Peer Tutoring: what’s good for the student is good for the tutor

Based on experience gained at the University of Padova, this paper is a reflection on the expectations linked to the role of University tutor. Junior Tutors are "capable and deserving" students enrolled in the second-cycle degree course of studies or in the doctoral degree course (graduate studies or Ph.D. program) who offer their support, knowledge and expertise in study techniques to students enrolled the first-cycle degree course of studies just embarking on their freshman year at the University. At the threshold of their appointment and the beginning of two academic years (2011-2012 and 2012-2013) all junior tutors were asked to fill out a questionnaire aiming to identify the reasons behind those students' ambition to take on the role/function of tutor. This research falls within the context of a larger project (STPD08HANE_005) promoted by the University aiming to analyze the tutoring system and to aid students needing assistance in study techniques to achieve academic success.