Peer Learning in Higher Education: Learning from & with Each Other

Front Cover
David Boud, Ruth Cohen, Jane Sampson
Kogan Page, 2001 - Education - 184 pages
In everyday life we are learning continually from each other. Whatever the situation, most of us draw on the knowledge, skills and experience of our friends and colleagues. Within any educational setting learners naturally engage in informal peer learning to make sense of their course, test their ideas and share their concerns. This book explores how educators can formalise the use of this powerful approach to learning and shows how to understand, encourage and make explicit reciprocal peer learning. It investigates how peer learning can be integrated into the design and delivery of courses in higher education, and looks at what role it can play in encouraging more effective learning. Based on the experiences of a leading team of educators, the book draws on the practical guidance of those working with formalised peerlearning, and explores: what is peer learning and how can it help students?; how to introduce and foster peer learning; ways of learning effectively; the benefits and limitations of peer learning; issues that need to be considered by teachers and students. Reciprocal peer learning is an approach to teaching and learning of growing interest in higher education today. This book considers the benefits andissues for those in higher education. It will guide educators, course developers and academic leaders to review the implications of their teaching and learning roles.With practical consideration of issues such as assessment, planning, student resistance and reduced resources, it will be valuable reading for many in higher, furtherand continuing education.

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About the author (2001)

David Boud is based at the University of Technology, Sydney,Australia where he is Professor of Adult Education

Ruth Cohen is a retired teacher and activist who has been involved in Citizens for Local Democracy, a Toronto-based coalition that has protested against the Harris government. She lives in Toronto.

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