Having the opportunity to revise with a tutor helps students to understand course material better. Peer tutor Emily Fawcett '96, an English and creative writing major, agreed. The more-relaxed atmosphere of having a student review your work is another important aspect of the program. Tutors themselves often learn a great deal about their own writing process. Jennifer Love '91, now a graduate student in rhetoric and composition at the University of Nevada, took Podis' course during her last semester at Oberlin.
Many professors find that tutors can provide critical support for their courses.
With classes of 25 or more students, even the most dedicated professor is unable to give adequate attention to every student's writing process on every paper. Marcus '96 Audrey Marcus has been a tutor for an introductory English class as well as a staffer at the drop-in desk. She plans to pursue graduate work in Judaic studies and to teach at the college level.