Peer tutoring in reading and maths: the Fife Peer learning project.

A two-year project is embedding peer tutoring in reading and mathematics in Fife primary schools from August 2006-8.

Over 125 schools have been allocated light or intensive, same-age or cross-age peer tutoring. The same children are followed for two years (P6 and P4 becoming P5 and P7).

This development and research project seeks sustainability and expansion. Representatives of Fife Council and schools and co-workers from the Universities of Dundee and Durham will contribute to the seminar. The seminar will outline in some detail the tutoring methods used (Paired Reading and Duolog Maths) – the first already widely used, the second much more novel. It will describe the organisation of the project and allocation of interventions to schools.

Reports from involved schools will explore their own experiences. First results indicate that tutoring has enhanced both reading and maths. Same-age and cross-age tutoring seem to have different advantages and disadvantages. Using both interventions seems to generate extra added value.

This interactive and experiential method of teaching fits into Assessment for Learning and Fife's push towards a Curriculum for Excellence. Tutoring yields social, emotional and attitudinal advantages as well as attainment gains; developing successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors and responsible citizens.