1. Day 3: Teaching social studies in diverse classrooms
Peer Learning
Day 3: Teaching social studies in diverse classrooms
Play Beetles song as the session begins.

2. Agenda 9:00 – 9:20 Welcome 9:20 – 9:40 Brain Exercise
9:30 – 9:40 Introduction to Learning Objectives
9:40 – 10:30 What is Peer Learning Strategies
10:30 – 10:45 Brain Break
10:45 – 11:00 Demonstrate
11:00 – 11:15 Practice being a player/coach
11:15 – 11:30 Switch roles
11:30 – 11:45 Discussion about experience
11:45 – 12:00 Assessment | Wrap-Up
Review Agenda. During the welcome review the brain video, introduction of speaker.

3. Backward Brain Bicycle Riding
Why?
Explain that as teachers sometimes we get stuck in teaching the same way because that is just what you do. For example riding the bike. But there will be a student that comes in and this is not the way that they learn (ride the bike). We need to be able to provide the chance and time to allow for the student to learn.

4. Introduction-Tammy Geene
GSRP Teacher
15 years teaching
Undergraduate at Aquinas
Graduate Studies at MSU
Free Time???
Explain what GSRP is. Teaching experience. Degrees and current study. What are some free time activities.

5. Brain Warm-up Exercise
On each table place a piece of construction paper and markers. Have audience fold it in quarters. Write their name in the middle of the paper. In each box draw a picture or write the answers to the above questions. Take time to share in your group. Offer time to share a few unique ideas.

6. Objectives Understand what is Peer Learning
Describe the benefits of Peer Learning
How can it work in social studies
Going to define Peer Learning, explain the benefits and how to use in the classroom. Then explain that I will give them a chance to see an example of PEER learning and the opportunity to practice.

7. Kids Perspective
· I didn't really get what that book was about.
· I just don't get it!
· I'm not sure what the most important parts of the reading were.
· I couldn't really create an image in my head of what was going on.
· It takes me so long to read something. It's hard to follow along with everything going on.
How many have heard these words from our students?

8. What is Peer Learning
Peer learning essentially refers to students learning with and from each other as fellow learners without any implied authority to any individual, based on the tenet that “Students learn a great deal by explaining their ideas to others and by participating in activities in which they can learn from their peers” (Boud, 2001).
Another terms is PALS. PALS is more geared for reading and math but is being brought more into other areas of learning because of the need for reading in all subject content.

9. Students will...
Construct their own meaning and understanding of what they need to learn by
collecting
analysing
evaluating
applying
conversing
questioning
Students will be engaged in their learning. They will engage themselves intellectually, emotionally and socially in “constructive conversation”.

10. Why bring Peer Learning to social studies?
Comprehension!!!!!
Comprehension is the understanding and interpretation of what is read. To be able to accurately understand written material, children need to be able to
1) decode what they read;
2) make connections between what they read and what they already know; and
3) think deeply about what they have read.
Reading is no longer just in the reading class. Social studies curriculum is filled with reading. Being able to bring the strategy of PALS and/or Peer Learning strategies into social studies will help the student to be more successful in thinking and comprehending the material that they need to learn. Social Studies is putting what the students have learned in reading to practice.

11. Peer Learning Process Step 1-Create pairs
Step 2-Choose roles (coach or player)
Step 3-Award students points for good reading and coaching.
PALS in the reading structure is meant to be used with students for minutes a session. For 2 to 3 days a week. Students are in small groups. Working on a reading passage, the coach is provided with prompts to help with comprehension. The job of the teacher is to walk around and monitor the interactions with students. Assigning points for groups that are working together.
“coach”-coach listens and provides corrective feedback
“player”-reads the section and answers questions.

12. Example of Peer Learning
This is an example of peer learning during a social studies session in a fourth grade classroom.

13. Teacher Review of Peer Learning
This video is an interview of a teacher who has used Peer Tutoring or Peer Learning. She brings up the training of students and the roles of each person in the group. Training could be a class lesson that works to explain what to do and not to do as each participating partner in learning.

14. Benefits of Peer Learning
content knowledge acquisition
self-directed learning skills
critical thinking/problem solving skills
communication
teamwork
learning through reflection
self-directed learning skills, and thus lays the foundation for life-long continuing self-education;
critical thinking and problem-solving skills;
communication, interpersonal and teamwork skills; and
learning through self, peer assessment and critical reflection

15. Brain Break (15minutes) Learning Station https://youtu.be/Pgyn0pI9SJ4
As teachers come back from break play video.

16. Practice Peer Mentoring
Choose a partner
Decide who will be coach/player
Player read the provided selection.
Coach assist player with questions.
Switch roles and read other selection.
Explain the activity of reading and filling out the questions. Pretend to be a typical third grade student. The coaches will help the reader to figure out the answers. The coaches will be given the answers to help guide the students in their investigation of Michigan Native American Tribes.

17. Questions/Answers
Open format for clarifications on PEER Learning Strategies and the experience of practicing this strategy.

18. Check your understanding
What is the role of the player?
What is the role of the coach?
What is the job of the teacher?
Is Peer Learning Strategies just a reading strategy? Explain
What is a benefit of Peer Learning?
Can you use this in your classroom? Explain

19. Homework
With the lesson that you brought. Create a form that will help a coach and player team. What are some questions that students would need to answer. Review vocabulary, identify details on maps, or information about a historical date as examples.

20. References
Boud, D. (2001). ‘Introduction: Making the Move to Peer Learning’. In Boud, D., Cohen, Ruth & Sampson, Jane (Ed.). Peer Learning in Higher Education: Learning From & With Each Other. London: Kogan Page Ltd, 1–17.
Fuchs, D., Fuchs, L., & Burish, P. (2000). Peer-Assisted Learning Strategies: An Evidence-Based Practice to Promote Reading Achievement. Learning Disabilities Research and Practice, 15(2),
Michigan Social Studies Curriculum:
Reading Rockets:
Successful Learning: