There are many learning models that students and their teachers employ to ensure that students master academic content. One of these is where students are paired up and become study partners which is also known as peer tutoring strategies. Models are flexible to accommodate the learning needs of students.
Peer tutoring has been around for many years. However, it is currently gaining more popularity in many schools across the world. Initially, it was focused on reading skills but now it has expanded to include study areas such as science, spelling, writing and social studies. The principle behind the effectiveness of this model is that tutors have to grasp the content before they can teach. The reversal of roles ensures that both student partners have the chance to tutor.
Peer tutoring is not adult volunteers or teachers teaching students. It is the students teaching each other. Moreover, it should not be confused with student discussion groups. It is a unique learning model which may contain other models. All of these models differ in how students are paired, the academic content and the extent of tutoring. Nevertheless, its main aim is increasing motivation, the achievement and student practice.
The model where the entire class is divided into smaller groups of two to five students is known as Class Wide Peer Tutoring. From each group, some students assume the role of tutor, others tutees and for others both roles at least at different times. Pairing can be achieved using different criteria. Older students may be paired with younger students a system known as cross age pairing. The older students may not have anything to learn from the younger students academically but may have inspiration from social responsibility.
In cases where students of the same age are paired, they are able to teach each other. Each of them receives and gives something. Pairs may have similar matching abilities or different abilities. When students with different abilities are paired, those with stronger skills give first responses and therefore being a model to the weaker students.
Matching in terms of equal abilities, the students have the chance to switch between tutor and tutee roles. In this way, it is possible for both gain expertise in the select area of study. Matching can be done by first ranking students in accordance to their ability. This list is then applied in pairing students. Personality differences, learning needs and also preferences may also be considered to increase diversity of the pair.
This tutoring strategy involves developing instructional material that favors this type of learning model. The material should first teach the students how to be experts in tutoring and how to be good partners. In addition, the course content should be well prepared to accommodate feedback from tutors to tutees. Moreover, there should be capacity for the experts to reverse their roles and also the class teacher to monitor the learning.
This type of tutoring model has been observed to increase class engagement of students and also their opportunities to respond. This is in contrast to other models where all content is delivered by the teacher. It is also advantageous to classrooms with learning challenges such as disabilities and where English is not the first language. The limitations include incompetence by some of the students and lack of accountability.
Peer tutoring has been around for many years. However, it is currently gaining more popularity in many schools across the world. Initially, it was focused on reading skills but now it has expanded to include study areas such as science, spelling, writing and social studies. The principle behind the effectiveness of this model is that tutors have to grasp the content before they can teach. The reversal of roles ensures that both student partners have the chance to tutor.
Peer tutoring is not adult volunteers or teachers teaching students. It is the students teaching each other. Moreover, it should not be confused with student discussion groups. It is a unique learning model which may contain other models. All of these models differ in how students are paired, the academic content and the extent of tutoring. Nevertheless, its main aim is increasing motivation, the achievement and student practice.
The model where the entire class is divided into smaller groups of two to five students is known as Class Wide Peer Tutoring. From each group, some students assume the role of tutor, others tutees and for others both roles at least at different times. Pairing can be achieved using different criteria. Older students may be paired with younger students a system known as cross age pairing. The older students may not have anything to learn from the younger students academically but may have inspiration from social responsibility.
In cases where students of the same age are paired, they are able to teach each other. Each of them receives and gives something. Pairs may have similar matching abilities or different abilities. When students with different abilities are paired, those with stronger skills give first responses and therefore being a model to the weaker students.
Matching in terms of equal abilities, the students have the chance to switch between tutor and tutee roles. In this way, it is possible for both gain expertise in the select area of study. Matching can be done by first ranking students in accordance to their ability. This list is then applied in pairing students. Personality differences, learning needs and also preferences may also be considered to increase diversity of the pair.
This tutoring strategy involves developing instructional material that favors this type of learning model. The material should first teach the students how to be experts in tutoring and how to be good partners. In addition, the course content should be well prepared to accommodate feedback from tutors to tutees. Moreover, there should be capacity for the experts to reverse their roles and also the class teacher to monitor the learning.
This type of tutoring model has been observed to increase class engagement of students and also their opportunities to respond. This is in contrast to other models where all content is delivered by the teacher. It is also advantageous to classrooms with learning challenges such as disabilities and where English is not the first language. The limitations include incompetence by some of the students and lack of accountability.
About the Author:
You can visit www.teachtutors.com for more helpful information about Peer Tutoring Strategies For All Students.
No comments:
Post a Comment