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Peer tutoring in writing: A school systems approach

This digest found in

Assessment for Learning
English

What training did the peer tutors receive?

The peer tutors’ training took place during three forty-five minute sessions over two weeks.

These consisted of:

  • discussion of the role of tutors in helping a friend develop independent writing skills;
  • familiarisation and practice in specific tutoring procedures;
  • proof-reading writing for meaning and accuracy;
  • asking appropriate questions to prompt  the writer to make changes/improvements; and
  • conducting pre-writing conferences with peers to develop a writing plan.

Tutors also received three feedback sessions on their performance as tutors during the first two weeks of tutoring.

 

Following training the peer tutors were expected to be able to assist and prompt the tutees in specific ways.  These included:

  • helping them to  develop and expand a writing plan;
  • providing prompts and encouragement  with the writing process;
  • assisting the writer to attempt difficult words;
  • asking questions to promote editing changes/additions;
  • prompts or assistance in proof-reading for spelling and punctuation; and
  • providing praise and encouragement for the writer’s efforts.