The effects of a peer tutoring programme to improve the reading comprehension competence involving primary students at school and their families at home

Abstract

This paper presents on the effects of an educational programme involving peer tutoring at school and family tutoring at home on child reading comprehension achievement. We drew upon a sample of 303 students and 223 family tutors. The methodology combined a quasi-experimental design and a qualitative analysis of texts. Background variables were collected by means of student and parent questionnaires and also teacher and family interviews. An analysis of the family tutoring interactions was also monitored. Overall, the study reveals the effectiveness of peer learning to improve reading comprehension skills and the potential of family involvement for the development of academic skills.