PEER Assisted Learning Strategies

Peer Assisted Learning Strategies

PALS is a version of classwide peer tutoring. PALS combines proven instructional principles and practices and peer mediation so that research-based reading and math activities are effective, feasible, and enjoyable

Peer Assisted Learning Strategies The strategy also creates

opportunities for a teacher to circulate in the class, observe students, and provide individual remedial lessons.

Peer Assisted Learning Strategies

Peer Assisted Learning Strategies PALS Reading is a structured, peer-

mediated reading activity appropriate for students in preschool through grade 6 and high school. All students in a class are divided into pairs. Each member of the pair takes turns being coach and reader.

Peer Assisted Learning Strategies PALS Math PALS Math has two basic coaching procedures:

coaching and practice. During coaching, students work on a sheet of problems in the skill area (e.g., adding, subtracting with regrouping, number concepts, charts, and graphs) to which they have been assigned.

Peer Assisted Learning Strategies PALS Research   Fuchs, D., & Fuchs, L.S. (l998). Researchers and teachers

working together to adapt instruction for diverse learners. Learning Disabilities Research and Practice, 13, 126-137.

Summarizes the research program on reading PALS, along with the research-to-practice model, by which researchers and teachers collaboratively developed and tested PALS.

Fuchs, D., Fuchs, L.S., Al Otaiba, S., Thompson, A., Yen, L., McMaster, K.N., Svenson, E., & Yang, N.J. (2001). K-PALS: Helping kindergartners with reading readiness: Teachers and researchers in partnerships. Teaching Exceptional Children, 33 (4), 76-80.

Describes the kindergarten reading PALS methods.

Peer Assisted Learning Strategies Program Overview

Peer-Assisted Learning Strategies (PALS) is a 25-to-35-minute math or reading activity implemented two to four times per week. It is designed to complement, not replace, existing reading and math curricula. PALS supplements traditional peer tutoring with instructional principles and practices. Teachers identify and pair children who require help with specific skills ("players") with children who are the most appropriate to help other children learn those skills ("coaches"). The pairs of students are changed regularly, so, over a period of time, the students work on a variety of skills and all students have the opportunity to be "coaches" and "players."

Peer Assisted Learning Strategies Program Design

Materials needed for PALS implementation are minimal and inexpensive. They include the PALS teacher's manual, a box of blank transparencies, an overhead projector, a transparency pen, pocket folders for each pair of students (to hold the PALS materials), and access to a photocopier to make copies of lessons for students. In addition, a kitchen timer is recommended to help teachers with appropriate pacing during the lesson.

Peer Assisted Learning Strategies The strategy provides direct opportunities for

a teacher to circulate in the class, observe students, and offer individual remediation. PALS therefore allows for differentiated instruction via having partners work simultaneously on various teacher-directed activities.