Peer to Peer Teaching and Learning: Promoting Collaboration and Building a Sense of Mastery

• In Event: 3423 - Teaching and Learning Symposium Roundtable
  In Informal Discussion Roundtable: Table 3: Engaged Student Learning

Abstract

What does the element of choice bring to the classroom? In this lighting round session I am going to explore how I approach peer-to-peer teaching and learning in the classroom by structuring assignments that give students options in choosing critical components in their work. There are two intertwined learning goals in designing this activity. First, the intention is to promote a collaboratively and respectful classroom climate. Peer to peer teaching and learning facilitates a learning environment that encourages students to share their experiences and expertise on what they studied. Second, giving students choice promotes a sense of mastery and personal relevance to how sociology exists beyond the classroom. The element of choice fosters individual creativity whereby students can make personal connections to what they are learning inside the classroom to what is occurring in the social world. Designing lessons that allow for student choice can one way to increase student engagement and motivation.

Author

• Mabel Ho, University of British Columbia