Promote Peer Learning among your Children

By Dickson Tumuramye

I have realized that when peers are together, irrespective of age or social status, they are the same in the way they crack jokes or do certain things. the common characteristic is what brings them together. as long as they have a similar goal and are in the same group, the former does not matter. Personally, I am engaged in different groups and fellowships. But each group is unique depending on their agenda. However, what is common is that we all respond to our issues with similar instincts, which makes fun and easy to learn from each other and enjoy our group.

This too happens to pupils and students. As we know, children learn well from their fellow children. They understand better when they imitate what their peers are doing. Some scholars say that students learn a great deal by explaining their ideas to others and by participating in activities in which they can learn from their peers. They develop skills in organizing and planning learning activities, working collaboratively with others, giving and receiving feedback and evaluating their own learning.

Engage children in learning and working together. One example of this could be school homework. Let the old children in your house help the young ones in their homework provided they understand the work. I have seen my children help each other when it comes to their homework. The schools can pump children with daily homework irrespective of whether the child is tired or not. Sometimes you are tempted to sympathize with the child when s/he is not in the mood of doing it. I use one of them to convince the other to finish the work. I also sometimes put some rewards if one finishes on time. These are inhouse rewards which don’t need money. Don’t think that it's teaching a child “corruption.” We all need motivation in life when we seem weak in certain areas. As children help and work with each other, it creates interdependence and accountability. It increases their participation and motivates them to accomplish tasks.  They learn faster than from elders or parents. You are promoting their relationships and leadership skills.

You also reduce your stress but also promote teamwork in your house. You can achieve what you want. You will all be happy and ready to take on other tasks. During evenings, let your children work together and complete their homework packages. The ones in the upper classes should be willing to help their siblings. You should teach children the value of teamwork and hard work as well as reading together. Don’t be overwhelmed with home assignments and you fail to have time for your children. Allocate them responsibilities and supervise them.  Let them learn how to be independent in doing their work and tomorrow they will not be looking at you for everything.

Peer learning and reading is crucial not only in completing tasks but also it teaches children to learn how to read and write. They learn how to communicate well with each other. However, you may need to equip your child/ren with enough reading materials which all of them can share. Think about encouraging different reading activities, though these have to be age-appropriate materials/activities. Create an empowering environment where children can direct their learning alongside their peers.

Be reminded that some peer learning may create negative morals if you are not very inquisitive and observant and responsible enough to correct what is wrong.

The writer is a child advocate,  parenting coach, and marriage counselor

tumudickson@gmail.com