The use of teaching strategies that require students to be more actively involved in the learning process is now strongly supported for primary, secondary and tertiary education in Singapore. Peer learning provides such an educational strategy. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Peer learning essentially refers to students learning together and from each other as learning partners without any implied authority to any individual, under the principle that “ Students learn a lot by explaining their ideas to others and by participating to activities in which they can learn from their peers” (Boud, 2001). Today, information technology (e.g., computer programs/databases, Internet services) has provided “students with excellent opportunities to learn without requiring a teacher to convey them. information available” (Bohuijs, 1998), thus necessitating a paradigm shift from strongly teacher-centred education to student-centred education (e.g. peer learning) in which students are expected to take greater initiative and responsibility in managing their own learning and educational/personal development. In peer learning, students will construct their own meaning and understanding of what they need to learn. In essence, students will be involved in researching, gathering, analyzing, evaluating, integrating, and applying information to complete a task or solve a problem. Therefore, students will engage intellectually, emotionally, and socially in “constructive conversation” and learn by talking about and questioning others' points of view and reaching consensus or dissent (Boud, 2001). Peer learning is optimized when incorporated as an integral component of a curriculum, paying particular attention to: Creating an environment conducive to learning: Students must build mutual respect, trust and confidence in each other, so that they "feel free to express opinions, test ideas, and ask for or offer help when needed" (Smith, 1983). Peer learning can be further improved if “the environment of mutual help…continues over time and beyond the classroom” (Boud, 2001). Therefore, students are individually and collectively responsible for optimizing their own learning and outcomes. Collaborative small group learning: Many of the key elements of effective peer learning are often incorporated into the design of small collaborative learning groups, and “research shows that students who engage in collaborative learning and group study perform better academically , persist longer, feel better about the educational experience, and have higher self-esteem” (Landis, 2000). Furthermore, “peer support…is a powerful psychological ballast for critical thinking efforts” (Brookfield, 1987). In addition to the acquisition of content knowledge, peer learning, especially in small collaborative groups, nurtures and promotes the development of: self-directed learning skills, thus laying the foundation for lifelong self-education; critical thinking and problem-solving skills; communication, interpersonal and teamwork skills; and learning through self-assessment, peer assessment and critical reflection. Please note: this is just a sample. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a custom essay. Peer learning too..