The Significance of Peer Learning in School Education in India

A Comprehensive Analysis Based on UDISEPlus 2021-22 Data

Introduction

Peer learning has emerged as a valuable pedagogical approach in the Indian education system, encouraging collaborative learning and knowledge-sharing among students. Peer learning has gained significant recognition in education across the globe, promoting collaborative learning and enhancing academic performance.

This present article presents a comprehensive analysis of the implementation and impact of peer learning in government and government-aided schools at different educational levels across India. Drawing insights from the UDISEPlus 2021-22 data, we will examine the number and percentage of schools adopting peer learning, explicitly focusing on notable states

Pear-Learning Analysis at the All-India Level

Primary Schools

• Number of Government & Government-Aided Primary Schools: 6,50,146
• Number of Primary Schools with Peer Learning: 3,37,643
• Percentage of Primary Schools with Peer Learning: 51.9 percent

Upper Primary Schools

• Number of Government & Government-Aided Upper Primary Schools: 2,93,590
• Number of Upper Primary Schools with Peer Learning: 1,52,010
• Percentage of Upper Primary Schools with Peer Learning: 51.8 percent

Secondary Schools

• Number of Government & Government-Aided Secondary Schools: 83,537
• Number of Secondary Schools with Peer Learning: 42,061
• Percentage of Secondary Schools with Peer Learning: 50.4 percent

Higher Secondary Schools

• Number of Government & Government-Aided Higher Secondary Schools: 77,593
• Number of Higher Secondary Schools with Peer Learning: 32,744
• Percentage of Higher Secondary Schools with Peer Learning: 42.2 percent

The analysis reveals that at the all-India level, more than half of the government and government-aided schools across all educational levels have integrated peer learning into their teaching methodologies. At the national level, the data reveals that peer learning is gaining momentum in Indian schools, with an average implementation rate of 33.5 percent. This indicates a positive trend towards embracing collaborative learning strategies in the educational system. Notably, primary schools have the highest adoption rate, followed closely by upper primary schools. However, there is a slight decline in the implementation of peer learning in secondary and higher secondary schools, indicating room for improvement in these levels.

Analysis of Peer Learning Implementation in Indian States

As has been mentioned above Peer learning is an effective educational approach that promotes collaboration, active engagement, and knowledge sharing among students. In this section, the analysis aims to evaluate the implementation of peer learning practices in select states across India, shedding light on state-level trends, using data collected from the UIDSE+ 2021-22, Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education.

Kerala: Kerala demonstrates a commendable implementation rate of peer learning across all educational levels. Kerala sets a benchmark for other states, with 58.5 percent of primary, 81.6 percent of secondary, and 83.4 percent of higher secondary schools adopting peer learning. Incidentally, Kerala is one of the most educationally advanced states in India.

Lakshadweep: Lakshadweep shows a lower implementation rate of peer learning, with primary and upper primary schools having a 100 percent implementation rate and 84.6 percent higher secondary schools having adopted peer learning; this tiny UT doesn’t have an independent secondary school under the government and aided managements.

Madhya Pradesh: Madhya Pradesh has moderately progressed in implementing peer learning practices. While primary schools demonstrate a 42.2 percent implementation rate, there is room for improvement at the upper primary, secondary, and higher secondary levels.

Maharashtra: In Maharashtra, peer learning implementation varies across different educational levels. While primary (48.4 percent) and upper primary (48.1 percent) schools have a relatively higher adoption rate, the performance decreases at the secondary and higher secondary levels, highlighting the need for consistent integration of peer learning practices.

Tripura: With a 39.6 percent implementation rate at the primary level, Tripura showcases a moderate adoption of peer learning. Efforts should be made to increase implementation rates at the upper primary, secondary, and higher secondary levels.

Uttar Pradesh: Uttar Pradesh demonstrates varying levels of implementation across different educational levels. While primary schools have a commendable 58.3 percent implementation rate, there is room for improvement at the upper primary and higher secondary levels.

Uttarakhand: Uttarakhand consistently implements peer learning across primary, upper primary, secondary, and higher secondary schools, with implementation rates ranging from 54.0 percent to 57.8 percent.

West Bengal: West Bengal showcases a mixed implementation rate of peer learning, with slightly higher adoption rates at the primary and secondary school levels than at the upper primary and higher secondary levels. Efforts should be made to ensure comprehensive integration of peer learning at all educational levels.

Punjab: Punjab demonstrates a commendable implementation rate of peer learning across primary, upper primary, and secondary schools, with adoption rates ranging from 75.1 percent to 88.2 percent.

Rajasthan: Rajasthan exhibits a moderate implementation rate of peer learning across all educational levels, with primary (45.9 percent) and upper primary (52.2 percent) schools demonstrating higher adoption rates compared to secondary and higher secondary schools.

