Learning from each other

Simple concept but often overlooked. I have to say that I am guilty of this. In the book, there was mention of learning from each other and not necessarily the teacher. Over the last 3 years in the AET program I have realized this more and more. I also witnessed this in one of my workshops. One student provided a detailed but very simple and real world example of how she has to change the way she does things because of her size. It seemed to really hit home for her classmate/co-worker. I was struggling somewhat to get the major point across but when she offered her example, it seemed to sink in. Simple but amazing to me. The hard part for me in some cases is to get the students to talk to begin with but I turn to the icebreakers initially. Such a simple yet effective tool to get everyone talking and involved. All I have done for the icebreaker is ask for their opinion on how to solve a problem and to discuss in a small group their ideas and then write them on the board. I have actually had to change the format of my workshops as I move through because the discussions take off on another direction (because of the icebreakers) and students in the class really seem to take over, in a positive way. I can steer things back the right way if they get off track but I let them "learn from each other" by brainstorming for solutions to problems and agreeing or disagreeing with each other. Odd coincidence that this has taken place at the same time I am reading this book. I have to say, I am enjoying it thus far and haven't disagreed with much.