As teachers we know that positive interaction in the classroom is everything, especially when it comes to learning a new language. Of course, teachers play a crucial role as we model and guide students’ language development, but peer-to-peer learning is a powerful tool. This peer-to-peer interaction allows learners to share perspectives, reinforce understanding, and even challenge one another.
What Peer Learning Looks Like
In the most general sense, peer learning happens when students work together, which could be discussing ideas, solving problems, or practicing new skills. Some activities in a language classroom could include partners practicing a dialogue, students giving each other feedback on writing, or small groups working together on comprehension tasks. Most importantly, peer learning will shift the dynamic from an atmosphere of teacher-focused, passive learning to a student-focused environment.
Why Peer Learning Works
First and foremost, peer learning works because students are active participants in their learning. For example, explaining a grammar point or proofreading a peer’s writing helps students reinforce their own understanding. Secondly, collaborative learning builds confidence and helps students feel less intimidated. We know that imperative for students to feel comfortable when learning a new language if we want them to take risks. Lastly, peer learning naturally encourages real-life communication. When students talk to each other, they have to negotiate meaning, ask for clarification, and rephrase—everything we want them to do as language learners!
Ideas to Bring Peer Learning into Your Classroom
- Jigsaw Activities
This type of activity allows students to become “experts” on topic, such as a reading or listening passage. The expert student then goes on to teach the other students in their group about what they learned. Ideally, each student would get the chance to be the teacher, increasing cooperation and a sense of responsibility.
- Mini Pair and Share Conversations
Use quick prompts like, “What’s your favorite memory?” or “What are you going to do this summer?” Students share their ideas with a partner, then summarize their partner’s answer for the class. You could also use “Would you rather?” questions for a quick warm-up at the beginning of class.
- Role-Plays
An important part of the language class is acting out real-world situations—like ordering food, asking for directions, or attending a cultural event. Let groups create and perform short skits to build confidence and encourages spontaneous language use.
- Student-Teacher Days
Give students the opportunity to take the lead by teaching a mini-lesson on a topic they love—an idiom, cultural tradition, or vocabulary theme. Remember that when students teach, they create a deeper understanding of the topic so this would be a perfect review for an assessment.
By Kelli Drummer-Avendano
Also read:
Welcoming Multilingual Learners Back to School—and Meeting Them Where They Are!
