Interactions and relationships emerging from 2 programs to promote social integration of normal children and children with mental handicaps were compared. For the 53 pairs participating, peer tutoring interactions tended to be less reciprocal than those of the Special Friends program patterned after a program of L. J. Voeltz and others (1983).…

Proposes that ethnography is a useful tool for helping teachers understand the cultural context of their students. Examines a high school writing lab, emphasizing the role of the tutor. Describes the experiences of the writing lab staff in learning the culture of adolescents through ethnography. (RS)

Results are presented from a study which documents the effectiveness of social-skills training followed by cross-age tutoring for improving both achievement and social communication behaviors among boys (N=20), grades four-six, with learning disabilities. (IAH)

Describes the Adolescent Pregnancy Program for pregnant adolescents and teen mothers who cannot live with their families because of dysfunctional or abusive relationships. The program provides a safe, nurturing place to live and vocational and educational services. (PCB)

Studies the reactions to "self-threatening help" of members of 103 dyads of second-, fourth-, and sixth-graders in a peer tutoring context. Results indicated that threatening conditions were those in which tutors and tutees were similar in age and achievement levels. (RJC)

A teacher education program is described which used paired student teaching, videotaping, and coaching to improve instruction. (JD)

Reports the results of an experiment in videotaping tutorials between student clinicians and 7 to 11 year-old students with learning problems. Concludes that videotaping client and clinician interaction improves clinicians' teaching skills. (NH)

A study of 79 high school students in 8 classes demonstrates that students consider a teacher more helpful than an artificially intelligent tutoring system but nevertheless prefer the tutor. Possible reasons for this paradox are discussed in the study, a reply, and a rejoinder discussing computer technology in the classroom. (SLD)

This paper discusses different formats of peer tutoring, focusing on uses of peer tutoring with students with behavior disorders. While cross-age, small group, one-to-one, classwide, and reverse-role peer tutoring have all been found to produce social and academic benefits, none appears to benefit students' self-esteem. (Author/PB)

Evaluation of peer-mediated reading instruction with three fifth-grade and sixth-grade boys with behavior disorders found that marked improvement in on-task behavior and positive peer-to-peer comments corresponded to the implementation of peer-mediated instruction. (Author/DB)

Peer tutoring in the use of computer software for engineering design was used at the University of New South Wales (Australia) to bring 63 students to the mastery level already attained by other students. Analysis indicated that both students and tutors (n=31) received educational benefits from this approach. (MSE)

Provides an overview of the conversational roles taken on by students and teachers during college-level writing conferences. Uses the performative theory of Erving Goffman to analyze these role patterns. Illuminates the specific performative demands presented by writing conferences on both students and teachers. (HB)

Presents a case study of the effectiveness of a combination of a family literacy home intervention program with one-on-one intense tutoring for nonreading families. Notes that the family began to make positive changes in their reading environment, attitudes, and interactions which had a positive effect on their child's reading progress at school.…

Peer tutoring is an effective teaching method for students with and without disabilities. Using peer tutors can reduce the emphasis and stigma sometimes associated with peer instruction. Peer tutors for students with disabilities should be selected according to age, maturity level, communication skills, physical skill level, and willingness to…

Peer management was utilized as a source of feedback in a staff training and management program with six subjects, who were instructors in a vocational program for adults with mental retardation. The paired subjects were trained to monitor peer teaching, record and graph data, provide feedback, and set goals. (DB)