Fife Peer Learning Project Helping to raise standards in Reading and Maths across Fife

Prof. Keith Topping Dr Allen Thurston David Miller Pauline Murray Dr Karen McGavock Nora Conlin Maureen Beath Pat Caudrey Professor Peter Tymms Dr Christine Merrell

Excellence for All: Together We Will Make a Difference Valuing, motivating and engaging all learners Setting appropriately high expectations and standards Providing high quality learning experiences Giving feedback, measuring and celebrating success Encouraging creativity, flexibility and ambition Sharing and developing expertise Involving others to help children and young people learn.

Research: Random Assignment of Interventions Maths only, Reading only or Reading and Maths Combined Same Age (P4 or P6) or Cross Age (P6 and P4). High Intensity (3 x 30 minute session) or Low Intensity (1 x 30 minute session)

Research Allocation for Strathkinness Primary School Reading only Cross-Age (P4 and P6) Intensive (3 x 30 minute sessions of peer learning activities per week)

Peer Learning: Pupil Benefits Raised attainment in literacy and/or numeracy Improved motivation and self-esteem Increased confidence Enhanced interpersonal skills Greater awareness of the needs of others Further opportunities to encourage responsible citizenship in a caring, supportive and tolerant environment.

Paired Reading

Paired Reading: The Method Select books (using “Five Finger Test”) Tutor and tutee begin by reading together Tutee taps on table to indicate that he/she would like to read alone If mistakes are made, tutor will count to four and then repeat the word that the tutee had difficulty with. The tutee will repeat this and the pair will continue reading together Discussion of text important to check comprehension Emphasis on praise (“Dictionary of Praise” available) and encouragement.

Fife Peer Learning Project: Further Information Dr Karen McGavock