Learning Together In Mathematics

Intervention description

Learning Together In Maths is a peer tutoring programme for use in mathematics. The programme involves an alternative way of organising pupils in order to change learning interactions, rather than an alternative curriculum. Pupils work in pairs, with one acting as tutor: the tutor may be an older pupil, or the pair may be a similar age and ability, in which case the roles of tutor and tutee can be switched. The role of the tutor is to offer support by trying to ensure that the tutee attempts to answer maths questions using a structured approach, while the role of the tutee is to do the working out to arrive at an answer. The structured approach involves several steps including identifying what the question is asking. The tutor should use questioning, praise and encouragement to help the tutee follow this structure to work out an answer.

The intervention aims to benefit the mathematical skills of both tutor and tutee. While the tutee benefits from individual guidance and support, the tutor is given the opportunity to think about a topic, deconstruct what they know about it and then explain it in a straightforward manner to the tutee.

Professional development/training

A guide to using Learning Together In Maths can be downloaded free of charge from the TES Pro website. This guide includes an explanation of the method, materials for training pupils, ideas for activities and resource cards.

Evidence Summary

Learning Together In Maths (Paired Maths) has not been included in any systematic reviews into the effectiveness of educational programmes.