Tag: United States

  • Bibi In Washington To Negotiate Removal Of Trump’s Tariffs In Person

    Bibi In Washington To Negotiate Removal Of Trump’s Tariffs In Person

    Trump may emerge from the meeting declaring that Israel is an example of how his tariff policy is working – that foreign capitals will come scrambling to negotiate.

    (Tyler Durden Reports) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Washington on Sunday for a visit to the White House, in a stay which is planned through Tuesday. The two leaders are meeting Monday afternoon.

    He will be the first foreign leader to meet President Trump in-person in an effort to negotiate a deal to remove Trump’s tariffs, which for Israel is a 17% rate, the result of a significant US bilateral trade deficit.

    “Upon his arrival in Washington with his wife, Sara Netanyahu, the premier headed from the airport to Blair House in a convoy, where he met with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer,” Israeli media wrote.

    Photo AP

    And Axios noted just ahead of the the trip that Israel tried to “avoid the tariffs Trump imposed on nearly every country in the world by announcing it would preemptively lift all tariffs on U.S. products. It didn’t work.”

    This visit, which is Netanyahu’s second to the White House since Trump took office (the first was in early February), was by all accounts rather hastily put together, and also high on the agenda will be the Gaza crisis. Currently there are still 59 hostages still in Hamas and Islamic Jihad captivity – with many feared deceased.

    Israel has controversially expanded the war, and now has Rafah surrounded once again and has ordered an evacuation of the civilian population. Hundreds of thousands have fled the southern Gaza city, also as basic necessities of life for the Palestinian population are running out.

    Netanyahu’s office has has further indicated that “Israel-Turkey relations, the Iranian threat and confronting the International Criminal Court” will be on the agenda.

    Trump may emerge from the meeting declaring that Israel is an example of how his tariff policy is working – that foreign capitals will come scrambling to negotiate.

    One interesting aspect to Netanyahu’s travels is the impact the International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant is having on his itinerary. He’s still not able to visit most of the European continent, and last week’s Hungary trip was the first, after Budapest declared it would not arrest him or cooperate with the ICC.

    Times of Israel pointed out that “The Wing of Zion state plane took a flight path that increased the journey from Budapest to Washington by some 400 kilometers in order to avoid flying over countries seen as likely to enforce the arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court should the plane be forced to make an emergency landing.”

    “As Israel believes that Ireland, Iceland and the Netherlands would all enforce the ICC warrant, issued for alleged war crimes in Gaza, Wing of Zion instead flew over Croatia, Italy and France,” the report added.

    Hungary last week declared it is exiting membership in the The Hague-based ICC due to the action against Netanyahu, with PM Viktor Orban decrying that it’s a “political tool” of Israel’s enemies. The Trump White House is certainly on board with Orban’s decision.

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    SOURCE

    Header featured image (edited) credit: (Avi Ohayon/GPO). Emphasis added by (TLB)

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    The Liberty Beacon Project is now expanding at a near exponential rate, and for this we are grateful and excited! But we must also be practical. For 7 years we have not asked for any donations, and have built this project with our own funds as we grew. We are now experiencing ever increasing growing pains due to the large number of websites and projects we represent. So we have just installed donation buttons on our websites and ask that you consider this when you visit them. Nothing is too small. We thank you for all your support and your considerations … (TLB)

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    Disclaimer: TLB websites contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available to our readers under the provisions of “fair use” in an effort to advance a better understanding of political, health, economic and social issues. The material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving it for research and educational purposes. If you wish to use copyrighted material for purposes other than “fair use” you must request permission from the copyright owner.

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    Source: TLB

  • 14-year-old leaves party with older man and vanishes without a trace

    Fourteen-year-old Wendy Hudakoc disappeared after leaving a party with an older man, sparking immediate concern. Initially thought to have run away, her family soon realized their biggest fears might have come true. Over two decades later, investigators are still searching for answers but have identified Ron DePeppo, the man at the party, as a person of interest. What happened to Wendy all those years ago?

    Source: True Crime Daily

  • Harper Kate Davis

    Harper Kate Davis

    Published 12:50 pm Monday, April 7, 2025

    Ryan Davis and Madison Covan of McKenzie announce the birth of their daughter, Harper Kate Davis.

    She was born on Jan. 24, 2025, at Andalusia Health. She weighed 6 pounds and 4 ounces and was 18 inches long.

    Her maternal grandparents are David and Jenny Covan of Georgiana. Her paternal grandparents are Keith and Heather Bowen of Greenville.

