Peer tutoring and peer-learning encompass a range of approaches in which learners work together in small teams to provide each other with learning support. Essentially, peer tutoring relies upon learners helping others learners to learn. Some see this as a teaching strategy, but we believe that it is a far broader strategy.

There are different models for peer-tutoring, in which learners are placed together based upon age, or ability levels. Some examples include:

• Cross-age tutoring: in which an older learner takes the tutoring role and is paired with younger learners
• Peer assisted learning: where learners assist each other in learning materials based upon their unique skills and knowledge
• Reciprocal peer tutoring: in which learners alternate between the role of tutor and tutee

The common characteristic is that learners take on responsibility for aspects of learning and for evaluating their success.

Effectiveness

There are many studies that show that peer tutoring approaches have a positive impact on learning, with participants averaging an improvement equivalent to approximately five additional months’ progress within an academic year.

Of particular importance is that peer-learning approaches are extremely cost effective to implement, and provide relief to scarce teacher resources.

“Peer-learning approaches are extremely cost effective to implement, and provide relief to scarce teacher resources”

There is also evidence to suggest that peer-tutoring is particularly effective with lower performing students, and those with foundational learning gaps.

In cross-age peer tutoring, some studies have found that a gap of fewer than three years is optimal, although ensuring that the gap is wide enough so that the work is challenging to the tutee whilst easy enough for the tutor to support them is key.

Peer tutoring appears to be particularly effective when learners and tutors are provided with quality support to ensure that the quality of learning is of a high level. There is also evidence to suggest that peer-tutoring is most effective as a reinforcement of pre-taught concepts, rather than as a means to introduce new learning concepts.

Peer-led tutoring approaches also help learners to close gaps in their learning by offering targeted, peer-led support to consolidate within class learning, practice skills, and identify and overcome misconceptions.

Winning Teams’ Approach to Peer-Learning and Tutoring

We embrace the peer-learning and peer-tutoring in our approach to youth learning and development. With more than two decades of experimentation and observation, we can confirm that there is very strong evidence as to the effectiveness of peer-learning approaches. Whilst our approach relies upon a number of learning models, peer learning is an important pillar.

We incorporate these principles into our programmes in the following ways:

• We engage with, and employ school-leavers who are approximately two years older than our learners, to assist with tutoring our learners in their final school years. These tutors have successfully completed their final exams, but are often unemployed, and unable to afford higher education. Our funders pay a small stipend. There is a tremendous opportunity for these school-leavers to cement their knowledge and develop the confidence to study further.
• These tutors are drawn from the local communities, and in most circumstances are alumni of the schools that they are tutoring which ties their contribution to their community learning aspirations.
• We provide training and guidance to these tutors as to how to conduct peer tutoring, and we also provide training in our processes and procedures, concentrating on pre-assessment, and post-assessment techniques
• Our approach focuses on peer, and collaborative learning (more to follow). We believe in empowering our learners to develop lifelong learning skills so that they are uniquely equipped to continue their learning beyond the formal educational environment.

There are a number of other elements to our approach that we will write about, and update this article as we proceed. Further posts will cover collaborative learning, self-directed learning, learner engagement, and lifelong learning skills