The effectiveness of a preschool peer-tutor to facilitate generalization of two preschoolers' performance on two academic tasks was evaluated. The peer-tutor apparently acted as a distracter rather than a facilitator; on some occasions time to complete a discrimination task was greatly lengthened by the presence of the peer-tutor. (SLD)

Fifteen high school peer tutors and 15 normal "special friends" interacted daily for a semester with nine severely disabled students. Comparison of the two groups on attitudes and social behavior indicated that, in general, serving as a peer tutor was equivalent to serving as a special friend. (Author/DB)

Outlines the process of peer editing, and points out that research shows peer editing to be highly effective. (ARH)

Outlines a student tutoring program called SAILS (Student Assistance in Learning and Support) that helps students who have chronic difficulties in mathematics, reading, English, and with personal problems. (MD)

"Even Champions Have Coaches" is a North Carolina program begun under the assumption that preparing principals as trainer/coaches for their peers would allow them to understand how change occurs in schools and increase the probability of successful implementation of state educational initiatives. (MT)

The Special Partners programs at Mill Swan Communications Skill Center Magnet School brings together 16 special needs students, aged 9-17, with fifth- and sixth-grade tutors. The program results in enhanced academic skills and in the development of mutual respect between the special needs children and their partners. (GC)

Outlines how the Writing Response Groups function. This is a cooperative learning atmosphere where trained student peers respond to other students' writing with the Praise-Question-Polish technique. Includes references. (MD)

The study measured the interactive values of peer tutoring and structured interaction activities on the rate and type of social initiations (cooperative or instructional) of nonhandicapped peers (N=4) toward students with autism (N=4). Results showed that structured interaction activities produced the highest rates of cooperation initiations.…

Two peer trainers, one moderately and one severely mentally retarded, each taught three severely disabled peers to perform separate steps of a complex assembly line task. Peer trainers were taught to demonstrate correct performance and to praise or correct trainees' performance contingently. Trainers were successful in training and monitoring the…

In a medical sociology course composed of health care students with little sociology background and sociology students with no health care background, a paired observation exercise was given. Health care and sociology students were paired, and each pair observed the same medical encounter and reviewed each other's papers. (Author/RM)

To investigate ways computers promote social skills and esteem, the first author met weekly with a small group of learning disabled high schoolers around the computer. The most positive results occurred when students were given a chance to share their computer skills with others through a tutoring program. (Author/CL)

Describes several classroom cooperative learning activities that allow students to work in teams to achieve a common goal. (AEA)

This review examines the literature addressing the concept of peer tutoring. Journal articles and education documents written within the last 10 years that discussed peer tutoring were considered. The evidence reviewed overwhelmingly supported the use of peer tutoring and discussed it as an effective instructional strategy. The key points that…

In the new peer tutor training sessions at a northeastern university, a high level of interaction among the tutor trainer and trainees is one way the staff measures the success of the sessions. Within the limited time frame of 2 hours, however, the trainer must impart a great deal of information about the center and tutor position requirements.…