    Source: Andalusia Star

  • Israel Caught Lying to Cover Up Its Latest War Crimes

    Israel Caught Lying to Cover Up Its Latest War Crimes

    BY GLOBAL AFFAIRS via The Liberty Beacon

    IMAGE: Palestinian Paramedic Munther Abed survived the IDF attack that killed 15 emergency workers by diving to the floor in the back of his ambulance (Source: BBC)

    In the wake of Rifaat Radwana’s final statements, which can be heard in a video posted by WikiLeaks on April 5, 2025, which depicted Israeli occupation forces firing upon medics and aid workers in Rafah, Gaza, the IDF has since constructed a revised narrative that incorporates the mention of a “Hamas police car” alongside the Gaza paramedics.

    The initial assertion made by the IDF states that they utilized a bulldozer to cover the bodies of the medics and their vehicles with sand “to shield them from animals.” However, all indications suggest that they were burying evidence of their wrongdoing.

    As usual, Israel is attempting to cover-up its latest war crime by spinning an outrageous and contrived narrative – in a craven attempt to blame innocent victims.

    The revised account raises numerous unanswered questions and further diminishes the reliability of Israel’s official story…

    VIDEO: Israel’s ‘execution’ of Gaza aid workers (Source: Wikileaks)

    Countercurrents reports…

    After Video Exposes Aid Workers’ Execution, Israeli Army Issues New Dubious Story

    GAZA (Quds News Network) – The Israeli army released a new and different story of its attack on ambulances in Rafah, following the release of a video that exposed the execution of 14 aid workers and debunked its earlier claims. The new story is inconsistent, lacks evidence, and ignores key facts shown in the footage.

    Israeli public broadcaster Kan reported details from the military’s internal investigation. According to the army, Israeli forces opened fire after a “Hamas police car” approached them. Soldiers claimed they felt threatened and fired, killing one person.

    Later, ambulances arrived at the scene. The army said soldiers thought they were under attack again and opened fire on the rescue teams. The report claimed medics were “running toward the Hamas police vehicle,” and that the soldiers believed they posed a threat.

    The army admitted that emergency lights may have been on but said the lack of visibility wasn’t an intentional lie. It also claimed a bulldozer buried the medics’ bodies and vehicles under sand “to protect them from animals.”

    However, the report did not explain how some bodies were found handcuffed, one beheaded, and others executed at close range with bullets to the head. Nor did it address why ambulances were deliberately buried to hide the evidence.

    The army’s new version contradicts previous footage published by international media. Videos clearly showed that emergency lights on the ambulances were flashing during the attack, proving the vehicles were visibly marked as humanitarian.

    In its initial response, the Israeli military claimed the ambulances lacked lights or clear medical markings. That was quickly debunked.

    Now, the army adds a new twist—suggesting that what it described as a “Hamas police vehicle” passed the area an hour earlier and that its presence confused the soldiers. But this explanation lacks logic. Gaza police are known targets for Israeli forces and rarely move during invasions, especially not with flashing lights near tanks.

    The claim about “protecting the bodies from animals” also rings hollow. The same army has left hundreds of Palestinian bodies in the open throughout the genocide, often mutilated. In many cases, Israeli soldiers filmed themselves desecrating corpses and shared the videos publicly.

    The new version of events leaves many questions unanswered and further undermines the credibility of Israel’s official narrative.

    This is not the first time the Israeli army has issued contradictory narratives, only to have each one exposed as a lie.

    At the start of the genocide, when the Israeli army bombed Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza and killed around 500 didplaced civilians, the military spokesperson released three different accounts within just a few hours.

    First, he claimed, “We warned the hospital and five others to evacuate.” But realizing how disastrous that admission would be on the international stage, he quickly shifted to a second version: that Hamas fighters were operating from the hospital. However, journalists who had been stationed at the hospital for 12 days straight debunked that claim immediately.

    By the following morning, the spokesperson settled on a third version: the explosion was caused by a misfired rocket from Islamic Jihad.

    With no real evidence supporting any of the claims [claims made by Israel], each narrative collapsed under scrutiny. One by one, the stories were shown to be false, revealing a pattern, not just a mistake.

