Porque solos no aprendemos mucho: UNA experiencia de tutoría entre iguales recíproca en educación primaria

Abstract

This paper presents a research study that explores the potential of reciprocal peer tutoring as a cooperative learning method. The aim of this study is to check if improvements are registered in variables such as academic achievement, self-concept and attitude of solidarity after the method was applied. We used a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design to analyze the results obtained via questionnaires, and a descriptive transactional design to analyze the information gathered in focus groups. Questionnaires were administered to 3rd grade students of Valencian language at El Palmeral Pre-school and Primary Education School in Benicassim (Castellón, Spain). The results reveal great student satisfaction with this modus operandi in the classroom, a statistically significant impact upon academic achievement, and qualitative improvements in student self-concept and attitude of solidarity. © 2011 Publications Service of the University of Murcia.