Ubuntu philosophy sessions to build tutor community and student camaraderie¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

Air Tutors implements the Ubuntu philosophy—recognizing the humanity of oneself through the humanity of others—first in tutor professional learning and then with students. Tutors "participate in three to four Ubuntu PL sessions: an initial training on Ubuntu, followed by two to three sessions during tutoring to discuss progress and troubleshoot issues." Tutors introduce Ubuntu in the first student session, closing lessons with the call-and-response "I am because you are" to build camaraderie, and may schedule noninstructional Ubuntu sessions to foster a positive culture.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Tutor attendance at the initial Ubuntu training plus follow-up sessions during the tutoring period

Constraints¶

• The article cites studies linking Ubuntu's principles to enhanced academic and social outcomes but does not test the Ubuntu component separately in this evaluation

Target Learners¶

• Tutors and 4th through 6th grade students in small-group tutoring

Target Learning Goals¶

• Building camaraderie, positive tutoring relationships, and buy into the team's success

Related Strategies¶

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Fong, A., Chen-Gaddini, M., & Huang, M. (2025). An evaluation of the Air Tutors Program: Findings from an Arnold Ventures grant. WestEd. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED673538