Strategy 2: Guiding the peer researcher

There are many ways that you can help peer researchers earn to solve a problem or complete a new task.

One way to help a peer researcher learn is by "scaffolding." To teach this way, you start by providing a lot of support or help at the beginning, so the person can do the activity. As the peer learns more and becomes more independent, you provide less help and support.

Some examples of scaffolding are:

• Show how you do the activity. As you do the activity, explain out loud what you are doing, and why.
• Make a hard activity easier by doing the activity one step at a time. For each step, give directions and help the peer do the activity.
• Provide step-by-step instructions and support the peer to repeat or write their own instructions in their own words.
• Make a picture, video, or checklist to show how to do the activity.
• Do the activity together with the peer. For example, you could work together to interview someone for the research study.
• Watch the peer practice the activity, and tell them how they are doing.

A second way to help a peer researcher learn is by "coaching" them. Coaching means that you help solve problems with your peer. You work together to think about what to do differently, or things to try.

Some examples of coaching are:

• Ask questions such as “what could you do next” or “now what” to help the peer think about what to do next
• Help the peer practice the activity, and tell them how they are doing
• Work together to identify changes or accommodations that would make the task easier.

Watch this video to see an experienced peer supporter coaching a new peer supporter:

Try it yourself. Use this worksheet to make a plan for learning a new research activity.

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