Sikkim: Sikkim showcases a steady implementation of peer learning across all levels, with implementation rates ranging from 46.6 percent to 68.0 percent. Efforts should be made to further enhance implementation at the primary level.

Telangana: Telangana demonstrates respectable implementation rates of peer learning, particularly at the primary and upper primary levels, with implementation rates ranging from 51.6 percent to 54.0 percent.

Bihar: Bihar exhibits a moderate implementation rate of peer learning across primary, upper primary, and secondary schools. However, the implementation rate decreases slightly at the higher secondary level.

• Number of Schools: 21,814,
• Primary Schools with Peer Learning: 12,122 (55.5 percent)
• Upper Primary Schools with Peer Learning: 1,914 (48.8 percent)
• Secondary Schools with Peer Learning: 1,165 (50.6 percent)
• Higher Secondary Schools with Peer Learning: 969 (42.6 percent)

Madhya Pradesh: Madhya Pradesh showcases a moderate implementation rate of peer learning across primary, upper primary, secondary, and higher secondary schools.

• Number of Schools: 58,826
• Primary Schools with Peer Learning: 24,917 (42.4 percent)
• Upper Primary Schools with Peer Learning: 4,921 (45.1 percent)
• Secondary Schools with Peer Learning: 4,771 (51.8 percent)
• Higher Secondary Schools with Peer Learning: 2,329 (48.8 percent)

Odisha: Odisha has a relatively high implementation rate of peer learning in primary schools, with around 63.7 percent of primary schools adopting this practice. However, the implementation rates decrease at the upper primary, secondary, and higher secondary levels, indicating room for improvement in these areas.

• Number of Schools: 27,438
• Primary Schools with Peer Learning: 17,508 (63.7 percent)
• Upper Primary Schools with Peer Learning: 8,610 (31.4 percent)
• Secondary Schools with Peer Learning: 1,323 (4.8 percent)
• Higher Secondary Schools with Peer Learning: 392 (1.4 percent)

Jharkhand: Jharkhand demonstrates a moderate implementation rate of peer learning across primary, secondary, and higher secondary schools. However, the implementation rate drops significantly at the upper primary level, indicating the need for stronger integration of peer learning practices in these schools.

• Number of Schools: 21,814
• Primary Schools with Peer Learning: 12,122 (55.5 percent)
• Upper Primary Schools with Peer Learning: 1,914 (8.8 percent)
• Secondary Schools with Peer Learning: 1,165 (5.3 percent)

Higher Secondary Schools with Peer Learning: 969 (4.4 percent)

Delhi: Delhi showcases varying levels of implementation of peer learning across different educational levels. While the primary and upper primary schools have relatively low adoption rates, the secondary schools demonstrate a high integration rate of peer learning. The implementation rate decreases slightly at the higher secondary level.

• Number of Schools: 1,671
• Primary Schools with Peer Learning: 39 (2.3 percent)
• Upper Primary Schools with Peer Learning: 122 (7.3 percent)
• Secondary Schools with Peer Learning: 1,177 (70.4 percent)
• Higher Secondary Schools with Peer Learning: 324 (19.4 percent)

Concluding Observations

Analyzing peer learning implementation in government and government-aided schools in India highlights the overall positive adoption trend at different educational levels. The analysis of peer learning reveals successful and emerging efforts to integrate collaborative learning practices into the education system. While primary and upper primary schools demonstrate higher acceptance, there is a need to further promote and integrate peer learning practices in secondary and higher secondary schools.

While a few states, such as Kerala and Punjab, lead the way, there is room for improvement in most remaining states. Increasing the implementation of peer learning practices, particularly at the upper primary and higher secondary levels, will contribute to a more holistic and practical educational experience for students across India.

Table 1: Number of Government and Government-Aided Schools that have introduced Peer Learning by Education Level & and Management based on UDISEPlus 2021-22 Data
India/State/UT	Number of Government & Government Aided Schools by Educational Level
	Primary Schools	Upper Primary Schools	Secondary Schools	Higher Secondary Schools
India	650146	293590	83537	77593
Andaman and Nicobar Islands	185	57	46	56
Andhra Pradesh	34642	4285	6525	1227
Arunachal Pradesh	1685	1002	232	134
Assam	34948	8585	4250	1548
Bihar	40563	25993	2516	7228
Chandigarh	8	12	54	56
Chhattisgarh	30892	13284	1949	3035
Dadra and Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu	167	163	31	35
Delhi	1671	39	122	1177
Goa	795	67	400	109
Gujarat	12545	20680	3031	4033
Haryana	8677	2450	1108	2343
Himachal Pradesh	10563	1952	942	1923
Jammu and Kashmir	12974	7612	1754	834
Jharkhand	21814	12122	1914	1165
Karnataka	21240	24635	8554	2360
Kerala	5967	3486	778	1962
Ladakh	355	382	85	44
Lakshadweep	16	9	0	13
Madhya Pradesh	58826	24917	4921	4771
Maharashtra	46217	24885	#########	6534
Manipur	2309	605	461	97
Meghalaya	7928	3157	699	171
Mizoram	1277	1015	439	62
Nagaland	1032	617	255	56
Odisha	27438	17508	8610	1323
Puducherry	236	48	91	80
Punjab	12880	2541	1800	2488
Rajasthan	33781	19498	3758	11911
Sikkim	481	173	125	104
Tamil Nadu	29274	8526	3692	4467
Telangana	20080	3379	5913	1351
Tripura	2137	1126	609	433
Uttar Pradesh	87964	49339	2065	5769
Uttarakhand	11511	2778	991	1812
West Bengal	67068	6663	2777	6882
Source: UIDSE+ 2021-22, Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education.

