Student as teacher
One of the most effective teaching methods is when students are given an assignment to teach to the class. I've given small groups the task of teaching sections of a chapter in their text. What often happens is students learn from other students, because the student teacher identifies with their fellow students pain.
I've tried this method because when I was a student, my instructor did this and I really enjoyed it.
I assigned a chapter to a small group of students and had them prepare a lecture. The problem I ran into was that some students "taught" the entire chapter, word for word, out of the book. May complained they didn't know what to teach (even though I provided them with the topics they should include), and some of them treated it as a big joke and I don't feel anything was gained by the students as a whole. Does anyone have any tips to make this a more productive activity?
Hi LaTisha,
Having a student as a teacher is a good change up, but this type of activity must be done with close guidance from the instructor.
Patricia Scales
Ashlee, I find this to be a risk also. I closely monitor what the students are teaching each other....you can always steer them down the right path if they start straying away from the correct objectives and information.
Tim,
I find this method of having students "teach" the class is very effective also. I like to give it as a long-term assignment, and have them do a "lesson plan" that they turn in to me prior to their teaching day, and create some sort of presentation to aid in their lesson (i.e. a power point presentation). This not only gives them an appreciation of how hard their instructor works to create lessons for them, but also they thoroughly learn the topic they are teaching because of all of the preparation involved.
Part of the assignment I give also requires that each student prepare 3 questions for the presenter (that they compile during the presentation), then after the presentation they ask their questions which are answered by the student teacher. That really keeps the presenter on his/her toes!
I really like giving this type of assignment, and the students absolutely LOVE it! They enjoy having their classmates "teach" them and they enjoy having to teach, so it is a WIN-WIN situation for all!
-LaTisha Tomblin
Hi Ashlee,
If an instructor allows students to teach, the instructor must ensure that students provide accurate information in an understanding way so that others comprehend.
Patricia Scales
I find this to be very effective as well. I tell my students that you learn material and concepts better if you have to teach them b/c that means you have an understanding of it! However, this is a high-risk activity b/c if they don't full understand what they are "teaching" they could confuse the whole class.
Hi Billy,
Students love it when you have many different types of teaching styles. Students are not bored because you utilize a variety of teaching styles.
Patricia Scales
I have always used many types of teaching styles without even knowing that I was doing it. This module made me realize what I was doing. I will continue my different styles the students really enjoy the challenges.
Hi Scott,
I concur! Students also feel a sense of importance and ownership when they have a say. Students are more cooperative when they are invovled in establishing rules, policies, procedures, etc.
Patricia Scales
Hi Talyon,
There is always a need for "train the trainer". I always tell my students, I do not care how good you are, you can always become better.
Patricia Scales
Hi Jon,
I love peer teaching and students really seem to gain effective learning from this method of teaching; this is a nice change up.
Patricia Scales
I agree. The studnts seem to learn the information in more detail when they know that they will be responsible for sharing it. The students that are being taught may understand the subject better from another student's point of view. Sometimes just the way a fact is phrased can make all the difference.
I like having students teach other students certian concepts. I think when the student teach something to others they gain invaluble insight into to that concept. For example I have my students teach other students about certian diseases. how its tranmitted and how to protect themseleves. they learn so much.
I've found that this is a great way to teach complex concepts. I often give groups the opportunity to prepare and give an entire class period including writing the quiz/assessment method. Their assessment for the section they taught was based on how well they facilitated the class and student feedback.
I have found that allowing students to participate in developing the course criteria and expectations by breaking them up into small groups, electing spokespersons and then setting expectations in a private meeting with elected representatives. Final process is to inform the class of the "rules" and then have an elightening debate regarding why they elected each representative and what they think of the rules and expectations. Great review of political process.
i use this method very offen as a culinary instructor. we will have "train the trainer" times in class when we find a subject that students find challenging. the student training at the time will focus on what the other student is doing and correct and learn it better themsevels.
Hi Michele,
When peer teaching is taking place, the instructor should always be present to make sure valid and correct information is being shared and things are being done correctly. The ultimate job of teaching is truly the instructor's responsibility.
Patricia Scales
Hi Regena,
Students serve as a great support system for each other when peer teaching is taking place. Students learn from this form of teaching as well.
Patricia Scales
I use this technique as wee. I find they student the assignment more thoroughly and as was previously mentioned, students embrace other studnts who are in the teaching mode.
