Is reading from textbooks and explaining on boards enough to provide effective learning? Between you and me, we both know it is not enough. One Directional traditional way of teaching is no longer an effective method to educate the youth. Students of this generation need to be included actively in the teaching-learning process. This is where Peer Learning makes its entrance.
Peer learning encourages students to think deeply, communicate with their peers, and develop an understanding of different people's perspectives. It prepares them for a world where collaboration, experience, and synergy among colleagues and coworkers are very important.
Let us venture and learn more about peer learning and how it can be facilitated in this current digital world.
Table of Contents
What is Peer Learning?
Peer Learning is an impressive teaching strategy where students learn from teachers as well as each other. Peer learning, at its core level, is an instructional method in which students work and learn with each other to deepen their understanding of the subject matter.
This process where students teach each other under the guidance of the teachers helps them in increasing their learning and knowledge retention capacity.
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But why is it so? Well, the answer is very simple.
To teach others, they first need to understand the topic and the theory themselves. By teaching their peers, students feel a sense of achievement which motivates them to better and study with an even higher drive.
In simple terms, When a student shares their knowledge with others verbally, they strengthen their understanding of the knowledge that they have already learned.
Theoretical Foundation Of Peer Learning
Now, one thing that we know is that nothing ever comes out of thin air. So how did the concept of peer learning come into being?
The principles of peer learning are based on many educational theories. However, two of these hold the most contribution:
As per Lev Vygotsky’s Social Constructivism, how we learn on an everyday basis highly depends on our social interactions. He also brought forward the concept of Zone Of Proximal Development (ZPD).
According to ZPD, tasks or knowledge can be divided into 3 zones with learners at the centre. These zones are:
What can I learn on my own?
What can I learn with help?
What is beyond my reach?
It is the second zone where Peer learning takes place and is utilized for the better education of students.
Albert Bandura's Social Learning theory also plays an important part in the foundation of peer learning.
It emphasizes human behavior of observing and imitating. In peer learning, students not only learn by sharing knowledge but also by observing how others approach and solve a problem. This helps in understanding and developing their skills.
Benefits of Peer Learning
As institutions and teachers incorporate peer learning, they will start to notice some great benefits. Below are some of the benefits you will witness that will go beyond academic improvements.
1. Better Academic Performance
Studies have shown that students who were actively involved in peer learning often scored higher grades and were found to have a better understanding of the subject matter. This is because peer learning encourages active involvement and deeper engagement.
2. Improved Social Skills
Another trade necessary to thrive in this world is great social skills. As students work together discussing topics, collaborating and solving problems, they develop the necessary social skills that are required to compete in this world. These include skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. These skills are necessary both inside and outside the classroom.
3. Increased Confidence
When students explain concepts and subject matter to their peers and receive positive feedback, they enhance their own understanding of subjects. This helps the students feel more confident in their knowledge and skills, leading to more active participation in the class.
4. Enhance Critical Thinking
As the students are switched from absorbing information and instead actually thinking about it deeply, they put their brain muscles to work. This in return helps in enhancing their critical thinking abilities. In this, students are encouraged to question, analyze and think deeply about the information. This along with thorough discussions and debates develop their critical thinking ability, making them approach from different perspectives.
5. Personalised Learning
Students involved in peer learning are free to choose what they wish to study and focus on first. This leads them to learn at their own pace and focus on areas that need the most attention. It can also offer individually focused explanations and support. These benefits are essential for students in life beyond mere academia.
Types of Peer Learning
Unlike popular beliefs, peer learning is not just about students getting in groups and discussing subject matter. Let's look at different types of peer learning that can be practiced.
1. Peer Tutoring
As the name suggests, peer tutoring is a one-on-one learning session where a student is more knowledgeable on the subject matter or the concept, and tutors and other students help them understand it better.
2. Collaborative Learning
In collaborative learning, students form groups and work together to complete tasks, and assignments, or have an intellectual group discussion.
3. Study Groups
Study groups are basically informal gatherings where students decide to meet outside class and review course material, prepare for exams, and help each other through difficult concepts.
4. Peer Assessment
In Peer assessment, instead of teachers, the students evaluate each other's work and give out important feedback. This helps in strengthening their own grasp and understanding of the subject as well as enhances their critical thinking ability and peer synergy.
5. Reciprocal Peer Learning
Think of it as role-playing. Students take turns being the teacher, teaching the class a topic, concept, or a part of the subject, and return to being the learner as another student does the same. This helps them not only deepen their understanding of the subject matter but also boost their presentation, collaboration, and communication skills.
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Challenges With Peer Learning
There are always certain challenges that need to be tackled when improving and implementing something new.
Along with benefits, peer learning also comes with some challenges that teachers of maths actively address.
1. Uneven Participation
With the individual personalities of every student in a group setting, some students could be active and outspoken, while some could be a bit shy. This could lead to some students dominating the discussion while others remain passive. To tackle this, teachers can assign specific roles or tasks to ensure everyone participates.
2. Misinformation
Peer learning mainly relies on students explaining concepts to each other. Due to this, there is a constant possibility of misinformation being spread among the students. To avoid this, teachers should be actively present to step in when there is a misunderstanding or misinterpretation and correct them instantly.
3. Resistance To Collaboration
Every student has their own comfort zone and learning style. While some students may accept peer learning with open arms, others may prefer the traditional way of learning. Teachers should first explain the concept and benefits. Next, instead of jumping to full-fledged peer learning, they must gradually introduce it with smaller collaborative learning activities.
4. Time Management
Peer learning often consumes a lot of time, especially if not properly managed and organized. When planning any collaborative activities, teachers should consider time constraints. Providing clear instructions will also help to keep the process efficient.
5. Assessing Peer Learning
Another major challenge teachers may face is evaluating the effectiveness of peer learning. Teachers may need to use a combination of self-assessment, peer evaluation, and teacher observation to measure success.
Peer Learning In The Digital Age
Peer learning has been around long before the digital mode of education came into society, but the shift to the digital mode demanded some major changes. Online learning platforms and tools provide provisions that make it easier for students to indulge in collaborative learning. Here's how digital technology has enhanced peer learning:
1. Online Discussion Forum
There are many online platforms that offer virtual spaces for students. Some of these platforms are MasterSoft’s LMS, Google Classroom, and Microsoft Teams. Through discussion forums on these platforms, students can discuss topics, ask questions, and share resources related to the subject matter.
2. Virtual Study Groups
Students can easily form virtual study groups and work together in real-time from different locations. Video conferencing tools like Zoom and Google Meet play a major role in assisting with this.
3. Peer Tutoring App
Many apps and websites can also be found across the Internet that connect students with peer tutors. These users can help the students with specific subjects and concepts.
4. Collaborative Tools
Google Docs, Google Slides, and Google Sheets are some of the many tools that let students work together on projects, share ideas, and provide feedback in real-time.
Conclusion
And with that, we can agree that peer learning is a very important educational strategy for the education system and students today. It taps into the collective knowledge and experiences of students to create a learning environment that benefits everyone involved. Embracing peer learning will not only enhance students' academic growth but also develop and strengthen the necessary skills that are needed in life beyond the boundaries of academia.
Poonam Nathani,
Academic Consultant