35 Partnering
Definition
Assigning the student a partner to assist with class work or projects that are slightly more advanced than the student can complete alone.
In action
Teachers can create both structured and unstructured opportunities for students to connect with peers, such as by offering the option for students to complete tasks in partners.
Support Strategies
- Encourage social opportunities in the classroom (e.g., through the use of morning or community circles)
- Allow students to practice verbal communication and listening skills by adding an element of peer assessment to assignments
- Create opportunities for peer teaching during different units of study
- Scaffold tasks and assignments such that students can contribute their knowledge and skills to a shared project
- Ensure that students with disabilities have equal opportunity to support their peers without disabilities through partnering
Case Study
Student: Grade 4 in a math class.
Content: Students are working on learning the multiplication tables up to 10.
Problem: The student is struggling to remember the 9 times table and is losing motivation due to the repetitive nature of the task.
Solution: The teacher partners the student who is having trouble with a student who uses a strategy to remember the 9s times table. This student teaches the struggling student their strategy, and the two students practice together.
Additional Resources
- Book chapter on the benefits of partner work for students by Marc Prensky
- Article on strategies to consider when creating student groups from Reading Rockets
- Recorded presentation on peer supports for students with extensive support needs by Dr. Erik Carter
- Description, tips, and examples of peer supports in action from Inclusive Schools Network
- Facilitators manual for peer supports in secondary school- specific to autism from CSESA
