Peer Learning, The New Norm.
We live in a growing digital world, with our lives revolving around the use of technology. So much so, it has seeped its way into other sectors as well, like Education.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 period, the education system has seen a technological upgrade. The introduction of virtual classrooms has made attending classes online, with teachers joining in and sharing concepts easier. Educators have also introduced a new variety of tools and resources to encourage learning and clear all notions. During these difficult times, much of the responsibility of Education needs to be shared by the students themselves. This is where researchers and educators have introduced the idea of ‘peer learning.’ A new trend in the developing world of learning, peer to peer knowledge sharing is individuals on the same level, teaching each other what they know.
The concept of peer learning remains abstract; through the educational perspective, it can be viewed as a two-way beneficial learning activity. Learning with peers should involve the sharing of ideas, knowledge, and experience between the teacher and student. It is a cost-effective form of mutual learning. The ‘peers’ are two or more individuals who are considered equals and want to share their expertise with others. All of them should be equally invested in supporting each other’s development. The ‘learning’ process would happen through completing goals while sharing the skills and knowledge people have. Support provided through discussions, questioning, and feedback would play a pivotal role in the process.
Teachers and the education system need to understand the effectiveness of this learning strategy. Learners share similar experiences in their field, which improves their practical knowledge and is known to enhance problem-solving skills. Sharing different resources among peers can help them understand their learning styles as well. The best part of peer learning allows us to set our own goals, decide when and how to complete them, and with the help of those already experienced, actually enjoy the whole process of doing it. Seminars and workshops are forms of peer education that deepen and enrich concept development better than traditional methods.
Peer learning provides learners the opportunity to piece together their existing knowledge of an emerging topic by interacting with the community. A positive attitude towards learning could significantly enhance one’s interest in peer engagement and understanding, even the most challenging or unconventional subjects. Recent evidence suggests that carefully designing initiatives and a healthy environment for peer learning could lead to smooth knowledge transfer. For the success of these initiatives, it is essential to specify what kind of Education is expected and provide constant feedback to enhance the learning.
Tangled.ae could become one of the top peer learning platforms, that encourages individuals to teach and learn from each other without the hassles of a formal classroom. They provide peer leaders and learners a stage to work collaboratively with an audience while developing their organization and developing skills through activities and construct a deeper understanding of their learning.
The whole world is progressing at an accelerated speed, with newer subjects and differentiated content emerged, the need to accept peer learning as an innovative form of Education is vital. With the intent to empower students, peer learning hands the reins of Education to the learners, giving them the control to set goals and be accountable for their learning.
