Classwide Peer Tutoring
Classwide Peer Tutoring is a method of instruction that utilizes peers to provide instruction and feedback in a reciprocal format (Hallahan & Kauffman & Pullen, 101). With this method, paired students serve as a tutor or a tutee during each session. This strategy is a way for all students to receive one-on-one attention and enough time to practice and learn (Center for Effective Collaboration and Practice, 2001). This instructional method was designed to meet the need for higher levels of active academic engagement for all students, especially students that are academically struggling. The class wide peer tutoring provides teachers with a flexible instructional strategy to meet the varying needs of an inclusive classroom.
Key Features of Classwide Peer Tutoring
Key Features of Classwide Peer Tutoring
- Partnering of higher students with struggling students
- Explicit instruction in tutoring activities
- Structured tasks for the tutor to guide the tutee in completion
- Reciprocal roles
- Use of points to reward desired behavior
Classwide Peer Tutoring Helps Teachers Make Sure That Students Have…
Compared to the teacher-led conditions of instruction, the CWPT resulted in improved academic performance for all students (4 learning disabled and 4 non-learning disabled), increased amount of time engaged with academic content, and positive acceptance from teachers and students. Classwide Peer Tutoring has been shown to work for students with all kinds of special learning and behavioral needs (Center for Effective Collaboration and Practice, 2001).
How to Use CWPT in the Classroom
Considering the effectiveness of CWPT, teachers can create similar procedures in their classes. For example, tasks such as math facts, spelling, letter sounds, and word identification make great CWPT topics (Hallahan & Kauffman & Pullen, 101).
- someone to sit next to them and personally explain the work in a way that is just right for them —not too slow and not too fast;
- more opportunities to talk about what they are learning, to practice what they are learning, to read aloud, and to write;
- more opportunities to ask questions when they are confused, without fear of being embarrassed in front of the whole class;
- someone who can tell them right away whether their answers are right or wrong; and
- someone to help and encourage them to finish assignments.
Compared to the teacher-led conditions of instruction, the CWPT resulted in improved academic performance for all students (4 learning disabled and 4 non-learning disabled), increased amount of time engaged with academic content, and positive acceptance from teachers and students. Classwide Peer Tutoring has been shown to work for students with all kinds of special learning and behavioral needs (Center for Effective Collaboration and Practice, 2001).
How to Use CWPT in the Classroom
Considering the effectiveness of CWPT, teachers can create similar procedures in their classes. For example, tasks such as math facts, spelling, letter sounds, and word identification make great CWPT topics (Hallahan & Kauffman & Pullen, 101).