Written by Nethra Singhi
What is peer-to-peer teaching?
Stanford professor Rick Reis defines peer-to-peer teaching as “students learning from and with each other in both formal and informal ways.” Peer to peer teaching involves students imparting knowledge to other students. There is no distinction between student and teacher like there is in conventional classrooms. Students work in groups to solve problems, with a group leader guiding discussions.
In a traditional classroom, the teacher is an expert on the subject and is in a position of authority to lead the classes. On the other hand, peer teachers are in equal standing with the students, as they are one of them.
The benefits of peer learning and teaching
Encourages teamwork and dialogue
Peer Learning encourages students to work in groups and take part in group discussions, something a lecture format does now allow. They learn how to discuss, debate, and help each other out. It makes them better team players who can communicate their ideas successfully.
2. It helps students learn more effectively and actively
There is a wealth of research to show that teaching something is an effective way to enhance your own understanding of the material. Moreover, discussing something allows others to add to your knowledge through their inputs. It also helps retain information better, as you discuss and relearn subjects actively in a peer-learning environment.
3. Increases confidence
Peer to peer teaching and learning improve one’s public speaking skills. Since they have practised putting forth their ideas before a group, they are not fazed when facing it later in their workplace. Peer teachers gain leadership skills through leading the discussion and activities.
Research suggests that because peer-to-peer teaching is less rigid than teacher to student teaching, it helps students be less tense about potential doubts and reduces the fear of failure. Hence, children are more likely to actively take part in the learning process and try their hand at new things without inhibitions.
4. Scope for improvement
Participation in group learning activities helps children’s critical thinking and analytical skills. They feel easier asking for help and feedback from their peers rather than a teacher, as they need not fear authority. There is also more scope for personalised feedback, as their peer knows the student personally and can help target the exact areas they’re struggling in.
5. Improves academic performance
When students are more engaged in the learning process, have confidence in their knowledge and skills, and have received more individualised assistance, it makes sense that they’ll perform better in studies and tests.
So should all learning be done through peers?
This is not to say that teachers are not required or are less important in the classroom. Of course, at the initial stage of learning a subject, an expert who can impart knowledge correctly is necessary. Where peer-to-peer teaching comes into play is the second stage. It supplements lecture learning by reiterating important concepts and helping students revise their knowledge.
Moreover, in places like India, where schools cannot reach remote areas, peer teachers can reduce the burden of traditional teachers by acting as a force multiplier. One educated child can teach countless more children. This is the rationale behind Agastya’s Young Instructor Leader Program, which trains students to become effective, hands-on peer teachers and takes the Agastya way of learning far and wide.
