Kaasõppijatega

Kaasõppijatega, literally “with fellow learners,” is a term used in Estonian educational discourse to describe learning activities conducted collaboratively with peers rather than solely with an instructor. It covers structured and semi-structured arrangements where students work together to achieve shared learning goals, exchange knowledge, and provide mutual feedback.

Kaasõppijatega-learning is commonly used in formal education, language classrooms, higher education, and online learning communities. Activities include study groups, peer tutoring, collaborative problem solving, and learning circles. The approach emphasizes active participation, dialogue, and co-construction of knowledge rather than passive reception of information.

Benefits of learning with fellow learners include increased motivation and engagement, deeper understanding through explanations to peers, and the development of communication, collaboration, and metacognitive skills. It offers diverse perspectives, social support, and practical language practice, which can be especially advantageous in language learning and complex problem-solving tasks.

However, challenges exist. Without careful design, there can be free-riding, dominance by certain participants, or the spread of misconceptions. The effectiveness often depends on group composition, clear objectives, and ongoing facilitator involvement. Time management, equal participation, and assessing individual contributions can also be difficult.

To implement kaasõppijatega effectively, teams should have clear goals, small group sizes (ideally 2–5 participants), and defined roles such as facilitator, note-taker, and reporter. Structured activities (for example, pair work, jigsaw, and peer review), rotation of roles, and explicit feedback guidelines help. Combining peer assessment with teacher assessment and using online tools to track progress can enhance accountability and learning outcomes.

See also: peer learning, collaborative learning, study group.