Classwide peer tutoring in a martial arts alternative education program: Enhancing social and psychomotor skills

Abstract

Alternative Education Settings (AES) aim to provide active and inspiring instructional strategies that would reengage students at-risk in learning and improve their academic achievements. Classwide Peer Tutoring (CWPT) is an evidence-based instructional method that when combined with behaviorally oriented procedures yields positive effects on academic performance. The purpose of this study was to examine whether CWPT could advance the social and motor performance of four third-grade students in an innovative martial arts program in an urban charter school. An ABAB single subject design was used to examine the effects of CWPT on social skills (i.e., providing and receiving feedback) and correct motor performance. Results suggested improvement in social performance for three participants and mixed results for motor performance. Implications for practice in AES programs are provided.