Peer Tutoring
.55 effect size, Hattie
"In this strategy, two peers are partnered based on shared circumstances or common proficiency needs (even in two disciplines, e.g., partnering a students strong in math and weak in science with someone weak in math and strong in science). All students are given tutor training in advance of launching the program. As needed, teachers model tutoring skills specific to the academic goals at hand, which are always shared with students. Teachers define the skills to be practiced in a tutoring session, and then leave most decisions (topic, pacing, evaluating performance, etc.) the students for greater effect. The teacher instead focuses on monitoring the class and delivering remediation as needed." Bold School, Kieschnick pg. 112
Quick Tips:
Peers should be matched on some commonality.
We can't assume students have the tutoring skills to be an effective tutor- we need to model and train them in these skills.
Teachers facilitate so that students can remain in control of the teaching and learning with peer guidance.
Peer tutoring should be an opportunity for practice, growth and refinement of skills.
Teachers must monitor and actively assess the tutoring.
Instructional Technology Tools:
Google Meet
Screencastify
Flip
Mote
Additional Resources:
Video
Peer tutoring in Action (United Way of Greater Houston, 2014)
Peer Tutoring (although this video says reciprocal teaching, it is actually a form of peer tutoring) (Cult of Pedagogy, 2014)
Article
How to Prepare Students for Peer Tutoring in Any Classroom (Summit Learning Platform, 2019)
15 Peer Tutoring Activities (Guido, 2017)
Is Peer Teaching on Your Classroom Menu? (Hollenbach, 2018)
5 Truths to peer tutoring (Rutherford City Schools)
Peer Tutoring with Meaningful Feedback (Tucker, 2021b)