Peer Instruction: A User's Manual

by Eric Mazur

Peer Instruction:  A User’s Manual is a step-by-step guide for instructors on how to plan and implement Peer Instruction lectures. The teaching methodology is applicable to a variety of introductory science courses (including biology and chemistry). However, the additional material―class-tested, ready-to-use resources, in print and on CD-ROM (so professors can reproduce them as handouts or transparencies)―is intended for calculus-based physics courses.

Genres: Education, Teaching

272 pages, Paperback

First published August 8, 1996

Reviews

[Brandon James Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a physics education researcher, I was quite familiar with the concepts applied in this book. However, I'd never read it. I read it in preparation to teach a flipped calc 2 class this fall, and I definitely found it helpful as a review of some of the possible hiccups I might encounter while teaching this fall. There are things far less considered than I will approach my class, for example student affect, but this is mostly due to the age of this book. Overall, Mazur's approach still feels like a useful approach from which to build on.

[George Woodbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a non-Physics instructor this a short, yet valuable, read. Mazur gives great advice for helping students to develop understanding, not just the ability to plug into equations. A great read if you are flipping your classroom.

[Jerzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is basically a short pamphlet on Mazur's instructional philosophy, then a collection of exercises for use in teaching physics courses. The exercises didn't help me (I teach statistics courses) but the ideas are good.

Instead of having the instructor talk throughout a traditional lecture,
1) assign students daily readings and ensure they do it by giving a quick check quiz at the start of every class;
2) use class time to ask students conceptual questions based on the readings, which they can discuss with peers before voting on the answer, after which the instructor clarifies any misunderstandings highlighted by wrong answers.

This way you can also walk around the room checking in with one group at a time and hear any detailed misconceptions as they argue about the answer. The students actually have to think actively, not just listen passively, which helps them learn, and helps you debug your teaching.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent exposition and advice about a powerful new teaching method. My rating of 5 stars is somewhat informed by the general apathy and stagnation which is all too common among college math instructors. Next to his peers in the mathematics community, Eric Mazur is a shining example of the consideration, care, effort, and insight which make for an effective and innovative instructor. Needless to say, I found this very inspiring!

[Ilib4kids]

From "Most Likely to Succeed". Discuss way of teaching.

[Ryan Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of value beyond tertiary science education