Students teaching students is an important part of the learning process. In addition, students learn a great deal as they explain their writings and thoughts to other students. The process of collaboration in both writing and verbal dialogue enables students to develop skills in organizing and planning activities. As students work collaboratively they evaluate their own work and increase their understanding of concepts. Through communication and examining the ideas of their peers, students become knowledgeable, strategic, self-determined, and empathetic.
Students Teaching With Peer Writing
By providing students the chance to write and work with other students, they become active representatives of their own learning. They make meaning of each other’s words in a social setting. Through the sharing of writing and oral communication, students build relationships. Also, these relationships create a positive climate toward the success of the classroom.
In the process of collaborative writing the responsibility of the learning is transferred to the student. So, why is it important?
• Through group discussions and writing, students get to know each other better. Thus, it builds relationships and classroom community. Also, it builds teamwork.
• Students relate more to their peers than their teacher. As one classmate understands a concept better than another, he/she is able to help another student understand. And, as the more knowledgeable student explains, he or she better understands the concept.
• Rather than working toward an individual grade, students work together. They hold themselves accountable to the group as a whole. It creates a system of dependency.
The Process
Students learn with each other through active learning. This is done as they raise questions and formulate conclusions from a variety of responses. By involving students in real world activities that link new concepts to prior knowledge, collaboration makes the concepts come alive. Learning is something students do, not get.
