Even if you just introduce the basics, most kids will be able to reteach this skill to their peers, and a select few in your class will be able to run with what you've given them and go beyond what you expect.
- I find the main benefit is that it frees up my time. Whenever you're using ICT the unexpected arises and it is good to have more time up your sleeve to iron out hiccups and sus out your next move.
- It also give you more time to spend with particular students understanding the concepts they're learning, whether they be maths, literacy etc.
- More time also allows you to simply observe your class in action - something we often tend to overlook, but can be extremely satisfying when your class is humming independently!
- You also only need to teach the skill once or twice as opposed to 30. This reduces your frustration and gives the them a happier teacher.
- If you're working in a computer lab, it gets a few kids out of their seats and wandering around to help, yet also keeping an eye on what others are doing - hunting out the odd rebel who's jumped on YouTube.
- It keeps your lil computer geniuses/geeks busy doing your job - double bonus.
That being said, your little darlings are picking up some skills too, especially if you establish in a few guidelines. In my class there is the expectation that if you're helping someone, your hands are off the technology! Benefits include...
- Student explanation and communication skills
- Interacting with kids outside their friend group, a bit of class culture building
- reinforcement of skills tutors have learnt, ICT or otherwise
- the benefits of having a bit of responsibility and self-esteem as a tutor
- not always having your teacher looking over your shoulder
Peer tutoring can be used for all curriculum areas, in a number of ways. If you want an easy to read slide show, download the document below.
Teaching Strategies for Inclusive Classrooms, Part 2: Peer Tutoring Accessed from Te Kete Ipurangi – Special Education – The Three Rs of Diversity – http://www.tki.org.nz/r/specialed/diversity/develop/stage2-profdev_e.php

teaching-strategies2.pdf |