Why is peer discussion beneficial for reading comprehension?

Peer discussion is beneficial for reading comprehension because it allows students to share diverse perspectives and insights. When students engage in discussions about a text, they bring their unique interpretations, experiences, and understandings to the conversation. This exchange of ideas contributes to deeper comprehension, as students can learn from one another and consider viewpoints they may not have initially thought of on their own. By articulating their thoughts and responding to their peers, students can clarify their understanding of the material, make connections to other concepts, and enhance their critical thinking skills, all of which are crucial for effective reading comprehension.

In contrast, promoting competition among students can create anxiety and discourage collaboration, which is not conducive to a supportive learning environment. Focusing solely on individual performance overlooks the collaborative learning aspect that peer discussions encourage, while discouraging collaboration completely undermines the benefits of shared insights and community learning. Hence, the emphasis on sharing diverse perspectives truly highlights why peer discussion is a powerful tool for improving reading comprehension.