Schedule about 90 minutes a week of structured peer-assisted learning in which pairs of students at different ability or proficiency levels work together on academic tasks¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

The guide's fifth recommendation, graded Strong, asks teachers of English learners to devote approximately 90 minutes a week to instructional activities in which pairs of students at different ability levels or different English language proficiencies work together on academic tasks in a structured fashion. These activities "should practice and extend material already taught", and the checklist suggests developing plans for structured pair activities in reading and language arts and considering partnering for English language development instruction.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Pairs work on academic tasks in a structured fashion
• Activities practice and extend material already taught

Constraints¶

Target Learners¶

• English learners in the elementary grades working with peers of different ability levels or English language proficiencies

Target Learning Goals¶

• Reading and language arts content, and English language development

Related Strategies¶

• Partner Reading
• Paired Reading
• Make development of formal, academic English a key instructional goal beginning in the primary grades, with dedicated curricula, daily integrated instruction, and teacher professional development

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Gersten, R., Baker, S.K., Shanahan, T., Linan-Thompson, S., Collins, P., & Scarcella, R. (2007). Effective Literacy and English Language Instruction for English Learners in the Elementary Grades: A Practice Guide (NCEE 2007-4011). Washington, DC: National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance, Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education. https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/PracticeGuide/6