu

Keywords:

tutoring, higher education, peer guidance, social integration

Abstract

In higher education, the first year of study is crucially important for new students’ social and academic integration to their higher education institution. To support the integration of new students, many institutions use tutoring as a form of initial guidance given by their peers. Tutors’ main responsibilities are to familiarize new students (tutees) with the institution’s practices and offer them psychosocial support. This study investigated how tutoring in higher education should be developed, according to tutors and their guidance counselors. Altogether, 14 tutors and 11 guidance counselors were interviewed. The results showed four themes: 1) Increasing cooperation with different actors in tutoring, 2) Role clarity and sharing information, 3) Answering to the diverse needs of tutees and 4) Marketing and recruitment of tutors. This study offers important perspectives of what key aspects should be considered in future development work to improve the quality of tutoring in higher education.