Paired Reading is a structured method for one-to-one reading tutoring by peers, parents, classroom assistants or volunteers, in primary or high schools or lifelong learning. It is individualised and cross-curricular.
Tutors need to be more able readers than tutees, but not necessarily by more than 2 years of reading age. It can be done with selected individuals or on a whole class basis. Implemented properly, it has been proven to raise reading comprehension ability, in a great many studies. There is also evidence of impact on self-esteem and social skills.
Paired Thinking is an extension method for extending higher order reading skills into thinking skills.
Professor Keith Topping
Professor of Educational and Social Research, University of Dundee