ComPACT (Competency-Based Peer-Assisted Coaching and Tutoring): A Proposed Curricular Framework for Near-Peer...

Area of Science:

• Educational Psychology
• Higher Education Pedagogy

Background:

• Near-peer tutoring (NPT) programs offer valuable training for future educators.
• Existing NPT programs often lack structured frameworks for tracking tutor skill development.
• This gap limits the recognition and optimization of learning gains for tutors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a comprehensive curricular framework for NPT programs.
• To systematically capture and support the progression of tutors as educators.
• To enhance the overall value proposition of NPT for tutors.

Main Methods:

• Development of the competency-based peer-assisted coaching and tutoring (ComPACT) framework.
• Integration of specialized teaching paths within the framework.
• Implementation of digital micro-credentials and a recognition system for skill tracking.

Main Results:

• The ComPACT framework provides a structured approach to monitor tutor skill acquisition.
• Digital micro-credentials offer tangible evidence of developing pedagogical competencies.
• The community of practice fosters collaborative learning and professional growth among tutors.

Conclusions:

• The ComPACT framework enhances NPT programs by providing a robust system for tutor development.
• It ensures that NPT programs offer significant educational benefits to tutors, mirroring benefits to tutees.
• This model supports the creation of more effective and valuable NPT initiatives.