2.4.2: Peer Education

18 Vygotsky, Lev. (1997). "Interaction between Learning and Development" Archived2016-01-25 at the

Wayback Machine. W.H. Freeman and Company, New York. 19 What is the formal difference

between Collaborative Learning and Peer Learning? Collaborative Learning occurs when students work in groups to discuss ideas, solve problems, create or trying a trick together, while Peer Learning, or Peer-to-peer learning, is when one pupil leads another, or more, through a task or concept. 20 Participant Handbook, part 2, Cirque du Monde Training; Cirque du Soleil, 2014.

This theory has huge implications on the management of the relationship of a group. The act of learning is no longer based exclusively on the relationship between student and teacher, but the relationships between the students themselves can also come into play and become a fundamental basis for the whole process.

In Vygotsky’s definition of the Zone of Proximal Development, he highlighted the importance of learning through communication and interactions with others rather than just through independent work18. Therefore we can speak about ‘Collaborative Learning’ or ‘Peer Education’19, where two or more students learn or attempt to learn something together. This process, which is an essential basis for a Learner-Centered approach, facilitates learning and develops some very important life skills, such as social communication and problem-solving, by emphasising the importance of mutual aid and respect.

Teamwork and debating ideas enable participants to quickly learn the benefits of being open to other perspectives and learning how to assert oneself while still respecting the opinions of others. Participants learn that there is no one easy fix for everything, and, as a result, they learn how to adapt to circumstances, groups, cultures or religions20 .

Hence the value of using this approach in our circus lessons. To facilitate it we have multiple tools to use:

• Vary how the group interacts, by working in smaller groups, pairs, trios etc; • Always change roles in an exercise; • Change partners often when working in pairs; • Facilitate debates, group creations, design collective problem solving situations; • Encourage deeper interaction, and constantly ensure respect for each other.

This form of organisation is very empowering as it uses the infinite potential of the group and participants, allowing us to arrive at new and unexpected solutions and outcomes. And often saving us a lot of energy!