Matt has degrees in Journalism and Business and has taught a variety of courses at high schools and universities around the world.
Before we answer that question, let's define peer-assisted learning. Basically, peer-assisted learning involves a teacher partnering classmates together to complete academic tasks for the benefit of both parties. Peer-assistance is an important part of most classrooms and is especially beneficial for ELLs for a number of reasons.
Another huge advantage of this approach is that students can share their strengths and bolster their weaknesses. For example, one student may be great at English but poor at math while another is good at math but struggles with English. It's this type of pairing that you want to look for when assigning partners to undertake the strategies suggested in this lesson.
Peer-assisted doesn't mean that the smart kids tutor the stragglers; it means that each student in the pairing offers something useful. While it may not always be a 50/50 collaboration, each student should be able to contribute something of value. Also, don't forget to change the pairings regularly so that students are interacting and communicating with different classmates.
ELLs typically divide their language ability into four areas: speaking, reading, writing and listening. This peer-assisted strategy focuses primarily on reading, but also incorporates speaking and listening and should be used with pairs in which one student is a confident reader and the other is not.
When students grade each other's work, they gain the ability to comprehend new insights and perspectives that come from someone in a position of equality rather than authority. This strategy works best with non-English language subjects, such as math or the sciences, in which there is only one correct answer to number- or equation-based problems.
In this situation, it's best to pair strong math and science students with more language- and arts-minded learners.
Peer reviewed writing is a strategy that supplements your own assessment of a writing assignment in a way that can grant great insight into the minds of your ELLs.
Each of the peer-assisted strategies outlined above should be followed up with a small group or entire class discussion. During the discussion, review both the advantages of the exercise and solicit suggestions of how each strategy could be improved for the future.
While peer-assisted learning has many benefits for ELLs, there are a few potential roadblocks that may stand in the way of a successful and mutually beneficial peer interaction.
For these reasons, it's vital that you consistently monitor students and occasionally offer constructive feedback or advice.
When students work together, they can oftentimes solve problems or successfully address issues without the aid of the teacher. This type of academic independence will give your ELLs the confidence they need to learn and progress throughout their lives. Some of the strategies covered in this lesson include peer grading, peer-reviewed writing and read-and-explain.
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