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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.

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.

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.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered the organization and scheduling of high schools in Spain. Due to pandemic restrictions, most students from grades 9 to 11 come to class only on alternate days. In this situation, e-learning and distance learning have gained prominence as necessary methods of instruction. In this study 68 students from grades 9 and 10, attending on alternate days, participated in an online teaching experience for the first time in their lives. This took place during the first trimester of the 2020-2021 academic school year. On days when they did not attend class in person, students were expected to watch the mathematics classes which were broadcasted live via YouTube. Students could either watch the classes live and ask the teacher questions via an online chat, or alternatively, they could watch the pre-recorded classes at a later time. The two options were analyzed using quantitative and qualitative methods. Results showed a continuous decrease in the number of students who preferred the first option, switching progressively from online live classes to pre-recorded classes as the weeks passed. The qualitative results explained this progressive decrease as students preferred to watch the teacher's explanations several times. Although e-learning is absolutely necessary in the 21st century, and especially during the current pandemic, controlling students' level of application to distance work and online learning is still a challenge.

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.

The benefits of peer tutoring in mathematics have repeatedly been proven at different educational levels. Nevertheless, mathematics teachers' perceptions towards this methodology and whether they are adequately trained to implement the practice is information that remains uncertain. Surveys and questionnaires directed at teachers regarding peer tutoring are lacking. Determining teachers' knowledge and perceptions on this topic is important, as that knowledge and those perceptions affect their teaching practices and, therefore, student learning. This validation study was designed to evaluate questionnaire responses from mathematics teachers regarding their knowledge, perceptions and attitudes towards peer tutoring so that implications for practice and policy could be determined. A four-factor structure questionnaire was developed. Strong correlations were reported between knowledge and attitudes. Females, less experienced and public school teachers showed greater values. A conclusion is that female teachers are more sensitive than male teachers regarding students' inclusion and active learning.

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.

In this review, we have examined the main components of peer tutoring in mathematics in primary education (1st to 6th grade) settings. Fifty studies were included in this article. The review was intended to examine trends in this research field regarding roles of the participants, their age (same-age vs cross-age), the methodological approach taken (quantitative, qualitative or mixed), the type of quantitative design, the analysed variables and organisational matters (number of participants, program duration, sessions per week and duration of the sessions). Main results were also included for each article and effect sizes were calculated when possible. It was found that 75% of the studies revealed medium to very large effect sizes. The average effect size was reported to be large to very large (Cohen's d = 0.89; standard deviation = 0.60). Limitations, recommendations for future research, implications for practice and conclusions are also presented.

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