Peer Teaching

Overview

Having students teach their knowledge, skills, and understanding to their classmates strengthens learning. Preparing to teach and then explaining a concept in their own words improves students' clarity of understanding and Math Communication skills, as well as supports greater retention in Long-term Memory.

Use It in the Classroom

Watch how these students check on each others' understanding when solving order of operation problems. Throughout the activity, students provide feedback and correction. Explaining concepts in their own words can improve students' clarity of understanding as well as support Long-term Memory.

Teachers can invite students to give a presentation to the whole class or to teach in coordination with them to foster the student teachers' confidence and Math Mindset. Teachers can also set up math centers where a student teaches, with the classroom teacher's support, a concept to a group of students who are still developing their understanding of the concept. (Note: We emphasize teachers' active involvement in peer teaching because it is critical for them to know if students teach material accurately so that they can support the student teacher's and their classmates' understanding.)

Design It into Your Product

Products can include features where students explain concepts to a fictional character that asks questions as a way to ensure mastery as well as more focused Attention. Products can also provide audio and video tools for students to record their lessons for classmates to learn from.

View References

Resources

Below are additional examples, research, and professional development. These resources are possible representations of this strategy, not endorsements.

Examples

15 Easy Peer Teaching Strategies

Advantages, disadvantages, and tips for peer teaching

Examples

Benefits of Peer Teaching

Introduction to incorporating peer teaching

Examples

Is Peer Teaching on Your Classroom Menu?

A quick overview of peer teaching activities

Examples

Students Become Teachers

How a school used peer teachers as "tour guides"

Factors Supported by this Strategy

Mathematics

Algebraic Thinking

Geometric Reasoning

Math Communication

Measurement

Number Sense

Operations

Proportional Reasoning

Statistical Reasoning

Cognition

Student Background

Math Learning Environment

More Cooperative Learning Strategies

Collaborative Problem Solving

As students solve problems in a group, they learn new strategies and practice communicating their mathematical thinking.

Gallery Walk

As students walk through stations working in small groups, the social and physical nature of the learning supports deeper understanding.

Jigsaw

As students work with and process information by discussing, organizing, and sharing it together, they deepen their understanding.

Math Talks

When students have meaningful conversations about math and use math vocabulary, they develop the thinking, questioning, and explanation skills needed to master mathematical concepts.

Reciprocal Teaching

Students deepen their understanding and gain confidence in their learning when they explain to and receive feedback from others.

Think-Pair-Share

Students deepen their math understanding as they use and hear others use specific math language in informal ways.

Math 3-6

Peer Teaching

Overview

Use It in the Classroom

Design It into Your Product

Resources

Factors Supported by this Strategy

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