This 15-minute guide serves as both a theoretical foundation and a practical toolkit for teachers looking to develop peer teaching in their classrooms. It provides a solid understanding of the concept and offers actionable strategies to implement it effectively.
Introduction
This guide introduces peer teaching as a key Evidence-Based Learning (EBL) skill, highlighting its benefits and research support for classroom implementation.
What is Peer Teaching?
Defined as learners teaching other learners by design
Traced back to Aristotle’s use of learner leaders
Formally organised as a theory by Andrew Bell in 1795
Benefits of Peer Teaching
Increases motivation, engagement, and understanding of material
Develops critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills
Creates a supportive and collaborative learning environment
Improves academic achievement for both peer teachers and learners
Fosters diversity and depth in knowledge and opinions
Enhances social skills, teamwork, and cooperation
Helps learners recognise gaps in their knowledge
Builds social bonds and friendships
Key Points for Teachers
Peer teaching allows for explanation in language students naturally use
It creates opportunities for active learning and immediate feedback
Students often gain deeper understanding by teaching others
It can lead to improved grades and greater confidence in learning
Peer teachers may explain concepts more effectively, having just learned them
It offers multiple perspectives and nuances to a student’s knowledge
Implementation Tips
Use peer teaching for one-on-one tutoring or small group instruction
Encourage students to modify and explain concepts in their own words
Create a structured environment for peer teaching activities
Use it as a way to reinforce recently learned concepts
Monitor interactions to ensure accuracy of information shared
Potential Challenges
Ensure accuracy of information being shared between peers
Manage classroom dynamics to maintain a productive learning environment
Balance peer teaching with other teaching methods
Conclusion
Peer teaching is a valuable tool that can significantly enhance the learning experience, improve academic outcomes, and develop important 21st-century skills in students. By incorporating peer teaching strategies, teachers can create a more dynamic, engaging, and effective classroom environment.
This resource combines maths revision using a variety of SATs-style questions with the evidence-based learning skills of peer assessment and peer teaching to deepen pupils’ understanding of the topic. Both of these skills are proven to raise achievement. Answers are included.
SATs-style questions + Peer Assessment + Peer Teaching = A Winning Combination
This resource combines maths revision using a variety of SATs-style questions with the evidence-based learning skills of peer assessment and peer teaching to deepen pupils’ understanding of the topic. Both of these skills are proven to raise achievement. Answers are included.
SATs-style questions + Peer Assessment + Peer Teaching = A Winning Combination
This resource combines maths revision using a variety of SATs-style questions with the evidence-based learning skills of peer assessment and peer teaching to deepen pupils’ understanding of the topic. Both of these skills are proven to raise achievement. Answers are included.
SATs-style questions + Peer Assessment + Peer Teaching = A Winning Combination
This resource combines maths revision using a variety of SATs-style questions with the evidence-based learning skills of peer assessment and peer teaching to deepen pupils’ understanding of the topic. Both of these skills are proven to raise achievement. Answers are included.
SATs-style questions + Peer Assessment + Peer Teaching = A Winning Combination
This resource combines maths revision using a variety of SATs-style questions with the evidence-based learning skills of peer assessment and peer teaching to deepen pupils’ understanding of the topic. Both of these skills are proven to raise achievement. Answers are included.
SATs-style questions + Peer Assessment + Peer Teaching = A Winning Combination
This resource combines maths revision using a variety of SATs-style questions with the evidence-based learning skills of peer assessment and peer teaching to deepen pupils’ understanding of the topic. Both of these skills are proven to raise achievement. Answers are included.
SATs-style questions + Peer Assessment + Peer Teaching = A Winning Combination
This resource combines maths revision using a variety of SATs-style questions with the evidence-based learning skills of peer assessment and peer teaching to deepen pupils’ understanding of the topic. Both of these skills are proven to raise achievement. Answers are included.
SATs-style questions + Peer Assessment + Peer Teaching = A Winning Combination
This resource combines maths revision using a variety of SATs-style questions with the evidence-based learning skills of peer assessment and peer teaching to deepen pupils’ understanding of the topic. Both of these skills are proven to raise achievement. Answers are included.
SATs-style questions + Peer Assessment + Peer Teaching = A Winning Combination
This resource combines maths revision using a variety of SATs-style questions with the evidence-based learning skills of peer assessment and peer teaching to deepen pupils’ understanding of the topic. Both of these skills are proven to raise achievement. Answers are included.
SATs-style questions + Peer Assessment + Peer Teaching = A Winning Combination
This resource combines maths revision using a variety of SATs-style questions with the evidence-based learning skills of peer assessment and peer teaching to deepen pupils’ understanding of the topic. Both of these skills are proven to raise achievement. Answers are included.
SATs-style questions + Peer Assessment + Peer Teaching = A Winning Combination
This resource combines maths revision using a variety of SATs-style questions with the evidence-based learning skills of peer assessment and peer teaching to deepen pupils’ understanding of the topic. Both of these skills are proven to raise achievement. Answers are included.
SATs-style questions + Peer Assessment + Peer Teaching = A Winning Combination
This resource combines maths revision using a variety of SATs-style questions with the evidence-based learning skills of peer assessment and peer teaching to deepen pupils’ understanding of the topic. Both of these skills are proven to raise achievement. Answers are included.
SATs-style questions + Peer Assessment + Peer Teaching = A Winning Combination
This resource combines maths revision using a variety of SATs-style questions with the evidence-based learning skills of peer assessment and peer teaching to deepen pupils’ understanding of the topic. Both of these skills are proven to raise achievement. Answers are included.
