Learning partner and small group interaction

The concept of sharing should always be the focus in formulating activities in a YAL classroom. One of the means is by pairing the students or by putting them in a small group to discuss on the literature that they have read, or in the mid of reading. It involves social interaction that provides a supportive learning environment for students.

For me, working in pairs or in small groups can enhance my understanding and appreciation of literature. For instance, by having a learning partner, we could respond to each other in our dialogue journal, share our writing on the books that we read with one another and we can also act as peer editors. We will always discuss what we are reading and recommend books to each other and even develop creative projects out of what we read together. I am a firm believer in the saying ‘two heads is better than one’.

However, care need to taken when choosing a partner. It should be based on academic and social compatibility as well as similar interests and goals. Once a partnership is established and operating effectively, it is beneficial to keep it together for an extended period of time. The benefit to this longevity is that we can gain trust and an increased level of cooperation. This thus makes our work, as partners, more productive. Another benefit to this is that being partners, we will have or share mutual responsibilities and mutual needs and ultimately our level of commitment and involvement will be high.

And as for working in a small group, say three to five members is a good method of sharing experiences with the group members and to further our understanding of these experiences.

Basically, based on experience and observation, pair work and study group provide us with the opportunity to encourage and support the efforts of each other as we explore the ideas, concepts, and experiences of our reading. Thus achieving our ultimate goal of enhancing understanding and appreciation to literature.