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The academic effects of learning statistics and probability through peer tutoring were analysed in the research reported on here. Two hundred and eight students enrolled in Grades 7, 8 and 9 participated. Fixed- and same-age peer tutoring was implemented 3 times per week for 6 weeks. Each tutoring session lasted approximately 25 minutes. The main aims of this research were to quantify the effect of peer tutoring and to determine any differences among grades. A pre-test-post-test design was employed. Students were assigned to control or experimental conditions. Effect sizes were calculated and non-parametric statistical tests were performed. No statistically significant differences were reported in the pre-test analysis. Statistically significant improvements were reported with the implementation of the programme for all grade courses, both individually and globally (Mann-Whitney "U" test = 5436.79, p < 0.01). The reported global effect size may be considered as medium to large (Hedges' "g" = 0.72). The comparison among courses did not report any significant differences. It can be concluded that using peer tutoring for learning statistics and probability could be academically beneficial for middle school students.

In this study reciprocal peer tutoring was implemented in middle school mathematics classes for a six-month period. The effects of this methodology on students' mathematics achievements, mathematics anxiety levels, attitudes towards mathematics, and mathematics self-concepts were examined. Study participants included 768 students in grades 7–9 (12–15 years old). Statistically significant differences and positive effect sizes were reported for mathematics achievement, mathematics anxiety level, and mathematics self-concept (Hedge's g average value of 0.28). No significant statistical differences were reported for mathematics attitude. Students' repeating condition acted as significant moderators for mathematics anxiety. The main conclusion is that reciprocal peer tutoring can be very beneficial academically and psychologically for middle school mathematics students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peer tutoring in combination with math digital tools was employed with middle school students learning mathematics. A total of 112 students in 9th grade (14 to 15 years old) participated in the study. A pretest–posttest with control group design was used. Students worked with systems of linear equations during the experience. The effects of the intervention of peer tutoring in combination with math digital tools on students' mathematics achievement were examined using quantitative methods. The way students in the experimental group learned and their motivation towards using digital tools compared with students in the control group were analysed qualitatively. Statistically significant improvements and a large effect size were reported for students' mathematics achievement in the experimental group. No statistically significant differences were reported between the pretest and the posttest for the control group. The qualitative analyses revealed that students in the experimental group achieved a higher level of autonomous learning, showed a greater association of mathematical concepts, helped their peers more, did more exercises and problems than students in the control group, and enjoyed the experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, the influence of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on 9th grade students' mathematics achievement is analyzed through quantitative and qualitative methods. A posttest only with control group design was used to compare the mathematics marks of 9th grade students from the previous school year (before the pandemic, control group) and the current school year (during the pandemic, experimental group). Seventy-three students from a public high school in Spain attending class on alternate days participated in the study. Three focus group sessions were held with students, and five semi-structured interviews were conducted--two with teachers and three with students' families. Results show statistically significant differences in students' mathematics achievement, with students enrolled in 9th grade the previous (pre-pandemic) year outscoring their peers currently enrolled in 9th grade (during the pandemic) by 22.17%. An overall negative effect size of Hedge's g = -1.11 was reported. Although significant statistical differences between groups were reported for both male and female students, the effect was 42.31% larger for male students (Hedge's g = -1.11) than for females (Hedge's g = -0.78). The qualitative information supported the quantitative results. Changes in educational settings, students' lack of motivation, monotony, and students' level of responsibility were qualitatively reported as factors that may explain this phenomenon. The main conclusion of this study is that the COVID-19 pandemic may be significantly and negatively affecting 9th grade students' mathematics achievement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports the academic benefits of peer tutoring in algebra for middle school students. A total of 380 students enrolled in grades 7th and 8th participated in the study. Two peer tutoring sessions took place during each week (10 weeks). Interactions between peers lasted 20 to 25 minutes for each session. The typology of tutoring was fixed and same-age. A pretest posttest with control group design was used. Statistical significant improvements were reported in the academic achievement variable after the implementation of the peer tutoring program for 7th and 8th grade courses separately and altogether. Over 87% of the students in the experimental group improved their marks. The overall effect size for the experience was reported to be medium (Hedge's g = 0.48). The main conclusion of this study is that fixed and same-age peer tutoring in algebra may be very beneficial for middle school students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 restrictions in schools worldwide constitute an important limitation for peer support among students. The masks, the distance between tables or the established sitting order are new challenges that both students and teachers must face in Spain. The conventional strategies that took place among students prior to the COVID-19 pandemic have been altered. In this study, the mathematics achievement of high-school students prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and during the COVID-19 pandemic is examined. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used. A total of 368 students from 9th grade (ages 14 to 15) participated in this research. Statistically significant differences were reported when comparing the mathematics achievement of pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 students (t = 22.21, p < 0.01). An overall negative effect size of −2.32 was reported for those students with COVID-19 restrictions. Mathematics achievement scores were 9.90% lower for the group with restrictions. No statistically significant differences were reported when analyzing results by gender or repeating condition. The qualitative information supported the quantitative findings. Alterations in peer support was identified as one of the main factors that could explain this decrease. The main conclusion of this study is that current restrictions due to COVID-19 could be producing an important decrease in students' mathematics achievements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]