This paper describes the method of peer tutoring, which has exciting new developments even though it has been around for a long time. A definition is followed by discussion of different types of peer tutoring. Key organizational variables in implementing tutoring are given, followed by a brief review of the effects for both tutees and tutors. A theory of peer learning is offered, followed by a description of recent new developments and the accompanying research. Finally, information technology applications are discussed. The paper concludes with an exploration of issues of sustaining gains through embedding peer tutoring.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
AlevenV.RollI.McLarenB. M.KoedingerK. R. (2010). Automated, unobtrusive, action-by-action assessment of self-regulation during learning with an intelligent tutoring system. Educational Psychologist, 45, 224–233. doi:10.1080/00461520.2010.517740
2.
Bowman-PerrottL.DavisH.VannestK.WilliamsL.GreenwoodC.ParkerR. (2013). Academic benefits of peer tutoring: A meta-analytic review of single-case research, School Psychology Review, 42(1), 39–55.
3.
ChiM. T. H.SilerS. A.JeongH.YamauchiT.HausmannR. G. (2001). Learningfrom human tutoring. Cognitive Science, 25, 471–533. doi:10.1207/s15516709cog2504_1
4.
Dioso-HensonL. (2012). The effect of reciprocal peer tutoring and non-reciprocal peer tutoring on the performance of students in college physics. Research in Education, 87(1), 34–49. doi:10.7227/RIE.87.1.3
5.
El SaadawiG. M.AzevedoR.CastineM.PayneV.MedvedevaO.TseytlinE.CrowleyR. S. (2010). Factors affecting feeling-of-knowing in a medical intelligent tutoring system: The role of immediate feedback as a metacognitive scaffold. Advances in Health Sciences Education, 15(1), 9–30. doi:10.1007/s10459-009-9162-6
6.
HeY.HuiS. C.QuanT. T. (2009). Automatic summary assessment for intelligent tutoring systems. Computers & Education, 53(3), 890–899. doi:10.1016/j.compedu.2009.05.008
7.
JostadC. M.MiltenbergerR. G.KelsoP.KnudsonP. (2008). Peer tutoring to prevent firearm play: Acquisition, generalization, and long-term maintenance of safety skills. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 41(1), 117–123. doi:10.1901/jaba.2008.41-117
KoedingerK. R.McLaughlinE. A.HeffernanN. T. (2010). A quasi-experimental evaluation of an on-line formative assessment and tutoring system. Journal of Educational Computing Research, 43(4), 489–510. doi:10.2190/EC.43.4.d
10.
KooleM.ParchomaG. (2012). The ethical and practical implications of systems architecture on identity in networked learning: A constructionist perspective. Interactive Learning Environments, 20(3), 203–215. doi:10.1080/10494820.2011.593526
11.
LevineH. M.GlassG. V.MeisterG. R. (1987). Cost-effectiveness of computer-assisted instruction. Evaluation Review, 11, 50–72. doi:10.1177/0193841X8701100103
12.
MathesP. G.BabyakA. E. (2001). The effects of Peer-Assisted Literacy Strategies for first-grade readers with and without additional mini-skills lessons. Learning Disabilities Research & Practice, 16(1), 28–44.
13.
McMasterK. L.FuchsD.FuchsL. S.ComptonD. L. (2005). Responding to nonresponders: An experimental field trial of identification and intervention methods. Exceptional Children, 71(4), 445–463.
14.
MenessesK. F.GreshamF. M. (2009). Relative efficacy of reciprocal and nonreciprocal peer tutoring for students at-risk for academic failure. School Psychology Quarterly, 24(4), 266–275. doi:10.1037/a0018174
15.
MillerD.ToppingK.ThurstonA. (2010). Peer tutoring in reading: The effects of role and organization on two dimensions of self-esteem. British Journal of Educational Psychology, 80(3), 417–433. doi:10.1348/000709909X481652
16.
OkilwaN. S. A.ShelbyL. (2010). The effects of peer tutoring on academic performance of students with disabilities in grades 6 through 12: A synthesis of the literature. Remedial and Special Education, 31(6), 450–463. doi:10.1177/0741932509355991
17.
