Peer Influence on Student Learning

Peers and colleagues play a major in shaping how students think, behave, grow and learn. A group of positive peers can build a classroom with healthy competition and cooperation. Positive peer influence creates an environment that builds strong connections, encourage teamwork and shared responsibility. It helps the student identify their true self without feeling worthless or being insecure. Students develop an ideology of doing better without putting others down.

On the other hand, a group of negative peers often lead to disloyalty, academic rivalry and tons of insecurities. These insecurities can result into extreme behaviors and psychological disorders like depression, anxiety and low self-esteem that might need professional help later in life.

There is a research made by Edutopia called Power of Peer Influence. It tells that children who are given respect in a classroom setting and are accepted the way they are, perform significantly better academically and emotionally. Group study circles, co-curricular activities and peer tutoring are highly encouraged in Pakistan and have motivated students in academics and reduce dropout rates.

Globally, there are multiple peer mentoring programs that have been successful where older students guide the younger ones. In Finland, “buddy systems” help first-year students navigate school culture with support from seniors.

Pakistan can adopt similar strategies like:

• Incorporate collaborative learning frameworks where learners tackle issues collectively.
• Peer mentoring programs for academic help.
• Organize school-wide initiatives that encourage kindness, respect, and inclusivity.
• Educate teachers to recognize and positively influence peer interactions.

Access to digital learning can also offer peer interaction. Educational apps like Padlet allow students to share ideas and engage in a diverse environment where they can learn from each other. This helps in students learning how to appreciate others and give constructive criticism without being arrogant and maintaining the boundaries of respect.

Although peer pressure is viewed negatively, it can be redirected. By acknowledging students as influencers and involving them in cultivating classroom culture, schools can foster a learning atmosphere that benefits all.

At the end, peers cannot be viewed just as classmates. They are the sources of learning, role models, influencers and co-learners. To create a healthy classroom environment is important to empower them positively.

Author : Alina Amir