Nurturing Peer Support in Education

Research indicates that involving learners in the educational process enhances their focus, concentration, and critical thinking skills. By embracing a learner-centered approach, it empowers active engagement that contributes to the attainment of learning objectives.  

Fostering Peer Collaboration
Building collaborative groups within the classroom requires intentional effort and nurturing. Learners benefit from understanding the importance of collaboration and acquiring the necessary skills to work effectively as part of a team. Facilitating this process involves: 

• Teaching active listening skills to foster effective communication. 
• Designing conflict resolution protocols or involving learners in their creation to address disagreements constructively. 
• Establishing clear expectations and norms for teamwork. 
• Providing opportunities for learners to develop leadership, decision-making, trust-building, and conflict-management skills within activities. 
• They are helping learners recognize the benefits of collaboration in understanding what a successful partnership entails. 

Forming, Storming, Norming, and Performing (FSNP)
The FSNP model delineates the stages of psychological development that teams undergo when working on projects: 

• Forming: Teams gather to address a problem and propose solutions. 
• Storming: Challenges reveal negative group dynamics. 
• Norming: Team members align and begin working effectively together. 
• Performing: Prioritizing collective goals, teams focus on problem-solving and goal achievement. 

Facilitating Peer Interaction
Encouraging peer interaction is vital for building a supportive classroom community: 

• Foster connection by inviting learners to share anecdotes about their pets or special locations. 
• Personalize learning experiences by facilitating effortless collaboration among learners through tailored activities. 
• Alternate between discussions on culturally relevant topics or engaging in icebreaker activities to encourage involvement. 
• Promote peer-to-peer engagement through class participation activities with rewards for achievement. 

Building Community, Fostering Success
By prioritizing community building, educators often observe improved discipline and increased student engagement. Learners who may have previously struggled are motivated to match their peers' efforts, resulting in a more cohesive and supportive learning environment. 

Explore Nightingale College’s innovative engagement series to enhance your facilitation skills and create a thriving classroom community.