BLOG #6

I found the article Wisdom of the (multi) Ages: Students Learn by Teaching, http://www.edutopia.org/multiage-classroom-looping-peer-mentoring  to be especially interesting. For starters, I was unfamiliar with the idea that some schools such as these even existed. Since these practices are very rare, I applied the same ideas to the typical classroom. It is remarkable how a teacher can explain over and over the same instructions and the child will not understand. It isn't until the same concept is repeating by one of their peers, that it makes perfect sense. Children learn a lot from their peers. As educators, we have the opportunity to utilize this tool (peer to peer learning). All it takes is the proper modeling which would be demonstrated by the teacher. Strategically grouping the students in groups based on their strengths and weaknesses gives the child the chance to learn from their peers. This technique also gives the student who is strong in one subject the pride and opportunity to feel good about themselves. Following the teacher's example by teaching their peers is a great experience for them.