Peer learning is a process where the students learn from each other. It is very crucial for a classroom setup to have peer learning at least once a week. The benefit you can get in a peer learning is that, students are on the same level. There are some times where the teacher may not be able to lower down the level of their teaching that will reach every student in the classroom. This is the time where peer learning will be very useful. Students who were able to cope in the discussion will have a chance to explain the lesson to their classmate and the possibility of explaining it on a lower level is there as they are on the same wave length. Peer learning allows students to focus on understanding. There are also some students who prefer understanding a lesson in a deeper way with their classmates (friends). So at least, they will have a chance to hear the lesson from the teacher and from their classmate.

One negative factor of peer learning is that the students might have taken the lesson out of context and see the lesson on the wrong side. Some students may also chitchat and talk about stuff unrelated to the lesson. This is why, even though a teacher would have a session for peer learning, assessment is a necessity. This way, the teacher will still be able to check if the students have a good grasp of the lesson. The idea of peer learning is fun because it can also make the atmosphere of the classroom better and lessen a competition.

Peer learning still is effective. This is why there are many researches which suggest that a peer learning is really a must. It exercises the critical thinking of the students, which is beneficial to the discussion and to their development.

By: Rowwell Ashley P. Flores