What is Peer Teaching?
Peer teaching is an educational practice where students take on the role of teachers to their classmates. This method emphasizes collaborative learning, where students share knowledge and skills with one another, enhancing both their own understanding and that of their peers.
Key Features of Peer Teaching:
- Collaboration: Students work together, promoting a sense of community and cooperation.
- Active Engagement: Encourages active participation, making learning more dynamic and interactive.
- Enhanced Understanding: Teaching others reinforces the tutor's knowledge and identifies gaps in their understanding.
- Diverse Perspectives: Students can offer unique insights, making the learning experience richer and more varied.
Benefits of Peer Teaching:
- Improves communication skills as students explain concepts to each other.
- Fosters critical thinking by encouraging students to assess their peers' understanding.
- Promotes self-confidence in students as they become responsible for teaching their peers.
- Creates a supportive learning environment that can reduce anxiety associated with traditional teacher-led instruction.
In summary, peer teaching is an effective active learning strategy that empowers students, enhances learning outcomes, and fosters a collaborative educational atmosphere.