1. Promoting Inclusion with Classroom Peers
Chapter 8

2. Peer Tutoring
Tutoring can be a powerful tool in improving inclusive classroom performance
Helpful in addressing diverse learning needs
Benefits include:
Improving academic skills
Tutors usually benefit by serving as “expert”
May improve self-esteem
May improve attitude toward the subject and school
What are the potential limitations for the tutor and the tutee?

3. Steps in Developing Successful Peer Tutoring Program
Determine the content for tutoring material
Devise a tutoring plan
Establish procedures
Determine rules for appropriate behavior
Tutor roles and behaviors
Monitor performance

4. Classwide Peer Tutoring
One of the most highly recommended strategies for promoting achievement among diverse groups of learners
All student are divided into pairs who alternate roles of tutor and tutee to master basic skills
Benefits include increased time-on-task and opportunities to respond
Recommended as a “Tier 1” Response to Intervention (RTI) approach
Can be used at all grade levels and subjects

5. Implementing Classwide Peer Tutoring
Use a variety of reading materials
Include a stopwatch or timer for timing sessions
Schedule regular tutoring sessions
Devote one 45-minute session to teaching students how to use the materials correctly and how to be a helpful partner
Teach students specific words and gestures for reinforcing partners, emphasizing good sportsmanship and cooperative behavior

6. Cooperative Learning
Students are assigned to small groups and work collaboratively to complete group activities
Strategies
Create specific academic and/or social skills objectives
Determine group parameters
Explain goals, rules, roles, and procedures
Monitor group activities
Evaluate individual or group efforts

7. Cooperative Learning Roles: Full Option Science System
Reader
reads all print instructions and summarizes the activity
Recorder
records all data, observations, predictions and estimations
Getter
obtains and returns all lab equipment and materials
Starter
manipulates materials, supervises assembly of materials, and ensures all students are equally involved
*Adapted and reprinted with permission from Mastropieri, M.A., & Scruggs, T.E. (1993). A practical guide for teaching science to students with special needs in inclusive settings. (p. 78), Austin, TX: Pro-Ed.

8. Preparing Students with Special Needs for Cooperative Learning
Explain procedures and roles carefully so students understand expectations
Give role appropriate for skill level
Be sure student has necessary social skills for success in group
Teach ALL students how to interact appropriately and how to accept individual differences in learning

9. Types of Cooperative Group Arrangements
Student Teams-Achievement Divisions (STAD)
Students meet in heterogeneous groups to study material. Graded on improvement of group.
Team-Assisted Individualization (TAI)
Placed in structured heterogeneous curriculum-based groups based on pretest score. Students help each other complete assignment.
Cooperative Integrated Reading and Composition (CIRC)
Working in cooperative reading and writing groups. Teacher leads instruction.
Jigsaw
Each student learns particular piece of information and then contributes to group. Students are tested individually on learning. Can also be used where groups teach one another.
Group Investigation
Students determine how they will learn materials and organize group.

10. Peer Mediation Strategies
Students are trained in how to identify conflicts, negotiate, and resolve
5 part procedure:
Jointly define the conflict
Exchange positions and interests
Reverse perspectives (state other’s point of view)
Invent at least three optional agreements for mutual gain
Reach an integrative agreement (the optional agreement that seems best to all parties)

11. Advantages of Cooperative Learning
Improving achievement
Group interaction
Social learning
Learning of students with special needs
Students can contribute to activities they may not otherwise be able to participate in
What other benefits can students gain from cooperative learning?

12. Challenges of Cooperative Learning
Students with disabilities may not learn significantly more than if they participated in alternative learning conditions
Interventions must be planned and monitored carefully
Takes more teacher preparation and transition time
Lessons may take longer
What other challenges may you face with cooperative learning?