Objectives for the Session
- Explore the Truths of Peer Tutoring.
- Analyze Peer Tutoring through Concept Mapping.
- Explore Concept Mapping via Sway and other programs.
Bell Work: Let's get started!
- Pair up with someone who teaches a different subject than you.
- Come up with three (3) different things you have in common.
- Create a visual to express your three commonalities.
Truth #1: Peer tutors must be matched intentionally so that it can be mutually beneficial.
- Students are paired based off common ground, i.e. proficiency, ethnicity, or socioeconomic.
- Intentional pairing builds relationships.
- Both students have something to offer each other.
Peer Tutoring Truth #2: Peer tutoring is for practice, not for teaching new skills or concepts.
- Teacher is the expert on teaching the skills.
- Practicing the skills taught is the goal of peer tutoring.
Peer Tutoring Truth #3: Peer tutoring only works if the tutors are trained in advance and teachers model tutoring skills.
- Not all students have the innate skills to be tutors.
- Students need explicit instruction in what it means to be "an effective tutor."
- Training needs to be relevant to the learning goals.
Peer Tutoring Truth #4: Peer tutoring is more effective when the students are in control.
- When in control, students "practice making decisions, identifying and meeting needs, or expressing the need for help."
- Teacher serves as facilitator.
Peer Tutoring Truth #5: In addition to facilitating, the teacher needs to monitor and assess tutoring.
- During peer tutoring, teachers should be circling the room and checking in with pairs.
- Teachers should also build in regular formative assessment that makes sense to the program.
Peer Tutoring Truth #6: The tutors do not need to be inside the classroom.
- This is where blended learning tutoring changes the game.
- Technologies such as Skype, FaceTime, Google Hangout, Flipgrid can allow teachers to forge partnerships anywhere.
Don't forget to RockBOLD Tweet!
Tweet about your Bold School Journey!
Tag @AprilSmithRCS, #BoldSchool, and #ROCKBold.
April Smith
Instructional Technology Coach
