Kids Teaching Kids
I came across this great teaching resource on peer-assisted learning in a podcast by Dr. Sam Bommarito. The book is available in both the UK and US.
Peer Assisted Learning: A Practical Guide for Teachers
by Keith Topping
Cambridge, MA: Brookline Books (2000)
What is Peer-Assisted Learning?
Topping defines peer-assisted learning as the “acquisition of knowledge and skill through active helping and supporting among status equals or matched companions. PAL involves people from similar social groupings who are not professional teachers helping each other to learn and learning themselves by so doing.”
Peer-Assisted Learning in a Classroom
This book serves as a teacher guide on how to implement different kinds of Peer Assisted Learning into your curriculum. It covers many different kinds of peer tutoring, and also other kinds of Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) such as peer modeling. It considers the use of PAL with students of all ages, abilities, and linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Ideally, both helper and helped gain in achievement. When working perfectly, peers help each other, sharing both directions from their areas of strength.
What About Research on Peer-Assisted Learning?
Keith Topping shows that PAL is solidly based on decades of research and practical experience. He builds upon his previous (1988) book, The Peer Tutoring Handbook, but substantially updates and goes beyond it. Readers who want to follow up on the research will find the bibliography helpful.
A Good Summary of Peer-Assisted Learning
The long history of Peer Assisted Learning and the research on its effectiveness are reviewed briefly. The advantages and disadvantages of Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) are summarized and then explained. Topping gives teachers a clear framework (or “menu”) for choosing the PAL method most appropriate for their needs and context.
TMI Maybe, but Good Reference to Have on Your Shelf
The bulk of the book presents a guide to implementing the chosen PAL method effectively. This includes a detailed reproducible Planning Format. Reproducible information for parents is also included. Ways of evaluating PAL projects within limited time and resources are then reviewed. Further readings (both paper-based and from the Internet) are recommended.
Is Peer-Assisted Learning Right for Dyslexic Students?
It needs to be handled carefully. Student tutors and tutees should be prepped for the difficulties faced by dyslexic readers. Dyslexic students must be encouraged to take the lead when their natural gifts give them an advantage. Since much of school work is based on reading, it would be easy for peer tutors to start feeling and acting superior to their dyslexic classmates.
However, if peer tutors understand the basics about neurodiversity, peer tutoring can produce wonderful friendships and support. Peer tutoring proves especially effective when paired with audio-assisted reading (tracking). Good readers can record text for dyslexic students to listen to while tracking, and dyslexic students, who are often tech-savvy, can help the reader navigate the world of audio/video.
Reviewed by Yvonna Graham, M.Ed.
www.dyslexiakit.net
@GrahamYvonna