Overview of Peer-Led Team Learning

Peer led team learning (PLTL) is one of the new teaching methodologies which is based on
the idea that students are divided into teams and each team member becomes a teacher to
the other members. This method ensures students engage themselves, contribute, and are
accountable for their learning, hence creating an environment where learning is supported
and communication skills and comprehension are improved.

What is Peer Led Team Learning?

Peer led team learning is a teaching model that involves the use of peers in the process of
learning. The students are also urged to have peer tutoring with the intention that the bright
students will help their colleagues.

● The City College of New York was the first to implement this method in their
Chemistry courses. They cut down the lecture time and replaced it with activities
involving students and the result was the transformation of the students’ attitude and
performance.
● The effectiveness of this strategy is based on the opportunity to use the abilities of
the high-achieving students to assist others, thus promoting a culture of cooperation
and inclusion.

Integrating peer activities into the curriculum benefits students as it improves their
understanding, decreases their social phobia, and sharpens their problem-solving skills. In
the process of education development, PLTL is one of the successful models for students’
success and attendance.

What are the Differences Between Peer Led and

Traditional Learning?
Peer-led learning and traditional learning are two different types of learning that have their
strengths and weaknesses. It is crucial to distinguish between these approaches so that
educators and learners can select the most appropriate strategies to fulfill their educational
objectives. Here is a comparison between peer-led and traditional learning:

Aspect https://www.ishcmc.com/news-and- Traditional Learning

blog/peer-led-learning/
 Approach Collaborative and democratic, all A top-down and rigid, clear
students are equal distinction between instructor
and students

Course Emphasizes collaborative exercises with Instructor-led lessons with

Structure few recitation lessons many recitations

Interaction Encourages collaborative teamwork Hierarchical instructor-student

among students interactions

Leadership Peer leaders guide activities Instructors guide the entire

class

Focus Problem-solving skills and conceptual Questions from students and

understanding answers from the instructor

Flexibility High flexibility with adaptable course Low flexibility with a rigid
materials learning schedule

Peer-led learning also helps students to be independent in their learning process hence
improving their grades and satisfaction level. Thus, by understanding the advantages and
disadvantages of each approach, the educator can establish a constructive and effective
learning process, which will lead to the achievement of students’ potential and their further
success.

The Benefits of Peer-Led Team Learning

Implementing peer led team learning can result in better academic performance, reduced
anxiety, and enhanced problem-solving abilities. This collaborative approach not only
improves individual understanding but also fosters a supportive learning community.

● Conceptual Understanding: Peer led team learning helps in the acquisition of

concepts that are difficult to understand. Groupwise students usually get a chance to
discuss and search more on the materials they are working on and thus improve their
understanding of difficult information.
● Social Anxiety Relief: It lowers situational anxiety, particularly for subjects that the
students may not like or find difficult to understand. The support from peers helps to
 maintain a less pressuring environment hence the students are more relaxed and
confident.
● Problem-Solving Skills: Collaborative problem-solving is a cornerstone of peer led
team learning. This method enhances students’ collaborative skills and enhances
their problem-solving skills since they have to look for solutions in groups, hence
enhancing their real-life skills.

Using peer led team learning can lead to improved grades, less stress, and improved
problem-solving. This enhances the comprehensiveness of each individual and the support
of a learning community.

Implementation of Peer-Led Team Learning in School

Effective organization and support are crucial for successful peer led team learning. Proper
implementation can maximize its benefits, ensuring a positive impact on student outcomes.

● Integration with Course: Seamless integration into the curriculum helps students
see the value of peer-led learning. When peer-led sessions are an integral part of the
course, students are more likely to engage and participate actively.
● Instructor’s Involvement: Instructors play a key role in supporting and facilitating
peer-led sessions. Their involvement ensures that the sessions remain focused and
productive, providing guidance and encouragement to peer leaders.
● Leader Training: Training for peer leaders is essential to the program's success.
Well-trained leaders can effectively guide their peers, fostering a productive and
collaborative learning environment.

Organization and support are two of the most important components to have a successful
implementation of peer led team learning. Proper implementation can bring positive effects
on students’ outcomes can be optimized.

● Integration with Course: How it fits in the curriculum. Students can appreciate the
importance of peer led learning. If the sessions are led by peers, they are more
willing to participate in the course.
● Instructor’s Involvement: Instructors play a significant part in the organization and
implementation of peer-led activities. This way, they make sure that the sessions are
not sidetracked and are beneficial to the peer leaders by offering support.
● Leader Training: The peer leaders need to be trained as this is an important aspect
in the success of the program. In this case, the leaders are well-trained to help their
peers work together to achieve the set goals productively.

Peer-Led Team Learning at International School Ho Chi

Minh City
ISHCMC is a high-quality secondary school Ho Chi Minh. At ISHCMC, peer led teaming is
one of the main approaches to learning. This approach is consistent with the school’s profile
which promotes a supportive learning culture and teamwork.
 ● Diverse Environment: ISHCMC is an international school having children from
different countries, which makes them work with different children and learn from one
another. This is encouraging because diversity brings different views and concepts
into studying.
● Supportive Community: The school is a safe space for students to embrace
individuality and share their perspectives. This environment enhances the students’
learning experience, making them feel at ease and positive about the process.
● Comprehensive Programs: At ISHCMC, our wide-ranging programs enable
students to learn from their peers to improve their academic and interpersonal
abilities. These programs ensure students are ready for future leadership
responsibilities with a focus on teamwork and problem-solving skills.

Learn how this peer led team learning works at ISHCMC and why your child will benefit from
it while studying in a diverse and inclusive environment. Contact the ISHCMC admissions
team today for more information on how to select a school for your child and learn more
about the possibilities offered at this exceptional school.