Experiences of small group tutorials in biology courses with the leader acting as participant rather than leader are summarized showing that the material used must stimulate discussion and be at the correct level for the group. Other significant factors include skills of the tutor, physical surroundings, and student preparation. (JMF)

The effect of programed tutoring in mathematics on achievement of kindergarten and first-grade children was investigated. Significant differences favoring the Programed Math Tutorial groups were found in all three field studies. (Author/MH)

Examined whether supplemental instruction offered to first-year medical students reduced the number of examination failures. Significant increases in mean test scores were achieved by at-risk students admitted to the University of Southern California School of Medicine in 1994 who participated in the Medical Scholars program, compared with similar…

This research examines high school students' performance on an interactive multimedia tutorial for learning physics concepts in conjunction with their individual differences. Performance was compared between the initial portion of the tutorial where students learned concepts and the final portion where they applied the concepts. (Author/LRW)

A survey of coordinators of tutoring in English for speakers of other languages in New Zealand revealed some advantages to the switch to direct government funding (improved standards, accountability). Disadvantages included the possibility of changing the culture to suit funding requirements and endangering the focus on learner needs. (SK)

Describes a reflexive approach to technology training for preservice teachers blending elements from competency-based and integrative models so that students use technology as learner and teacher. Discusses technology portfolios as an instructional strategy, metacognitive strategies for self-understanding, and modeling and peer tutoring. (PEN)

Analyzes the evaluation of student feedback to a tutor in the Open University (Great Britain). Discusses tutor effectiveness in supporting individual students; group tutorials; self-help and mutual support by students; formative feedback on written assignments; participatory evaluation; and power relations, including "pseudoempowerment."…

Supportive methods such as peer tutoring and cooperative learning, and co-teaching by special and general educators, can improve inclusion of students with diverse academic and social needs. Teachers, students, and parents must become part of a learning community that recognizes each member's unique gifts. (SK)

Discusses results of a survey of University of Southern Colorado faculty members that was conducted to determine their needs and opinions regarding library research instruction. Highlights include interest in an online library research skills tutorial; the need for professional development opportunities for faculty; and faculty opinions regarding…

Discusses computer mediated communication in higher education and describes use of the bulletin board within WebCT as a tutorial environment in which to discuss prescribed readings. Considers whether a computer-based tutorial setting can be used as a tool for learning and as a tool for delivery of information; and discusses course evaluations and…

Analyzes a tutor survey conducted at Ball State University (Indiana) and addresses pragmatic questions related to issues of tutor motivation. States that the goals of the research are to improve hiring, training, and managing procedures of tutor coordinators, and to offer a better understanding of tutors. (Contains four tables and seven…

Examined how participation as mathematics tutors would affect middle school students at-risk for dropping out of school. Comparison of participants to non-participants after 6 weeks of tutoring found significant differences in mathematics performance in class and on state standardized tests. Participation had positive effects on tutors'…

Focuses on one elementary school/university partnership as a successful example of an America Reads partnership for a variety of reasons. Notes that this partnership exemplified much more than an "business as usual" attitude. Explores the types of "best practices" occurring on a daily basis, especially as they related to…

Describes a project to determine how teachers can best implement new ideas and strategies learned at staff development programs by using peer coaching as a follow-up to training. The project, based on an understanding of the usefulness of mathematics manipulatives, increased teachers' use of a new teaching strategy. (SM)

The differences between collaborative culture and contrived collegiality as forms of joint work and interaction among teachers is defined. Peer coaching, especially one variant known as technical coaching, is used to investigate and interpret these differences. Technical coaching is seen as fostering contrived collegiality rather than…