learning from each other
students that work together can learn from each other, one student may expand on a topic
Dorothea,
yes, often the students can explain concepts in different ways that resonate better with their peers.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Diversity is the number-1 factor in educational instruction. Student/student vs. student instructor can be a win-win for both instructor and student. I use this method in class when performing hands-on application on the clinic floor. At times, the instructor can be too technical, whereas a mentoring student can break the same concept down simpler. The light bulb effect goes off. It works!
I love learning in groups. Your students can learn from each other in so many ways. Each one has a different style of learning and may be able to address the topic in a way others will understand better. For instance, an instructor is teaching Algebra in the same way they have always done. One student may understand the concept but others may not. This student may be able to help the others by using some of their life experience to explain the topic so the others will understand.
Amanda,
and this is really what we're trying to emphasize in career skills: the ability to collaborate & synergize.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Jennifer,
this is one of the great benefits of groups: students learning how to voice their opinions, listen to others & respectfully disagree.
Dr. Ryan Meers
I agree! It goes back to the old saying "two heads are better than one". There are ideas students can bounce off each other and come up with some great stuff.
I love to have my students work in groups. It's great to hear them debate and really think through a topic. If I was to say the same thing, they wouldn't argue their point of view as easily as they would with a peer.
One very effective way to have your students learn a great deal from each other is by dividing the class into groups . I usually have the best students dispersed into the different groups to act as the leader and the anchor of the group. I give them a an assignment or a project to work on that is of course related to the current topic or subject . I also challenge each group from time to time by having mini competitions like quiz contests. It will not only inject the element of fun but also will have everybody on task and very focused.
It works all the time.
Thanks,
Dr. JMalana
