I had a great meeting with Stacey on Monday, to discuss our shared topic on Peer Learning.
She brought some articles which I found interesting. One from the National University of Singapore labelled Peer Learning: Enhancing Student Learning Outcomes had a very interesting quote: "Students learn a great deal by explaining their ideas to others and by participating in activities in which they can learn from their peers"" (Boud, 2001)
As an Electrical Apprenticeship instructor I have experienced this most recently in a lab last week. The students were grouped in pairs for the lab class where they were learning to hook up a motor and have it run correctly, when none of the leads were labelled. They had to go through a test procedure to correctly identify each wire and then successfully connect and operate it. Some students found the process quite easy where others had a greater challenge. It was interesting to see the students who had mastered the process support their peers who were struggling.
One of the challenges that we both identified was performing a good post assessment. Peer Learning can be very effective for the student who is sharing with their fellow peers. However it is equally important to ensure that all of the students within the peer learning group are participating and engaged in the process. Referring back to my students within the lab environment, I have experienced group dynamics where both students are working through the lab module. As well, I've noted situations where one student is heavily engaged and the other is mildly interested. In my opinion, having an effective post assessment tool can help to motivate some students to take a more active role.
Finally, it was interesting to note that both of us came upon an excellent website; Peeragogy
Many folks have come together to develop a handbook on collaborative learning.
References:
- Boud, D. (2001). 'Introduction: Making the Move to Peer Learning'. In Boud, D., Cohen, Ruth & Sampson, Jane (Ed.). Peer Learning in Higher Education: Learning From & With Each Other. London: Kogan Page Ltd, 1-17
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