BXIII - When you feel a hand on your back

You've got a friend
When you put me on the right track, you've got a friend
When I show the love right back, you've got a friend
Damn it feels good to know I've got a friend
You've Got a Friend - Far East Movement

What were the benefits of the peer teaching events? How would you incorporate peer teaching in an elementary classroom?

I feel the benefits of the peer teaching events was easing our way into teaching a lesson that had been planned quite extensively. It was a way to prepare us for teaching a child of the age group - yet not have to deal with the age mentality that we knew we would have to if were teaching in an actual elementary level classroom. That way we were able to focus on what it takes to make a lesson, plan it, and then actually execute it. It also allowed reflection on the process, from both your peers and yourself, after the actual event.

I personally feel that teaching is one of the greatest ways to learn. Not only are you applying knowledge that you have learned, but you are re-establishing that knowledge by teaching it to someone. While you are teaching, you have the opportunity to look at the topic from another perspective, perhaps even more perspectives than just one, and answer questions which you may have not thought of - thus there is teaching AND learning for both the students and teacher.

In an elementary classroom in that case, I would be most enthused to try and incorporate peer teaching into the students lesson plans. To have a child teach the other students would be a great opportunity to understand roles, environments, and community. Respect for their fellow students would have to be established and understood as a child shouldn't become too 'bossy' or perhaps just the opposite - overwhelmed. But in having a child teach something to the other students gives them a confidence in not only the subject they peer-taught but as well as confidence in themselves. We're all friends, so why not share what we know as a community to grow as a whole?