Peer Teaching - 15-minute Teacher Guide

This 15-minute guide serves as both a theoretical foundation and a practical toolkit for teachers looking to develop peer teaching in their classrooms. It provides a solid understanding of the concept and offers actionable strategies to implement it effectively.

Introduction
This guide introduces peer teaching as a key Evidence-Based Learning (EBL) skill, highlighting its benefits and research support for classroom implementation.

What is Peer Teaching?

• Defined as learners teaching other learners by design
• Traced back to Aristotle’s use of learner leaders
• Formally organised as a theory by Andrew Bell in 1795

Benefits of Peer Teaching

1. Increases motivation, engagement, and understanding of material
2. Develops critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills
3. Creates a supportive and collaborative learning environment
4. Improves academic achievement for both peer teachers and learners
5. Fosters diversity and depth in knowledge and opinions
6. Enhances social skills, teamwork, and cooperation
7. Helps learners recognise gaps in their knowledge
8. Builds social bonds and friendships

Key Points for Teachers

• Peer teaching allows for explanation in language students naturally use
• It creates opportunities for active learning and immediate feedback
• Students often gain deeper understanding by teaching others
• It can lead to improved grades and greater confidence in learning
• Peer teachers may explain concepts more effectively, having just learned them
• It offers multiple perspectives and nuances to a student’s knowledge

Implementation Tips

• Use peer teaching for one-on-one tutoring or small group instruction
• Encourage students to modify and explain concepts in their own words
• Create a structured environment for peer teaching activities
• Use it as a way to reinforce recently learned concepts
• Monitor interactions to ensure accuracy of information shared

Potential Challenges

• Ensure accuracy of information being shared between peers
• Manage classroom dynamics to maintain a productive learning environment
• Balance peer teaching with other teaching methods

Conclusion
Peer teaching is a valuable tool that can significantly enhance the learning experience, improve academic outcomes, and develop important 21st-century skills in students. By incorporating peer teaching strategies, teachers can create a more dynamic, engaging, and effective classroom environment.