Indigenous Education and Research Centre New and current students Tutors - Indigenous Peer Assisted Learning (IPAL) Tutoring Program

Tutors - Indigenous Peer Assisted Learning (IPAL) Tutoring Program

The Indigenous Peer Assisted Learning (IPAL) tutoring program is a key support initiative offered to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students studying at James Cook University, whether on campus or remotely. Thanks to funding from the Indigenous Student Support Program (ISSP), this free program provides one-on-one or group tutoring sessions designed to produce independent learners with the self-determination to become creators and makers of social change.

IPAL tutors work closely with students to build confidence in understanding course content and completing assessment tasks. Beyond subject-specific support, the program emphasizes equipping students with essential time management and study strategies, ensuring they can balance their academic responsibilities with personal and cultural commitments. By addressing challenges proactively, the IPAL program aims to reduce stress and foster a sense of self-assurance, helping students take control of their academic journey and achieve their educational goals.

This page provides a comprehensive overview to the operational aspects of being an IPAL tutor. It covers everything from administrative requirements, such as setting up and logging in, to understanding your responsibilities and expectations within the program. You'll also find information on our platform that provides effective communication with students, reporting processes, and accessing additional resources to enhance your tutoring sessions. Whether you're new to tutoring or need clarity on specific procedures, this page is your go-to resource for navigating the day-to-day operations of the role. If this has sparked your interest or passion, make sure to keep scrolling for more details!

If you're a student looking for tutoring options, check out our "Indigenous Peer Assisted Learning (IPAL) Tutoring Program" page.

Discover the Impact You Can Make as an IPAL Tutor

Tutors play a crucial role in fostering growth for JCU’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, not just in their passing rates, but in their capacity and confidence to learn. Through the IPAL Tutoring Program, your efforts contribute to producing independent learners with the self-determination to become creators and makers of social change.

Watch our introduction video to discover how you can support students on their academic journey, build their skills, and empower their success.

The requirements to become a tutor are:

Completion of a degree; or at least two years ahead (in the same discipline) of assigned student(s);
A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 5.0; and
Have a current Paid or Exemption Blue Card.

Join the IERC family as a tutor

The IERC uses WillowSoft app as our tutor registration platform. If you are interested in joining the IPAL tutoring program, click below and upload your information and documentation, including copies of your educational qualifications and Blue Card.

The WillowSoft platform is designed with your security in mind and fully aligns with JCU's cyber security strategy. This means your personal information, as well as student and staff data, is protected, ensuring confidentiality across the board. Only IERC staff have access to WillowSoft, ensuring your information remains secure and protected.

By using WillowSoft to book and track tutoring sessions, we've seen fantastic results—higher pass rates, faster course completions, and greater student success. Before joining, make sure to review the terms and conditions on the sign-in page. It’s simple and safe!

If you have any questions or need assistance to create your profile please don't hesitate to contact us. If you have already signed up as a tutor, the login page for existing users is https://willowsoft.app.

Explore the impact of tutoring outcomes

The IPAL tutoring program has proven to enhance student performance, persistence and autonomy, building confidence in how to learn, not simply what to learn. The data shows that the likelihood of a good GPA is improved when tutoring hours and increased capacity is achieved.

If you would like to read more about developing capabilities through tutoring in an academic environment, we have several articles published by the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Indigenous Education & Strategy, Professor Martin Nakata, and his team.

Click on the below articles to read about "Approaches to the academic preparation and support of Australian Indigenous students for tertiary studies" and "Indigenous undergraduates' use of supplementary tutors: Developing academic capabilities for success in higher education studies".

You can also check out Prof. Nakata’s book "Supporting Indigenous students to succeed at university: A resource for the higher education sector".

"I've been a tutor with the IERC since 2019, and I love being part of this strong community. I thoroughly enjoy being able to help my students through their learning journey and watch them grow into strong, independent academic successes. I have learnt so much from my experiences with the students and have created lifelong bonds with them in the process. The Academic and Student Support Team at the IERC has been nothing but supportive and really have the best interest of both the students and tutors in mind, making the IPAL program easy to navigate and as effective as it can be. My advice to any new tutor would be to take the time to understand your students and their needs, each one is different and your ability to be flexible with your tutoring style would make all the difference."

Varsha Balu

Indigenous Peer Assisted Learning Advisor

"After retiring from three decades of teaching across JCU, the Australian Government, British charities, and international language academies, I was drawn back to education four years ago to join the IERC and it’s been one of the most rewarding decisions of my life! Tutoring here has given me the chance to work with truly inspiring students, from a nursing student dedicated to hospice care to a law student committed to making the legal system accessible, and even a qualified carer supporting fellow haemophilia sufferers. Their passion and dedication remind me that the future is in safe hands. I've found the WillowSoft platform to be user-friendly - it allows you to communicate with students directly, keeping all tutoring information in one place."

Philip Cole

Indigenous Peer Assisted Learning Advisor

Have a question?

If you have any questions or would like to speak to one of our Academic Support Advisors about tutoring opportunities, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

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