The Importance of Peer Groups in the Process of Socialization and Learning Gender Roles

Are you a part of a peer group? Do you know how important it is to be a part of a peer group? Peer groups play an important role in the growth and development of students. Studies have shown that the process of explaining and discussing solutions strengthens your knowledge and enhances your own understanding of the subject. Let’s read further and find out the benefits of being a part of a peer group.

1. Impacts thinking style & thought process

When you interact and spend time with peers who are well read, well informed and intellectually strong, it has a positive impact on your thinking style and thought process. It also determines how you spend our time and on what things. Moreover, the ideas and perspectives you gain from being a part of peer group help you learn a lot and result in better academic achievement.

2. Increases knowledge sharing & learning

A peer group provides a platform wherein you get to meet students from different schools, backgrounds etc. Sharing of knowledge, thus, increases through empowered and powerful brainstorming sessions and productive discussions. Moreover, every student brings with him a vast storehouse of knowledge. Being a part of a peer group helps in better learning through common sharing of knowledge.

3. Leads to Individualized learning

With growing class sizes, it is becoming difficult to receive one-to-one instruction in schools today and as a result, individualized instruction is missing. Peer groups, on the other hand, comprise of a small group of students and foster individualized learning. It gives you an opportunity to interact and share knowledge directly. A direct interaction promotes an active learning experience and results in better engagement. Moreover, learners can progress at their own pace according to their own learning needs and abilities.

4. Develops communication skills

Since peer group provides an excellent platform to indulge in meaningful conversations and discussions, it also develops your communication skills. Because everyone is of the same age, students are able to participate and express themselves more freely. They feel more comfortable and open when interacting with a peer. They are able to come out of their shell, communicate without inhibitions and participate more in the sharing of knowledge.

5. Leads to social competence

Developing social competence is as important as developing any other skill. Peer group fosters social learning as students learn a great deal by explaining their ideas to others. It is also to be noted that peers share a similar discourse, allowing for greater understanding. This allows them to solve problems in a social context. In addition, it builds team spirit, greater psychological well being which results in higher achievement and greater productivity in terms of enhanced outcomes.

6. Leads to quality discussions

It is essential to surround oneself with quality people. Being surrounded by quality peers ensures quality discussions and thus the more productive use of your time. Being a part of a peer group ensures your time and resources are well spend on discussing good and intellectual topics be it academics or general discussions.