 

India/State/UT	Table 2: Number of Government & Government Aided Schools which have introduced Peer Learning by Educational Level
	Primary Schools	Upper Primary Schools	Secondary Schools	Higher Secondary Schools
India	337643	152010	42061	32744
Andaman and Nicobar Islands	156	51	40	42
Andhra Pradesh	28777	3302	5286	705
Arunachal Pradesh	333	254	102	56
Assam	23032	4556	2308	680
Bihar	8002	5928	565	1212
Chandigarh	7	12	53	54
Chhattisgarh	20782	8918	1193	1702
Dadra and Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu	162	155	27	28
Delhi	1324	28	97	946
Goa	718	45	231	45
Gujarat	9442	15613	1030	1218
Haryana	6186	1643	719	1498
Himachal Pradesh	6616	1222	639	1172
Jammu and Kashmir	6485	4504	1035	425
Jharkhand	9397	5915	969	496
Karnataka	12875	15060	4679	790
Kerala	4929	2904	649	1600
Ladakh	114	154	43	32
Lakshadweep	16	9	0	11
Madhya Pradesh	24826	11235	2548	2329
Maharashtra	22357	11958	4637	2315
Manipur	367	111	115	42
Meghalaya	831	520	162	49
Mizoram	47	44	22	8
Nagaland	272	172	84	19
Odisha	18788	12295	5146	392
Puducherry	222	44	68	63
Punjab	11354	2123	1396	1869
Rajasthan	15518	10171	1944	6229
Sikkim	224	93	85	66
Telangana	10353	1823	3224	450
Tripura	847	516	352	228
Uttar Pradesh	51281	26480	575	1469
Uttarakhand	6651	1501	554	1037
West Bengal	34352	2651	1484	3467

Source: UIDSE+ 2021-22, Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education.

India/State/UT	Percentage of Government & Government Aided Schools which have introduced Peer Learning to Total Number of Schools by Educational Level
	Primary Schools	Upper Primary Schools	Secondary Schools	Higher Secondary Schools
India	51.9	51.8	50.4	42.2
Andaman and Nicobar Islands	84.3	89.5	87	75
Andhra Pradesh	83.1	77.1	81	57.5
Arunachal Pradesh	19.8	25.4	44	41.8
Assam	65.9	53.1	54.3	43.9
Bihar	19.7	22.8	22.5	16.8
Chandigarh	87.5	100	98.2	96.4
Chhattisgarh	67.3	67.1	61.2	56.1
Dadra and Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu	97	95.1	87.1	80
Delhi	79.2	71.8	79.5	80.4
Goa	90.3	67.2	57.8	41.3
Gujarat	75.3	75.5	34	30.2
Haryana	71.3	67.1	64.9	63.9
Himachal Pradesh	62.6	62.6	67.8	61
Jammu and Kashmir	50	59.2	59	51
Jharkhand	43.1	48.8	50.6	42.6
Karnataka	60.6	61.1	54.7	33.5
Kerala	82.6	83.3	83.4	81.6
Ladakh	32.1	40.3	50.6	72.7
Lakshadweep	100	100	0	84.6
Madhya Pradesh	42.2	45.1	51.8	48.8
Maharashtra	48.4	48.1	38.5	35.4
Manipur	15.9	18.4	25	43.3
Meghalaya	10.5	16.5	23.2	28.7
Mizoram	3.7	4.3	5	12.9
Nagaland	26.4	27.9	32.9	33.9
Odisha	68.5	70.2	59.8	29.6
Puducherry	94.1	91.7	74.7	78.8
Punjab	88.2	83.6	77.6	75.1
Rajasthan	45.9	52.2	51.7	52.3
Sikkim	46.6	53.8	68	63.5
Tamil Nadu	0	0	0	0
Telangana	51.6	54	54.5	33.3
Tripura	39.6	45.8	57.8	52.7
Uttar Pradesh	58.3	53.7	27.9	25.5
Uttarakhand	57.8	54	55.9	57.2
West Bengal	51.2	39.8	53.4	50.4

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