From the Director of Pedagogy and Innovation

The Value of Peer Teaching 

If you complete an image search of ‘teacher in classroom’ there would be a predictable string of adults, often with cliché glasses standing in front of a whiteboard. Of course, this has been the model for a long time and there is safety and predictability in this.

However, it comes as no surprise that this isn’t always the best way to operate a classroom. 

In schools, we are always looking for new ways to teach but can struggle to break the mould. Being taught by a peer can break down barriers that may affect students and can create a more engaging learning experience. In the traditional classroom model students listen to adult instructors, presenting to a group of young people, and while they may have a mastery level of understanding, they are not always able to communicate this in an engaging or even clear way. Releasing some of the power in the classroom back to the students and just getting out of their way may seem counterintuitive, but has a profound impact on learning. 

One age-old idea we need to move away from is that learning from peers is not as valid, or to some is borderline cheating. The message of ‘eyes on your own work’ has been purported for so long. However, one of the benefits of peer teaching is that it can have a positive effect on students’ attitudes about what they’re learning and the learning process in general. From a growing body of research, we now know that collaboration among peers in a learning environment can enhance students’ socioemotional development. This includes improving their concept of self and having a better attitude toward learning. A peer-to-peer learning dynamic lends itself naturally to a collaborative classroom environment. Cooperative learning is inherently student-centered, so it makes sense that one of the best ways to create an engaging and cooperative learning experience is in a classroom for students and led by students.

Mr Chris Sanders

Director of Pedagogy and Innovation