What Happens When Students Start Teaching in the Classroom?

Explore how student-led teaching boosts learning and NEP 2020 goals

By SELINclub | 28 Jul 2025, 05:07 AM

What if your students could become your teaching partners?

Many schools around the world are trying something new:
Letting students teach each other. It sounds simple—but it works. And it’s changing how classrooms function.

This idea fits well with:

• NEP 2020 (India’s National Education Policy)
   
• 21st-century skills like communication, leadership, and problem-solving
   
• Global education trends that focus on student-led learning

When students teach, they learn better. They also become more confident, active, and responsible.

Let’s explore what really happens when students become teachers—and how you can try it in your school.

Why This Idea Matters

Students learn better when they teach

Teaching helps students:

• Understand the topic clearly
   
• Explain it in simple words
   
• Answer questions from classmates
   
• Think deeper and reflect more

This is called the “Protégé Effect”—you learn more when you teach others.

It fits India’s NEP 2020 goals

NEP 2020 wants students to:

• Learn by doing (experiential learning)
   
• Collaborate with peers
   
• Think critically, not just memorize

Student-led teaching supports all these goals.

It builds important life skills

When students teach, they also:

• Speak with confidence
   
• Solve problems with others
   
• Lead discussions
   
• Learn to listen and give feedback

These are skills they will need in any future career.

Ways Students Can Teach

There are many simple methods to try in your classroom.

Peer Teaching

• Students teach their classmates in pairs or small groups
   
• Great for revision, difficult topics, or practice sessions
   
• Builds teamwork and understanding

Example: One student explains a math problem to a peer using a whiteboard.

Flipped Classroom

• Students study at home first (videos, notes, worksheets)
   
• In class, they teach what they learned or discuss it with peers
   
• Makes students more responsible and prepared

Example: Students watch a science video at home, then present the key ideas in class.

Jigsaw Method

• Break a topic into 4–5 small parts
   
• Assign one part to each group
   
• Each group becomes an "expert" and teaches others

Example: In social studies, one group learns about causes of a war, another about effects, and then they teach each other.

Student-Led Workshops

• Older students prepare mini-lessons or activities
   
• They teach younger students or classmates
   
• Works well for project-based learning or clubs

Example: Students conduct a quiz on climate change for juniors using Kahoot.

How to Get Started

You don’t need to change everything. Start small.

Begin with short activities

• Let students explain a part of today’s lesson
   
• Try “Turn and Teach” — students explain the topic to a partner
   
• Give 5–10 minutes for students to review and share key points

Give clear instructions

• Share what you expect: clear speaking, accurate info, simple visuals
   
• Use a rubric (points for clarity, creativity, teamwork)
   
• Set time limits and ask them to practice first

Support students before they teach

• Help them prepare content
   
• Let them practice with a friend
   
• Check their slides, notes, or drawings

Use helpful tools

• Flipgrid – Students can record short videos
   
• Canva – Great for posters and slides
   
• Kahoot or Quizizz – Students can make quizzes
   
• Google Slides – For group presentations

Reflect after each session

• Ask: What went well? What did you learn?
   
• Let peers give feedback
   
• Help students set goals for next time

How Student Teaching Helps Teachers

When students take on teaching roles, teachers also benefit. It makes your job easier and your classroom more active.

You don’t need to be the only one talking. Instead, you guide and support while students take more responsibility.

Why It Helps Teachers

• You get more time to observe and support students
   
• You can see who has understood the topic and who needs help
   
• You don’t have to explain everything—students explain to each other
   
• Students prepare better when they know they have to teach
   
• You can use this time to focus on students who need extra help
   
• Students become more responsible and take the lesson seriously

This method also makes the class more balanced. Students are active, and you can move around, guide, and check in where needed.

What Changes in the Classroom

Area	Regular Teaching	When Students Teach
Teacher Role	Main speaker	Guide and helper
Student Role	Mostly listening	Explaining and helping others
Lesson Style	One-way lecture	Group-based, student-led
Student Involvement	Often low	High and active
Feedback	After class or test	During the activity
Classroom Energy	Mostly quiet	Lively and talk-focused

This method gives teachers more freedom. You can focus on real learning, not just completing the syllabus.

It’s a small change—but it makes a big difference.

Common Challenges (and Solutions)

Some students feel nervous

Try:

• Letting them teach in pairs or small groups
   
• Allowing video lessons instead of speaking live
   
• Starting with simpler tasks

Risk of wrong information

Try:

• Reviewing their content in advance
   
• Giving them a checklist or guide
   
• Encouraging classmates to ask questions and clarify

Not enough time in class

Try:

• Using short sessions (5–10 minutes)
   
• Mixing peer teaching with normal lessons
   
• Letting students prepare as homework

Hard to manage the class

Try:

• Setting clear classroom rules
   
• Giving roles (presenter, note-taker, timekeeper)
   
• Supervising gently and guiding where needed
   

Examples from Real Classrooms

In Indian Schools

• A Chennai school used peer teaching in maths. Students improved test scores and teamwork.
   
• A Delhi teacher used flipped classrooms in science. Students came prepared and asked better questions.
   
• In a Pune school, older students taught environmental topics to younger ones during Earth Day activities.

Global Examples

• In Finland, schools often use student-led group work in every subject.
   
• In the United Kingdom, students in Year 10 mentor Year 7 students in English and maths.
   
• In the United States, flipped classrooms are common for subjects like biology and social studies.

FAQs

1. Does this method work in all subjects?

Yes. It works well in:

• Math (solving and explaining)
   
• Science (experiments, models)
   
• Languages (reading aloud, grammar)
   
• Social studies (maps, events, debates)

2. What age is best for student teaching?

All ages. You can try different formats:

• For ages 6–10: storytelling, show-and-tell, drawing
   
• For ages 11–14: group teaching, poster making
   
• For ages 15–18: full presentations, peer mentoring

3. How do I know students are learning?

Use simple checks:

• Ask questions during or after peer lessons
   
• Collect exit slips (What did you learn today?)
   
• Observe their confidence and clarity

4. What tools are free and easy to use?

• Flipgrid – For short video lessons
   
• Google Slides – For group work
   
• Kahoot or Quizizz – For quizzes
   
• Padlet – For sharing ideas
   

5. Is this part of NEP 2020?

Yes. It supports:

• Active and experiential learning
   
• Peer collaboration
   
• Developing 21st-century skills

A 4-Week Simple Plan

Week	Activity	Goal
Week 1	Let students explain small parts	Build comfort and clarity
Week 2	Use “Turn and Teach” or peer pairs	Practice speaking and listening
Week 3	Try a jigsaw activity	Learn together in groups
Week 4	Let a group run a short workshop	Celebrate learning and confidence

 

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Conclusion

Letting students teach may seem new, but it’s powerful.

It helps students:

• Learn deeply
   
• Speak clearly
   
• Work together
   
• Think like leaders

It also makes your classroom more active, joyful, and modern.

As education evolves in India and globally, this strategy supports NEP 2020 and prepares students for life—not just exams.

Want more ideas like this? Visit SELIN

• Explore tools, strategies, and real classroom stories
   
• Join a network of educators who care about meaningful learning
   
• Discover how students can help lead the way