TIP #81: The Power of Peer-Teaching in Art Class
Have you tried “peer-teaching” in Art class lately? If not, you may be missing a powerful learning opportunity!
If you want to create more engagement with your students, peer-teaching is a great way to do it. When you make students responsible for teaching something they’ve learned to others, you’ll definitely get their attention!
In my experience, there are few better motivations to learn something than knowing you’ll have to teach it to someone else.
I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “We remember 10% of what we hear, 20% of what we read, 50% of what we do, 75% of what we discuss, and 90% of what we teach.”
While there’s actually no scientific backing for these percentages, the underlying principle feels right to me. Learning something with the knowledge you’ll need to teach it later on creates engagement. The more engaged kids are in their learning, the more they’ll retain and be able to apply later.
This strategy can be effective in any subject area, but it can be especially fun with art. So why not give peer-teaching a try? Here are some ways you can harness this compelling method for learning in your art classroom or homeschool setting.
Creative Ways to Incorporate Peer-Teaching in Art
1. Peer-Teaching “Mini-Sessions”
When you need to review a technique, let students lead the way. Assign short peer-teaching mini-sessions where students present the review for something they’ve previously learned.
This could be something simple about a particular art material or technique that you want your students to have fresh in their minds before starting a new project.
For example, one student could demonstrate how to mix certain specific colors with tempera paint. Then another could demonstrate the proper brush washing technique. This encourages students to pay close attention and communicate their ideas effectively, both through words and demonstrations.
2. Peer-Teaching “Art Buddies”
Implement an “art buddy” program in your classroom or homeschool group. Pair older students with younger ones and have them collaborate on a project.
The older students can teach the younger ones basic techniques, such as how to use a new medium. This not only reinforces the older students’ knowledge but also provides mentorship opportunities between grade levels.
3. Peer-Teaching “Moments” in Class
Create spontaneous opportunities for students to teach during regular lessons. If a student excels in a specific technique, encourage them to demonstrate it to the class.
For instance, maybe a student has found a clever way to add a handle to a clay pot. Have the other students gather round for a quick explanation and “demo”.
Teaching moments like this are generally informal and unplanned. As a result, students feel more natural and less pressured to “perform” than with something they had to prepare for.
4. Peer-Teaching “Creative Homework” Assignments
This is one of my favorites! Consider assigning creative “teaching homework” where students must teach something they learned in Art class to someone at home.
Often no special supplies are even needed. They could teach a family member how to do a “blind contour drawing” using just paper and pencil. Or they could go on a walk and use found materials from nature to make an Andy Goldsworthy-inspired creation.
Have the family document these sessions with photos!
5. Peer-Teaching “Collaborative Projects”
Students can teach each other as they collaborate on a larger project like a bulletin board display or mural.
Here they each create their own piece of art to add to the overall design. The teaching comes in when they’re each given the chance to talk about how the choices they made help it work together as a whole.
Students learn by hearing the thought processes of their peers and also by having to think through their own thought process. And their attention span is often greater when the topic is something they’ve all contributed to. Group projects like this also cultivate a sense of pride and community within the classroom.
6. Peer-Teaching “Art Critiques”
Long before students start critiquing each other’s work, they can learn the skills of critique by practicing on the masters!
A good place to start is with talking about the Elements of Art and Principles of Design. Have students review the Elements and Principles, then display a famous artwork and assign each student a specific one to talk about in that piece.
Next have students take turns explaining where their Element or Principle is found in that artwork and how it is used. Give students a timeframe, like 1 minute each, so they can be prepared to expand a bit beyond just where they see it. But keep it short enough that they need to choose their words thoughtfully. This could be assigned ahead of time to give students a chance to really think it through.
The Benefits of Peer-Teaching for Kids
1. Peer-Teaching Deepens Understanding
Teaching others requires students to articulate their knowledge clearly. This process helps solidify their understanding of the material and encourages them to think critically about the subject matter.
2. Peer-Teeaching Builds Confidence
When kids explain concepts to their peers, it boosts their self-esteem and confidence. They feel empowered by sharing their knowledge and skills, which can lead to a greater willingness to share their learning in future settings.
3. Peer-Teaching Enhances Communication Skills
Teaching requires clear communication, which helps students develop essential skills in expressing their thoughts and ideas. This is particularly valuable in art, where conveying creative concepts is crucial.
4. Peer-Teaching Fosters Collaboration
In a classroom setting, teaching others promotes teamwork and collaboration. Students learn to value each other’s contributions, fostering a supportive learning environment.
To Sum it Up…
Encouraging students to teach something they’ve learned is a powerful learning strategy. It enhances understanding, builds confidence, develops essential communication skills, and inspires collaboration.
Whether you’re in a traditional classroom or a homeschool environment, look for creative ways to integrate peer-teaching into your art lessons.
By embracing this approach, you’ll see your students’ retention and confidence grow. You’ll also cultivate a vibrant, collaborative learning environment. So tap into the power of peer-teaching to unlock more of your students’ potential!
an inspiring quote
“If you want to master something, teach it.” ~ Richard Feynman
Most teachers will tell you, to really teach something involves so much more than just relaying information.
You first have to learn the material yourself, and then find the best way to present it. Then you need to consider your students, anticipating potential questions, needs, and problems they might have, along with your possible responses.
When an art project is part of your plan, you’ll get the best results if you try that project first yourself before you teach it.
As you can imagine, by the time you’ve done all of this, you’ll be on your way to mastery of it. To teach something well, you really do need to learn what it is you’re teaching first.
So it follows that if you want to master something, teaching it and sharing it with others will help get you there. It’s a win-win!