The Mediation Role of the University Tutor to Promote Student Empowerment: A Student Voice Survey Through Documentary Writing

Abstract

The most recent educational policies emphasise the need to promote the empowerment of students, who are recognised as protagonists and active partners in the learning and improvement processes of university teaching. In this direction, universities are committed to consolidate guidance, tutoring and placement services. Tutoring, in particular, is a strategic tool to accompany students in their academic career. A pilot survey carried out with student tutors at the Mediterranea University of Reggio Calabria is presented. The survey included the analysis of reflective documental devices structured to accompany the tutoring process. The results of the survey underlined the role of the Tutor as mediator and suggested several actions to improve the tutoring service. The experimentation demonstrates the power of narrative and writing devices. It also suggests enhancing the student-Tutor point of view in research on the improvement of university services and Faculty Development.