Learn about the different models of peer tutoring and how they can improve academic performance, motivation, and skills of tutors and tutees.

From collaborative learning to one-on-one sessions and reciprocal teaching, each model brings a unique dynamic to the educational experience. Collaborative Learning: Where peers work together, leveraging collective strengths and perspectives, fostering a collaborative spirit in knowledge sharing. One-on-One Tutoring: A personalized approach, tailoring guidance to individual needs, ensuring focused attention and a customized learning journey. Reciprocal Teaching: An interactive method where students take turns being the tutor, enhancing both comprehension and communication skills. The beauty lies in the flexibility to choose a model that aligns with specific learning objectives and preferences.

Last updated on Jun 3, 2024

What are the different models of peer tutoring?

Peer tutoring is a form of collaborative learning that involves students helping each other to achieve academic goals. Peer tutoring can improve academic performance, motivation, self-esteem, and social skills of both tutors and tutees. However, not all peer tutoring models are the same. In this article, you will learn about the different models of peer tutoring and how they can be applied in different contexts.

1 Cross-age tutoring

Cross-age tutoring is a model of peer tutoring where older or more advanced students tutor younger or less advanced students. The age or grade difference can range from one to several years, depending on the subject and the objectives. Cross-age tutoring can benefit both tutors and tutees by enhancing their academic skills, confidence, and responsibility. For example, high school students can tutor elementary school students in reading, math, or science, and gain leadership and communication skills in the process.

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Kathy Collins, PhD-candidate, MBA, CPC

Transformational Coach | Certified life Coach | Motivational Speaker
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From collaborative learning to one-on-one sessions and reciprocal teaching, each model brings a unique dynamic to the educational experience. Collaborative Learning: Where peers work together, leveraging collective strengths and perspectives, fostering a collaborative spirit in knowledge sharing. One-on-One Tutoring: A personalized approach, tailoring guidance to individual needs, ensuring focused attention and a customized learning journey. Reciprocal Teaching: An interactive method where students take turns being the tutor, enhancing both comprehension and communication skills. The beauty lies in the flexibility to choose a model that aligns with specific learning objectives and preferences.

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Crystal D.

Social Worker
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Older students tutor younger ones. Allows experienced students to reinforce their own skills by teaching. This also allows some opportunities for scaffolding.

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Dr. Jaimine V

Professor | Author | Interdisciplinary | Mental Health
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1. Implement a cross-age tutoring program by pairing older or more advanced students with younger or less advanced peers. 2. Provide training and guidance to the tutors to ensure they understand their role and responsibilities. 3. Establish clear objectives and expectations for the tutoring sessions, focusing on academic skill development and fostering a supportive learning environment. 4. Regularly assess the effectiveness of the program and make adjustments as needed based on feedback from both tutors and tutees.

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Vinicio Salazar Mora

Administrador
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Depende del nivel academico e incluso tomar en cuenta comportamiento y cotidianidad de estudiantes. Esto permite un análisis sobre metodo de aplicación para establecer las tutorias.

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2 Same-age tutoring

Same-age tutoring is a model of peer tutoring where students of the same age or grade level tutor each other. The students can be matched based on their abilities, interests, or needs. Same-age tutoring can foster peer interaction, cooperation, and feedback among students who share similar experiences and challenges. For example, students can tutor each other in pairs or small groups in the same class or course, and exchange ideas, strategies, and support.

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Dr. Jaimine V

Professor | Author | Interdisciplinary | Mental Health
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1. Implement a same-age tutoring program by facilitating partnerships or small groups of students within the same class or grade level. 2. Encourage students to collaborate and support each other based on their shared experiences and challenges. 3. Provide training and guidance to students on effective tutoring strategies, active listening, and constructive feedback. 4. Create opportunities for reflection and feedback to assess the effectiveness of the tutoring sessions and identify areas for improvement.

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3 Reciprocal peer tutoring

Reciprocal peer tutoring is a model of peer tutoring where students take turns to be the tutor and the tutee. The students can use structured materials, such as worksheets, quizzes, or flashcards, to guide their tutoring sessions. Reciprocal peer tutoring can promote active learning, self-regulation, and metacognition among students who have to prepare, explain, and evaluate their own and their peers' work. For example, students can use reciprocal peer tutoring to review and practice key concepts, skills, or vocabulary before a test.

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Dr. Jaimine V

Professor | Author | Interdisciplinary | Mental Health
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1. Implement a reciprocal peer tutoring program by providing structured materials, such as worksheets or quizzes, to guide tutoring sessions. 2. Assign students to take turns being both the tutor and the tutee, encouraging them to actively engage in preparing, explaining, and evaluating their own and their peers' work. 3. Incorporate opportunities for self-reflection and metacognition, prompting students to assess their understanding and learning progress. 4. Monitor and provide feedback on the reciprocal peer tutoring sessions to ensure they are effective and aligned with learning objectives.

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4 Classwide peer tutoring

Classwide peer tutoring is a model of peer tutoring where the whole class is divided into two teams, and each team member tutors a member of the other team. The teams can compete for points based on their tutoring performance and accuracy. Classwide peer tutoring can increase student engagement, participation, and achievement in a large and diverse group of students. For example, teachers can use classwide peer tutoring to teach and reinforce new or difficult content, such as spelling, grammar, or history.

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5 Peer-assisted learning

Peer-assisted learning is a model of peer tutoring where students work together in pairs or small groups to complete tasks, solve problems, or discuss topics. The students can have different or similar levels of ability, and they can share their knowledge, skills, and perspectives with each other. Peer-assisted learning can enhance student understanding, creativity, and critical thinking in a collaborative and flexible environment. For example, students can use peer-assisted learning to conduct research, design projects, or debate issues.

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6 Online peer tutoring

Online peer tutoring is a model of peer tutoring where students use technology, such as video conferencing, chat, or forums, to tutor each other remotely. The students can be from the same or different schools, regions, or countries, and they can communicate asynchronously or synchronously. Online peer tutoring can expand student access, diversity, and convenience in peer tutoring, as well as develop their digital literacy and intercultural competence. For example, students can use online peer tutoring to learn foreign languages, cultures, or subjects that are not available in their local schools.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are the different models of peer tutoring?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Cross-age tutoring

2 Same-age tutoring

3 Reciprocal peer tutoring

4 Classwide peer tutoring

5 Peer-assisted learning

6 Online peer tutoring

7 Here’s what else to consider

Teaching

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What are the different models of peer tutoring?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Cross-age tutoring

2 Same-age tutoring

3 Reciprocal peer tutoring

4 Classwide peer tutoring

5 Peer-assisted learning

6 Online peer tutoring

7 Here’s what else to consider

Teaching

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