Peer Instruction involves students thinking about their answer to a question independently, before pairing up and discussing their answers. The students then have a go at answering the same question again.
Tip
Peer Instruction is often done in the context of a poll, when the educator can see that a significant number of students gave the wrong answer to a question.
Instructions
- Pose a question with one objectively correct answer to the class and give students time to independently think and record their answer.
- Get students to form a pair (or small group). In their pairs/groups, get students to each share their answer and discuss why they think it is the correct one.
- Pose the same question and have students respond to it independently again.
- Share the correct answer and the reason for it with the class.
Resources
- Polling software (e.g. PollEverywhere) or flashcards may be used but are not necessary.
Variations
- Add a prediction component: Rather than trying to answer a question about content that they have already been taught, students could be asked to make a prediction. They can discuss their prediction with another student and choose to re-make the prediction before the answer is revealed.
- Make it subjective: Pose a question with subjective answers. Have students record their answer and their reasons for it, then pair up and have a mini debate, before answering the same question again. Ask if any students changed their mind and are willing to share what convinced them. If students agree with each other, they could be encouraged to explore any differences in the reasoning that lead to the same answer, or play devil’s advocate.