Grade level: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, i, s, t.

Originally published in 1996, this book is about the role of peer-helping in alleviating interpersonal difficulties among young people in school settings. It is based on real-life experience on the part of the two editors and their contributors in training and developing peer-counselling services in local schools, in order to strengthen policies on bullying, equal opportunities and related personal issues. Young people’s experience of being actively engaged in helping their peers has a positive effect on self-esteem and heightens a sense of responsibility and citizenship in the young people involved. The book seeks to help teachers, educational psychologists, social workers and others working with young people to appreciate the value of peer counselling and to introduce it into their practice.

Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) involves children in school consciously assisting others to learn, and in so doing learning more effectively themselves. It encompasses peer tutoring, peer modeling, peer education, peer counseling, peer monitoring, and peer assessment, which are differentiated from other more general "co-operative learning" methods. PAL is not diluted or surrogate "teaching"; it complements and supplements (but never replaces) professional teaching--capitalizing on the unique qualities and richness of peer interaction and helping students become empowered democratically to take more responsibility for their own learning. In this book, PAL is presented as a set of dynamic, robust, effective, and flexible approaches to teaching and learning, which can be used in a range of different settings. The chapters provide descriptions of good practice blended with research findings on effectiveness. They describe procedures that can be applied to all areas of the school curriculum, and can be used with learners of all levels of ability, including gifted students, students with disabilities, and second-language learners. Among the distinguished contributors, many are from North America, while others are from Europe and Australia. The applicability of the methods they present is worldwide. Peer-Assisted Learning is designed to be accessible and useful to teachers and to those who employ, train, support, consult with, and evaluate them. Many chapters will be helpful to teachers aiming to replicate in their own school environments the cost-effective procedures described. A practical resources guide is included. This volume will also be of interest to faculty and researchers in the fields of education and psychology, to community educators who want to learn about the implications of Peer Assisted Learning beyond school contexts, and to employers and others involved in post-school training.

"The book′s rich, relevant and comprehensive contributions from experienced writers make it a substantial resource for teaching, reference and research." Mark Prever, trainer, writer and supervisor "The needs and problems of young people are currently extremely topical and justify a dedicated textbook. The wide range of internationally renowned authors contributes to the strengths and diversity of this publication, enhancing its potential as a resource for students and professionals." Jenny Pinfield, University of Worcester This book responds to the urgent need for practical intervention approaches targeting young people at risk. It provides a much needed practical resource for practitioners and students from a variety of helping professions. Focussing on interventions that practitioners can use in collaboration with the young person, the book offers hands-on strategies for addressing challenges and issues typically face by young people, such as: - Depression, suicide and self-harm - Substance Misuse - Problematic Sexual Behaviour - Marginalised Youth - Mental Health Issues. Throughout the book, multi-disciplinary and international authors share their expertise, highlighting relevant evidence-based interventions and considering themes such as anti-oppressive practice, culture, values and ethics. It will prove invaluable reading for students and practitioners working with young people, especially in the fields of youth work, social work, psychology, counselling, and education.