Tutoring programs can be structured so that both tutors and students benefit. According to the research, peer relationships contribute to social and cognitive development and socialization. Learning, friendship, and social growth are often positive outcomes. Through peer interaction, children learn to share, to help, to comfort, and to empathize with others. Peer relationships have a strong influence on achievement.
Some ingredients appear essential to creating effective peer programs.
For these projects, children chose books to read which were of interest to them and which they considered were on an appropriate reading level. One project elementary school provided a set of interest-based books, and at every session the tutee and tutor selected together a book of common interest to both of them. First and foremost was that the tutors and tutees enjoyed simply reading together and discussing the books afterward. This was especially effective as an introductory activity for the project. Sometimes the tutee read to the tutor, and then the two exchanged roles.