BUDDY SYSTEM, LEARNING TOGETHER (ARTICLE 273)

The Buddy System is a teaching strategy that pairs students for teamwork during group exercises. It helps streamline instruction, encourage peer learning, and ensure no one is left behind.

Purpose:
To condense the class during skill-building segments while giving less confident learners extra support through collaboration.

How It Works:
At the start of the first session, ask each student to choose a partner. Buddies will work together during demonstrations, drills, and guided exercises before returning to their regular tables for coached play.

Setup:

• Arrange tables as you would for a normal game day.
• When introducing a new concept or running an exercise, have students sit or work with their buddy to complete the task.
• Use this condensed format to explain rules, demonstrate strategies, or run simulations with fewer moving parts.
• After each exercise, return to standard four-player tables for live play and coaching.

Benefits:

• Builds confidence through peer-to-peer learning.
• Keeps pacing manageable for mixed-skill groups.
• Allows the instructor to observe, correct, and encourage in a smaller, more focused setting.
• Creates a supportive learning environment where students can ask questions freely.