Introducing and institutionalizing Peer Learning

in Jimma University

By
Office of Academic Programs and Quality
Assurance
October 2012

Contents
Introduction
The concept of peer learning
Why peer learning in HEIs
Steps for implementation of peer learning

Introduction
I hear and I forget.
I see and I remember.
I do and I understand.
Old Chinese proverb

Introd
"Learning is not a spectator sport. Students do not

learn much just by sitting in class listening to

teachers, memorizing prepackaged assignments,
and spitting out answers. They must talk about
what they are learning, write about it, relate it to
past experiences, apply it to their daily lives. They
must make what they learn part of themselves."

--Arthur W. Chickering and Zelda F. Gamson, "Seven Principles for Good

Practice," AAHE Bulletin 39: 3-7, March 1987

Introd
Many HIEs promote instructional methods

involving active learning

Peer learning is a form of active learning
Enhances the value of student-student
interaction and results in various
advantageous learning outcomes
Provides opportunity for students to learn from
each other
Create a learning environment in which
students mutually benefit from one another

Introd
Educating students through peer learning is

expected to help them become competitive in

their professional career after graduation
In jimma University peer to peer learning is

introduced with the assumption that it prepare

student for life long learning and which leads
to
continuous
enhancement
of
their
performance even in their post university
career

Peer learning
conceptualized
Peer: people who are equal

in level of
education which in most cases does not
necessary mean the same status eg. Wealth
Students in the same cohorts and sections
studying the same field
Peer learning is an educational process where
peers interact with other peers interested in
the same topic(Arendale,2004)

Peer learning .
Other qualitative terms interchangeably use

includes Collaborative learning, cooperative

learning and learning communities(Cooper,
Robinson, & Ball, 2003)
Peer learning can be done face-to-face or online
Peer learning is based on real work: sharing

what one is doing with others, asking for

support, posing questions and receiving
answers and feedback

Peer learning
Peer learning involves groups of learners

working together to solve a problem,

complete a task, or create a product
It is based on the idea that learning is
naturally social act in which participants talk
among themselves

Assumptions
Learning is an active process
Learning requires challenges that opens the

door for learners to actively engage

Learners benefit when exposed to diverse
view points
Learning flourishes in a social environment
where conversation between learners takes
place

Why Peer Learning in

HEIs
Peer learning has been popular for decades as

A.
B.
C.

both as form of pedagogy and learning strategy

two way interaction : every participant can be
a teacher and a learner
Peer learning can improve the overall quality of
learning
Group work enhances understanding
Group work provides opportunity for students to
clarify and refine their understanding through
discussion

Why peer
Group

assessment helps some

develop a sense of responsibility

students

B. Group work can help develop specific generic

skills sought by employers
Teamwork skill
Analytical and cognitive skill
Collaborative skills
Organizational and time management skill

Why peer
C. Peer learning is massively scalable
Given the massification of higher education, class
size are increasing which makes it difficult for a
teacher to reach every individual student
Peer learning may actually be better with large
classes
D. Learning by teaching is probably the most
powerful way to learn
In peer learning every student is seen as a
teacher. Unsurprisingly, to teach is to learn

Why peer
E. Encourages critical thinking
Differences in thought and perspective may
make students to think critically.
Some level of heterogeneity is expected
F. Higher attainment and dramatic drop out
rates
When properly implemented peer learning is
expected to result in higher attainment

Steps for implementation of

peer learning

Step 1; Awareness creation and sensitization

purpose clarity and motivation via awareness
creation and sensitization workshop
Mangers, teachers and students
Step 2: Best students festival
Recognition best students for their academic
achievement
Step 3: Group formation

Steps for
Step 4; Assigning section mentor: Teacher and

defining his/her role

Step 5: defining the role of group members,
section mentors and other such as
department heads, deans, Apo and AVP
Step 6: Designing monitoring and evaluation
Mechanism
Many Thanks