Peer Learning

Being the first born, my boy was surrounded with adults. In fact, I am the next youngest in the family. There are no children in the family until his arrival. He had no playmate at home and he found it difficult to communicate with children his age.

When mei was born, she has a big brother to look up to. She follows whatever he does. She learned to walk and talk faster. She can play with other children easily.

Children learn by observing others. We often joke about our boy is actually an old man wrapped in a boy's body. He sits like a coolie and eats peanuts with tea as he spent much of his younger days with his grandparents.

In school, children learn from peers. They pick up good and bad habits from schoolmates. They talk about what their friends have done and make their own judgements and imitate if they find it "cool". They compare themselves with their friends. They start to have their own social circle as they know more people.

Given the correct environment, peer learning should be encouraged. In class, they form project groups to discuss their research work. They share information and learn from one another. In disagreement, they learn to resolve disputes. In agreement, they reinforce their beliefs among friends. They build confidence through the process.

Among the group, there are natural leaders and followers. Each child is different. In class, the teacher tried to rotate the leadership role so that everyone has a chance to lead and take on responsibility.

At home, we are generous with praises. When a child has done well, we praise him/her so that the other child learn to do better. We recognize the strength of each child and hope the other is encouraged to work harder. With 2 children, we want to simulate the positive environment that encourages peer learning at home.