When teachers have 6-8 classes with 25-40 kids in each class, it's easy for some kids not to get the help they need, or, they realize many other kids need help as well, so they don't even try to wait for the teacher's time. So how are kids able to get help at all? I find it best to ask and talk to the students who understand the material enough to teach other kids, better known as peer tutoring. Peer tutoring is beneficial because students are on a better understanding and can relate to each other much easier. I know that sometimes I feel more comfortable asking other students for help rather than the teacher.
Studies have even shown increased test scores and grades with peer tutoring. Follow the link below to read more about the benefits of peer tutoring:
http://childandfamilypolicy.duke.edu/pdfs/schoolresearch/2012_PolicyBriefs/Nguyen_Policy_Brief.pdf
If we were to take peer tutoring and apply it to teenagers now, an easy way for students to get help would be online. Either through a social media page like Twitter or Facebook, or even a webpage set up specifically for peer tutoring, students could easily get the help they need when they need it since the internet is easily accessible on smart phones. Teenagers, even including myself, get on their phones when they get bored during class or free time. If an account were to be set up on a website kids already get on multiple times a day, it increases the chances they will use the resource and ask for or even help other students. That way, increased good grades and overall understanding of material can be achieved.
I never really thought about this before, but it is probably really hard to be a teacher. They do have so many students and can only focus their attention on one student at a time. There is a lot we as students could do to make their jobs easier.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a good idea. I think students would be able to learn better from another student who understands them more than a old teacher.
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