From Aristotle to Aaron at the tutoring center, peer teaching is not a new concept. It is, however, a very useful and effective method of teaching and learning.
Not to be confused with peer instruction, peer teaching is a method in which one student, an expert on the material, instructs another student, a novice in the material. This is not to replace a teacher’s instruction - it’s one more tool in the teacher’s toolbox! This approach works well with pair-share, group activity, study-buddies, or after school tutoring. Recalling more content, scoring higher on tests and assignments, all can be accomplished through peer teaching.
The benefits don’t end there. Peer teaching also helps students:
How can you teach peer-teaching?
Peer teachers need some scaffolding to learn their craft! Here’s how to teach your students to teach each other. Keep in mind that most students are accustomed to mostly receiving information in class. With peer-teaching, they will be asked to take what they’ve understood in class, digest and explain it to a classmate. Here are some tips:
Whereas optimal for pair-sharing and group activities, studying and reviewing material, and class engagement and participation, peer tutoring utilizes a multitude of forms to be used in a multitude of ways. Pick and choose when and where you feel it might work best for your students.
Keep in mind, you’ll need to consider the makeup of your class and the maturity level of your students before starting a peer tutoring program. This strategy may need some trial and error, but it’s worth it to keep trying until you find a way that best suits your style and your students.
Forward it to a friend or colleague.
Finding the right tutor can be tricky, but not when your students use Aimee Bio.
Their bios allow them to connect with other students and give them the opportunity to share and see each other’s work, projects, and achievements. It helps them learn about each other.
By communicating through their bios, peer tutoring can be made highly effective and easy to acquire.
Have some time to spare? Here’s a nice short video that will show your students the dos and don’ts of peer tutoring.