The success of collaborative learning, in and out of schools, depends on how well peers teach each other. Our purpose is to understand and improve this process in order to enhance learning in elementary and secondary schools. At the same time, we can strengthen students whose interest and effectiveness as peer teachers can lead them to consider teaching as a career.

Learning to teach well is good for learning and good for living. At the Hoenny Center, we seek to understand, improve, and support the teaching abilities of elementary and secondary school students. We review and do research, consult with students and professional teachers, and disseminate information. We believe that developing teaching abilities in k12 students will improve the field of candidates for teacher certification programs and, thus, strengthen the teachers who graduate from them.

We nurture all kinds of abilities in kids, why not teaching?

What are some academic and behavioral benefits for ALL K-12 students

when teachers encourage students to help each other learn?

Peer teaching:

Improves students’ subject matter achievement.

Increases student motivation for learning.

Provides opportunities for students to practice and improve teaching skills.

Increases students’ engagement in and responsibility for learning.

Gives students a service model for helping others.

Supports the inclusion of those with disabilities.

Adds healthy options for students’ time.

Provides before and after school opportunities—a way to extend the school day.

Supports improved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for schools.

Motivates improved school attendance.

Acts as a drop-out prevention program and contributes to a higher graduation rate.

Encourages cooperative, rather than competitive, classroom behavior.

Acts as a learning tool for tutors and an effective support for peers.

Offers leadership opportunities for tutors and a model for peers.

Allows tutors to deepen their learning by breaking down content in order to share.

Leads to tutor’s greater self esteem.

Gives struggling students an additional life line for success.

Provides an additional valuable teacher-directed classroom learning strategy.

Supports teachers’ program to remediate needs of their students.

Helps high school students decide about teaching careers.

Provides a K-12 foundation for college teacher education preparation.

Each student excels in something. Peer teaching provides a framework for sharing their knowledge.

“To teach is to learn twice.” Joseph Joubert (1754-1824)

Call 314.567.5111 or e-mail teachers@hoennycenter.org

for a brochure on research-verified benefits of peer teaching.