I’ve grown the most in my Communication competency through my peer tutoring course. When I first started, I wasn’t always confident in explaining things clearly, especially when helping someone else understand a difficult topic. I would get nervous about whether I was being clear enough or if my explanations were helpful. But through the course, I’ve learned how to break things down better and communicate in simpler, more relatable ways.
One of the biggest things I’ve learned is how important it is to listen carefully to what others are saying. By paying attention to the questions and concerns of the students in the class, I’ve learned to respond in a way that feels more helpful and supportive. I’ve realized it’s not just about giving the right answer but making sure they feel heard and understood. It’s helped me build stronger connections with the students, and I’ve become better at adapting my communication style to meet different learning needs.
I’ve also gotten better at giving constructive feedback. At first, I was unsure how to provide helpful comments without sounding too critical. But I’ve learned that offering feedback in a positive and encouraging way makes the person feel more confident and motivated. I now focus on what they’re doing well before suggesting areas of improvement, which has made my feedback feel more supportive.
In addition to speaking clearly, I’ve also worked on improving my written communication. Whether it’s giving feedback or explaining concepts in writing, I’ve gotten better at organizing my thoughts and making sure my messages are easy to follow and clear. This skill has carried over into other areas of my life as well, making it easier for me to express myself in writing.
Overall, my time as a peer tutor has really helped me improve how I communicate with others. It’s made me more patient, thoughtful, and confident in both talking and listening, and I feel like it’s a skill I can continue to build on in the future.