One day last week, I reflected on the variety of processes going on in just one class period in my Middle School Art Room. Students were in various stages of finishing projects or beginning new work. All were engaged..all were learning..and all were working cooperatively. Some were finishing up some AMAZING detailed drawings for our regional Scholastic Art Contest that is approaching..I isolated them a little in the room from other students who were inking and burnishing prints as I didn't want to risk an ink splatter on the tonal drawings..while other students were in the process of gouging their print blocks they were seated with friends who were still working on glazing a previous project (themed ceramic vessels). Obviously when this kind of activity is going on, students require guidance. Years ago, I experienced the value of training a few students to help others. My kids like to be called, "experts." Who doesn't? So, with this particular lesson, I have some gouging "experts" and some printing "experts." Gouging experts help their fellow students learn how to apply a reversed print design to the block and then how to utilize the different nibs for gouging and precautions to take to prevent trips to the nurse for another bandaid....While the printing experts guide those new at printmaking in the techniques needed for a clear print. The glazing "experts" who are now working on their prints can pause to give those new at glazing a few tips.."Three coats of each color, "..."Use the gouge if you're doing sgraffito."..."Dark glaze goes over light better than light over dark." While all of this peer tutoring is going on, I'm supervising and deferring questions to the experts when possible, and enjoying every minute of it! Peer tutoring reinforces the processes and techniques to those tutoring. Peer tutoring also helps those learning better understand the instructions. Peer tutoring may also inspire a future in art educator. At the end of class, one "expert" approached me and said, "Whew! I am exhausted...Now I understand what you go through. Teaching is hard and sometimes they don't listen.." So, think I should tell that student about Differentiated Instruction?