SATs-style questions + Peer Assessment + Peer Teaching = A Winning Combination
Teachers, This Dynamic Resource Brings the Stone Age to Life
Looking to deliver an engaging and innovative Stone Age unit? This comprehensive resource has everything you need! Created for teachers but presented in a student-friendly format, it’s the perfect way to liven up your Stone Age lessons.
What makes this resource so useful?
Clearly organized sections that logically build student knowledge of the Stone Age, from its vast timescale to how climate changes impacted life
Bite-sized facts and anecdotes that will fascinate students, like stone tools being made 700,000 years earlier than thought and giant ground sloths being hunted
Helpful maps and images that visually support learning, like showcasing stone tool examples and climate shifts
A conversational, straightforward tone that makes content approachable for a range of ages and abilities
Beyond the stellar content, the easy-to-use document format makes integration into your existing plans seamless. You can print or photocopy pages, no prep required!
If you want to take your Stone Age instruction from dry to dramatic, this comprehensive resource is exactly what you need. It makes exploring this time period experiential and enjoyable for students. Download this dynamic guide and see for yourself!
Teachers, Immerse Your Students in the Iron Age with this Dynamic Resource
Seeking to ignite student fascination with the technological innovations that launched the Iron Age? This comprehensive resource has you covered! Tailored for teachers but presented in an engaging student-centred format, it brings this transformative era to life.
What makes this resource so useful?
Logically structured sections decode complex smelting processes and explain the advantages iron brought over bronze
Bite-sized facts on hill forts, roundhouses, brooches and more give students vivid insights into Iron Age life
Supporting maps and images aid visualization of mining methods, artefact examples, settlement types, etc.
Conversational explanations dispel confusion over mining, smelting, and forging to cement student comprehension
On top of the stellar content, the document format allows for seamless integration into your classroom. Print or photocopy pages for ready-made activities or visual aids.
If you want your Iron Age instruction to captivate rather than bore, look no further than this resource! Let it transport your students back 3,000 years to when crude furnaces evolved into the mighty forges that armed Celtic warriors against the Roman legions!
Engage Your Pupils with this Dynamic Iron Age Towns Resource
Are you looking for an engaging way to introduce your pupils to Iron Age towns, including the fascinating history of Silchester? This comprehensive resource is perfect for KS2 pupils studying Roman Britain and the transition from the Iron Age.
What makes this resource so useful?
Clearly structured for classroom use: The resource is organized into teaching units, pupil activities, and homework, ensuring it fits seamlessly into your lessons.
Rich historical content: The teaching unit provides detailed background on Iron Age life, from daily routines in roundhouse settlements to the advanced town planning seen in Silchester. Students will explore how these settlements laid the groundwork for Roman towns.
Interactive activities: Pupil activities, including speech bubble prompts and critical thinking questions, encourage pupils to connect with the material and develop their understanding of Iron Age innovations.
Homework with a twist: Assignments allow pupils to design their own towns and compare features of Iron Age and Roman life, fostering creativity and comprehension.
Why this resource has been rated 5 stars:
Content ★★★★★: Provides extensive and accurate historical context, connecting Iron Age life to Roman developments.
Organization ★★★★★: Well-structured sections make it easy to teach, assign, and adapt to your needs.
Engagement ★★★★★: Activities encourage curiosity and critical thinking while highlighting the achievements of early Britons.
Adaptability ★★★★★: Perfect for classroom, homework, or independent use with print-friendly materials.
With its compelling historical narrative, engaging activities, and comprehensive structure, this 5-star resource has everything you need to inspire your pupils. Don’t miss out—download it today!
Resource Description (11 pages)
Engage your upper Key Stage 2 students with a fascinating exploration of how the seven days of the week got their names. This literacy resource blends history, mythology, and astronomy to uncover the ancient stories behind the names of the days. Through engaging facts, cool trivia, and activities, students will discover the influences of Babylonian sky-watchers, Hebrew traditions, Roman gods, and Norse mythology.
The resource includes:
Easy-to-read sections for independent and collaborative work.
A variety of questions and challenges that promote critical thinking and discussion.
A detailed comparison of day names across cultures and languages.
This resource is perfect for developing literacy skills while connecting students to the cultural and historical roots of everyday terms.
This resource, “The Hare and The Tortoise,” provides a soft introduction to metacognition through a familiar fable, making it accessible for young learners. The story illustrates how thinking about one’s own thinking—metacognition—can be more effective than relying on raw ability alone.
In the story, Shelly the tortoise wins the race by using metacognitive strategies: planning, monitoring, and adjusting his approach. In contrast, Swifty the hare, despite his speed, fails because he doesn’t reflect on his actions. The story highlights that metacognitive skills like self-awareness and reflection can lead to better outcomes, both in races and in everyday tasks.
The resource includes reflective questions that guide pupils to think about the story and their own learning behaviours. For example, pupils are asked how Shelly’s planning helped him succeed, how they might plan ahead in their own tasks, and how they could apply metacognition to activities like homework.
This approachable and engaging resource helps teachers introduce the concept of metacognition in a way that encourages pupils to consider how they can think about their own learning processes and apply these strategies to improve performance.
Teacher’s comment:
“The fable used here is perfect. It’s both familiar to the pupil and accurate in how metacognition is presented. It immediately conveys to the student the benefits of metacognition in a fun and interesting way. It reinforces the message to the pupil that it is their approach to learning, rather than their ability, that makes the difference.”
Pupil’s (aged 11) comment:
“I really like this. I like the story and how Shelley used their thinking skills to win the race. It’s very inspirational.”