RoscoeR. D.ChiM. T. H. (2007). Understanding tutor learning: Knowledge-building and knowledge-telling in peer tutors’ explanations and questions. Review of Educational Research, 77(4), 534–574. doi:10.3102/0034654307309920
18.
SteinM. L.BerendsM.FuchsD.McMasterK.SaenzL.YenL.FuchsL. S.ComptonD. (2008). Scaling up a best-evidence practice: Examining technical assistance, teachers’ fidelity of treatment implementation, and kindergartners’ reading performance in a randomized control trial across three sites and two years. Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, 30, 368–388.
19.
StenhoffD. M.Lignugaris/KraftB. (2007). A review of the effects of peer tutoring on students with mild disabilities in secondary settings. Exceptional Children, 74(1), 8–30. doi:10.1177/001440290707400101
20.
ToppingK. J. (2001a). Peer assisted learning: A practical guide for teachers. Cambridge, MA: Brookline Books.
21.
ToppingK. J. (2001b). Thinking reading writing: A practical guide to paired learning with peers,parents and volunteers. New York, NY: Continuum International.
22.
ToppingK. J.CampbellJ.DouglasW.SmithA. J. (2003). Cross-age peer tutoring in mathematics with 7 & 11 year olds: Influence on mathematical vocabulary, strategic dialogue and self-concept. Educational Research, 45(3), 287–308. doi:10.1080/0013188032000137274
23.
ToppingK. J.DehkinetR.BlanchS.CorcellesM.DuranD. (2013). Paradoxical effects of feedback in international online reciprocal peer tutoring. Computers & Education, 61, 225–231. doi:10.1016/j.compedu.2012.10.002
24.
ToppingK. J.EhlyS. (Eds.). (1998). Peer-assisted learning. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.
25.
ToppingK. J.EhlyS. W. (2001). Peer assisted learning: A framework for consultation. Journal of Educational and Psychological Consultation, 12, 113–132. doi:10.1207/S1532768XJEPC1202_03
26.
ToppingK. J.MillerD.MurrayP.HendersonS.FortunaC.ConlinN. (2011). Outcomes in a randomised controlled trial of mathematics tutoring. Educational Research, 53, 51–63. doi:10.1080/00131881.2011.552239.
27.
ToppingK. J.ThurstonA.McGavockK.ConlinN. (2012). Outcomes and process in reading tutoring. Educational Research, 54, 239–258. doi:10.1080/00131881.2012.710086.
28.
TsueiM. (2012). Using synchronous peer tutoring system to promote elementary students’ learning in mathematics. Computers & Education, 58, 1171–1182. doi:10.1016/j.compedu.2011.11.025
29.
TymmsP.MerrellC.AndorJ.ToppingK. J.ThurstonA. (2011). Improving attainment across a whole district: Peer tutoring in a randomised controlled trial. School Effectiveness and School Improvement, 22, 265–289. doi:10.1080/09243453.2011.589859
30.
Van NormanR. K.WoodC. L. (2008). Effects of prerecorded sight words on the accuracy of tutor feedback. Remedial and Special Education, 29(2), 96–107. doi:10.1177/0741932507311634
31.
VavreckS.EspositoJ. (2012). Peer tutoring with child-centered play therapy language, Journal of School Counseling, 10(25), 1–29.
32.
VygotskyL. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes (ColeM.John-SteinerV.ScribnerS.SoubermanE. Eds.). Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.
33.
WalkerE.RummelN.KoedingerK. R. (2011). Designing automated adaptive support to improve student helping behaviors in a peer tutoring activity. International Journal of Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning, 6, 279–306. doi:10.1007/s11412-011-9111-2
34.
WangY. H.YoungS. S.-C.JangJ. R. (2013). Using tangible companions for enhancing learning English conversation, Educational Technology & Society, 16(2), 296–309.
35.
What Works Clearinghouse (2012). Peer-Assisted Learning/Literacy Strategies: Beginning Reading. What Works Clearinghouse Intervention Report. US Department of Education. Education Resources Information Center number ED531596.
36.
XuY.GelferJ. I.SileoN.FillerJ.PerkinsP. G. (2008). Effects of peer tutoring on young children’s social interactions. Early Child Development and Care, 178, 617–635. doi:10.1080/03004430600857485
