AN INNOVATIVE LEARNING APPROACH: INTEGRATE PEER-TO-PEER LEARNING INTO BLENDED LEARNING

Abstract

Small group discussions or collaborative and cooperative learning are used within university programs to enhance students’ learning outcomes and develop particular graduate attributes. Through peer-to-peer learning approach, students in small groups collaborate with others, taking responsibility for their own learning and deepening their understanding of the learning content. Face-to-face lectures are inflexible to our postgraduate students. To solve this universal problem, blending learning which combines traditional face-to-face classroom methods with online teaching is a solution. The purpose of this study is to conduct an innovative learning approach of the blended learning model: adapting peer-to-peer learning through discussion in the classroom environment and online discussion board. Postgraduates who studied Information Systems course were selected for this pilot study. At the end of the course, a survey was conducted to evaluate this approach. Most students agree that this approach can enhance their communication skills and interconnection with other students.

Keywords: blending learning, peer-to-peer learning, collaborative classroom, online discussion board.

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