Peer learning refers to students learning with and from each other In our project students and teachers will work in two main groups; peergroups within the schools, were 20 students from different classes will work together in small teams and international peergroups where students from the four different countries Denmark, England, Finland and Sweden— also work together also in small teams,
mostly digitally but also meeting once during the project cycle in person.
All the project groups will use a peer learning methodology; the students will construct their own meaning and understanding of what they need to learn. Within the project the students will practice to search information, improve their skills to analyze, evaluate, debate and apply information to complete an assignment or solve a problem. Students will be involved in searching for, collecting, analysing, evaluating, integrating and applying information.
For a peerlearning experience should be successful there are a few things that need to be addressed;
● The peergroup shouldn't be too large. In this project both local and international groups will have 4-6 students.
● It is important to create a conducive learning environment. We will work to set clear rules and and practice the our students in collaborative working methodology. It is important that the students build a mutual respect for one another based on trust and confidence.
● The structure of the different assignments needs to be crystal clear but the students can be very flexible in their choice of methods.
● Peerlearning is about the process, the process will be guided by teachers who will give support and guidance. Peer learning is student centered learning All groups will work together towards a common goal. In most cases each individual student will be responsible for one part of each assignment i.e. jigsaw technique (See more under ”Guided Inquiry”)
Other types of work we will do within the project includes; group problem solving, experiment assignment and peer review work.
One essential part in our project is that the peergroup will share their work digitally but they will also teach their classmates about digital tools and learned skills. Also the teachers have a large responsibility to share what they learnt with their fellow teachers and school management. How do we expect the students to benefit from Peerlearning? The direct impact for the students is that Peerlearning will be an efficient method of learning subject matter. The more indirect benefits will be transferable skills, for example, negotiating and debating skills, problem solving, critical thinking and learning to use modern technologies.