ERIC Number: EJ1155643
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1947-8607
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Comparing Peer-to-Peer and Individual Learning: Teaching Basic Computer Skills to Disadvantaged Adults
Kelly, Patrick; Katz, Larry
International Journal of Adult Vocational Education and Technology, v7 n4 Article 1 p1-15 2016
Peer-to-peer (P2P) learning within two distinct groups of disadvantaged adults was studied during a two-hour computer skills workshop. Of interest was whether or not P2P learning with this population was a viable method for increasing performance and confidence. Two qualified instructors at two locations taught the same introductory word-processing workshop to students enrolled in one of three learning intervention groups: P2P, Individual (IND), and No Intervention (NINT). Data was collected through pre- and posttests (all groups), quizzes (P2P and IND groups) and qualitative analysis of P2P group discussions. Quiz results indicated that those in the P2P group gained a better understanding of concepts than participants in the IND group; however, posttest results showed that the understanding was not maintained over time. Confidence in computer skills knowledge increased between the pre and posttest in all treatment groups, regardless of correct or incorrect answers. Analysis of P2P discussions found a significant relationship between the quality of peer discussions and the posttest scores. This study concluded there is a potential benefit of using P2P strategies with disadvantaged adults in the classroom, as confidence is developed and maintained, even as knowledge was not.
Descriptors: Peer Teaching, Learning Strategies, Teaching Methods, Computer Literacy, Adult Education, Disadvantaged, Pretests Posttests, Program Effectiveness, Word Processing, Workshops, Intervention, Self Esteem, Correlation, Group Discussion, Foreign Countries, At Risk Students, Statistical Analysis
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Adult Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A