Teaching is the best way to learn- a statement corroborated by William Glaster, an American psychiatrist. According to Glaster, learning through teaching is up to 95% effective, which is why it has become a core tenet of the peer teaching method.
Peer teaching, or peer tutoring, is commonly employed in schools to encourage students to develop their own knowledge, streamlining the learning process.
Children who learn from their peers are often quicker to understand and feel more comfortable discussing in-depth topics and asking questions. As for peer tutors, the responsibility of their role increases their motivation to learn, since they will have to demonstrate a high level of understanding in order to teach the material.
Peer teaching can increase the confidence of both tutors and learners, while allowing the former to practice their public speaking skills and explore topics in more depth. The Borneo Nature Foundation (BNF) has been trialing this method in its environmental education initiatives with the Sebangau Rangers youth club and a Conservation Class at SMAN 1 Palangka Raya to teach children about liquid organic products.
The Sebangau Rangers had been learning liquid organic products for three months before testing out the peer teaching method, in which time they studied eco-enzymes, liquid organic fertilizers, and natural pesticides.
As part of this process, the Sebangau Rangers analyzed the problem of organic waste management. Untreated organic waste produces methane gas, a major driver of global warming. One solution is to process the organic waste into fertilizer, thus minimizing its environmental impact.
Materials for producing liquid organic products can also be obtained from the surrounding environment and household waste. Natural pesticides, for example, are formed from ingredients such as soursop leaves, papaya and garlic. Fertilizers can be developed from fresh fruit skins, easily accessible in members’ homes.
Having received this initial grounding in the topic of liquid organic fertilizers, the Sebangau Rangers prepared their own teaching materials for peer-led sessions, divided into two groups. One group taught the Anak Sebangau children’s club about liquid organic fertilizer and natural pesticides, while the other oversaw students of SMAN 1 Palangka Raya learning about eco-enzymes.
“I take pride in being able to learn together and providing a unique experience,” said Nur Hasanah, a member of the Sebangau Rangers, after conducting peer teaching with Anak Sebangau.
Anak Sebangau were keen to try making their own liquid organic fertilizers and natural pesticides, asking lots of questions throughout.
Huda from Anak Sebangau was especially enthusiastic, enquiring about the proper way to store liquid organic fertilizers and how to measure their success.
With the students of SMAN 1 Palangka Raya, peer teaching was conducted more formally, with a focus on the scientific benefits of eco-enzymes. These liquid organic products create Ozone (O3), which helps to mitigate the greenhouse effect by reducing methane and carbon dioxide emissions.
Mahda and Icha, said “the opportunity to become peer tutors has emboldened us to speak in front of other people and share our knowledge with friends.”
The students from SMAN 1 Palangka Raya were very interested in eco-enzymes, which are a multifunctional liquid. Eco-enzymes take about three months to ferment before they can be used.
“The production of eco-enzymes can play an important role in reducing the effects of global warming,” explains Frilicia Yulina, a student of SMAN 1 Palangka Raya.
Frilicia also enjoyed the peer learning experience, which represents a key step towards an informed youth community that cares about the environment. “If we attract more people, especially students, to take part in projects like these, we can achieve far greater harmony with our environment,” concludes Frilicia.
Written by Aloysius G. Dinora, Education Staff BNF Indonesia