Peer+Practice


 * Peer Practice**

In peer practice, students help each other to review, drill, and rehearse in pairs or small groups of three or four in order to consolidate their understanding or enhance skill development. Peer practice may be incorporated into direct whole-class instruction periods or may be included on a regular basis in classroom learning experiences (for example, before quizzes, every morning). It is used to reinforce step-by-step skills and to enhance accuracy and effectiveness of performance. It provides a structured process to rehearse or review knowledge within time limits. Students may initiate and establish peer practice themselves, as in study groups.
 * Description**

The teacher:
 * Method**
 * models a variety of strategies for review and drill;
 * sets aside regular opportunities for students to practise working in small groups for the purpose of review/drill;
 * decides appropriate content for peer practice;
 * monitors, supports, and intervenes as necessary;
 * helps students reflect on advantages of peer practices.

Peer practice:
 * Considerations**
 * may require the teacher to pair or match students with similar performance levels or to match a less skilled student with a more skilled one;
 * allows students to chart and reinforce progress and set goals.


 * Illustrations From The Mathematics Classroom**


 * Elementary**
 * Students work in pairs to practise making patterns using solid mathematics cubes. One student initiates the pattern by adding or subtracting a set number of cubes; the second student verbally explains the pattern, repeats it, and then extends it by adding or subtracting a different sequence. Students switch roles and offer peer feedback to increase efficiency.

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 * Secondary**