Peer Teaching

Peer Teaching

Students prepare and deliver mini-lessons to classmates

30–55 min12–30 studentsPresentation area at front, or multiple teaching stations

At a Glance

Duration

30–55 min

Group Size

12–30 students

Space Setup

Presentation area at front, or multiple teaching stations

Materials

  • Topic assignment cards
  • Lesson planning template
  • Peer feedback form
  • Visual aid supplies

Bloom's Taxonomy

UnderstandApplyAnalyzeCreate

SEL Competencies

Self-ManagementRelationship Skills

What is Peer Teaching?

Peer teaching is an active learning strategy where students take on the role of instructors to teach concepts to their classmates, leveraging the 'protégé effect' to deepen their own understanding. By explaining material to others, student-teachers must organize their knowledge, identify gaps in their logic, and engage in metacognitive monitoring, which leads to significantly higher long-term retention compared to passive learning. This methodology works because it reduces the power dynamic between teacher and learner, creating a safer environment for inquiry while forcing the 'tutor' to process information at a higher cognitive level. Beyond academic gains, it fosters essential soft skills such as communication, empathy, and collaborative problem-solving. Research indicates that both the tutor and the tutee benefit, as the tutee receives personalized instruction in 'student-friendly' language while the tutor solidifies their mastery through retrieval practice. When implemented with clear rubrics and structured preparation, peer teaching transforms the classroom into a community of practice where students take ownership of their educational journey and develop a more profound connection to the curriculum.

Ideal for

Dividing content-heavy units among studentsDeveloping presentation and communication skillsBuilding student ownership of learningCreating a student-centered classroom

When to Use It

Grade Bands

K-2 –3-5 ✓6-8 ★9-12 ★

Subject Fit

Math ★ELA ★Science ★Social Studies ✓SEL ★Arts ✓

How to Run a Peer Teaching

1

Identify and Segment Content

Divide the lesson into logical, bite-sized segments or 'expert topics' that can be mastered by a student in a short period.

2

Train the Student Tutors

Provide 'expert groups' with source materials and a checklist of key concepts they must cover to ensure accuracy and consistency.

3

Model Effective Teaching

Demonstrate how to ask scaffolding questions rather than simply providing answers, ensuring students understand how to facilitate learning.

4

Execute the Peer Session

Pair students or form small jigsaw groups where the 'experts' present their segment while the teacher circulates to correct misconceptions.

5

Facilitate Guided Practice

Assign a collaborative task or worksheet that requires the tutee to apply the new knowledge under the tutor's supervision.

6

Conduct a Knowledge Check

Administer a brief individual assessment to all students to verify that the peer-led instruction successfully met the learning objectives.

Research Evidence

Nestojko, J. F., Bui, D. C., Kornell, N., & Bjork, E. L.

2014 · Memory & Cognition, 42(7), 1038-1048

Students who study with the expectation of teaching the material later show better organization of information and higher recall scores than those who study only to take a test.

Roscoe, R. D., & Chi, M. T.

2007 · Review of Educational Research, 77(4), 534-574

Tutors benefit most when they engage in 'knowledge-building' activities, such as generating reflective explanations and making new connections, rather than just repeating information.

Topping, K. J.

1996 · Higher Education, 32(3), 321-345

Peer tutoring is confirmed as an effective tool for improving academic performance across diverse subjects, provided there is adequate training and monitoring of the tutors.

Topics That Work Well With Peer Teaching

Browse curriculum topics where Peer Teaching is a suggested active learning strategy.

Genetics and the Continuity of Life

Cell Division: Mitosis and Meiosis

5th Year · The Living World: Senior Cycle Biology

The Human Machine

Circulation and Respiration

6th Year · The Living World: Foundations of Biology

Stoichiometry and the Mole Concept

The Mole and Molar Mass

5th Year · Foundations of Matter and Chemical Change

Volumetric Analysis and Solutions

Concentration and Molarity

5th Year · Foundations of Matter and Chemical Change

Atomic Architecture and the Periodic Table

Electron Configuration and Quantum Shells

6th Year · Advanced Chemical Principles and Molecular Dynamics

Kinetics and Chemical Equilibrium

The Equilibrium Constant (Kc)

6th Year · Advanced Chemical Principles and Molecular Dynamics

The Citizenship Action Project

Reflection and Evaluation

3rd Year · Active Citizenship and Democratic Action

Decoding the Written Word

High Frequency Words and Fluency

1st Class · Foundations of Literacy and Expression

Writing with Purpose

Informational Writing and Lists

1st Class · Foundations of Literacy and Expression

Frequently Asked Questions

What is peer teaching and how does it work?
Peer teaching is an instructional method where students teach one another, facilitating learning through social interaction and shared language. It works by triggering the protégé effect, where the act of preparing to teach forces the student-teacher to organize and internalize information more deeply.
What are the benefits of peer teaching for students?
The primary benefits include increased academic retention, improved communication skills, and higher levels of student engagement. Tutors gain confidence and mastery over the subject matter, while tutees receive individualized attention and explanations that are often more relatable than traditional lectures.
How do I use peer teaching in my classroom effectively?
Effective implementation requires clear structure, including specific learning objectives, guided preparation time, and teacher supervision. You must provide students with rubrics or scripts to ensure the content remains accurate and that the 'tutor' focuses on facilitating understanding rather than just giving answers.
How do you assess students during peer teaching?
Assessment should focus on both the accuracy of the content delivered and the quality of the interaction. Use a combination of peer-feedback forms, teacher observation checklists, and a short post-session quiz to ensure both the tutor and tutee have met the learning goals.
What are the challenges of peer tutoring?
Common challenges include the potential for spreading misinformation and unequal participation among group members. These risks are mitigated by pre-verifying the 'expert' students' knowledge and establishing strict norms for respectful, equitable collaboration.

Generate a Mission with Peer Teaching

Use Flip Education to create a complete Peer Teaching lesson plan, aligned to your curriculum and ready to use in class.

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