    See more news from Countercurrents

    Header featured image (eited) credit: WP open public card. Emphasis added by (TLB)

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    The Liberty Beacon Project is now expanding at a near exponential rate, and for this we are grateful and excited! But we must also be practical. For 7 years we have not asked for any donations, and have built this project with our own funds as we grew. We are now experiencing ever increasing growing pains due to the large number of websites and projects we represent. So we have just installed donation buttons on our websites and ask that you consider this when you visit them. Nothing is too small. We thank you for all your support and your considerations … (TLB)

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    Disclaimer: TLB websites contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available to our readers under the provisions of “fair use” in an effort to advance a better understanding of political, health, economic and social issues. The material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving it for research and educational purposes. If you wish to use copyrighted material for purposes other than “fair use” you must request permission from the copyright owner.

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    Disclaimer: The information and opinions shared are for informational purposes only including, but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material are not intended as medical advice or instruction. Nothing mentioned is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

    Source: TLB

  • Love triangle mystery: Young woman disappears after man's wife learns of affair

    Heather Elvis, 21, and Sidney Moorer, 38, began a relationship while working at the same restaurant in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Heather fell madly in love with Sidney, but there was one problem: he was married. His wife, Tammy Moorer, found out about the tryst and allegedly made threatening comments to Heather. Heather moved on, but as she was coming home from a date, she disappeared. What happened to Heather?

    Source: True Crime Daily

  • Iran Warns 6 Countries They Will Be Targeted If Aiding Any Potential US Attack

    Iran Warns 6 Countries They Will Be Targeted If Aiding Any Potential US Attack

    The Cradle reports…

    A senior Iranian official said that Tehran has warned six countries they will face “severe consequences” if they support Washington in a military attack against the Islamic Republic, Reuters reported on 6 April.

    “Iran has issued warnings to Iraq, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Turkey, and Bahrain that any support for a US attack on Iran, including the use of their airspace or territory by the US military during the attack, will be considered a hostile act,” the official stated while speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity.

    The official stressed that such an action “would have severe consequences for those countries,” adding that “Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has placed the Iranian armed forces on high alert.”

    Spokespersons for the governments of Iraq, Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

    The Turkish Foreign Ministry was quoted as saying it was unaware of the Iranian warning, but that such messages could be conveyed through other channels.

    On 30 March, US President Donald Trump threatened Iran with bombing and secondary tariffs if Tehran did not come to an agreement with Washington over its nuclear program.

    “If they don’t make a deal, there will be bombing,” Trump said in a telephone interview. “It will be bombing the likes of which they have never seen before.”

    The senior official speaking with Reuters added that Iran rejects US President Donald Trump’s demand for direct talks over its nuclear program. However, it wants to continue indirect negotiations through Oman, where indirect negotiations between the two countries have taken place in the past.

    “Indirect talks offer a chance to evaluate Washington’s seriousness about a political solution with Iran,” said the official.

    In addition to issuing verbal threats against Iran, Trump has ordered a major military build-up in the region, including dispatching a squadron of B-52 bombers to the US base at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean.

    Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi confirmed on Sunday that “the conditions for resuming talks between Tehran and Washington regarding Iran’s nuclear program are based on the principle of trust between the two countries,” he said.

    “We are ready to continue dialogue regarding our nuclear program and the lifting of sanctions against Iran, based on the logic of confidence-building,” Araghchi said in statements reported by Iran’s Fars News Agency.

    Following Trump’s threat, Ali Hajizadeh, the commander of the Aerospace Division of the Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), directly threatened US bases in West Asia.

    “The Americans have around ten military bases in the region – at least near Iran – and 50,000 troops,” Hajizadeh told Iranian state TV on Monday….
    “It’s like they’re sitting in a glass house. And when you’re in a glass house, you don’t throw stones at others”….

    Continue this analysis at The Cradle

    Header featured image (edited) credit: WorldAtlas open card. Emphasis added by (TLB)

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    Stay tuned tuned…

     

    ••••

    The Liberty Beacon Project is now expanding at a near exponential rate, and for this we are grateful and excited! But we must also be practical. For 7 years we have not asked for any donations, and have built this project with our own funds as we grew. We are now experiencing ever increasing growing pains due to the large number of websites and projects we represent. So we have just installed donation buttons on our websites and ask that you consider this when you visit them. Nothing is too small. We thank you for all your support and your considerations … (TLB)

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    Comment Policy: As a privately owned web site, we reserve the right to remove comments that contain spam, advertising, vulgarity, threats of violence, racism, or personal/abusive attacks on other users. This also applies to trolling, the use of more than one alias, or just intentional mischief. Enforcement of this policy is at the discretion of this websites administrators. Repeat offenders may be blocked or permanently banned without prior warning.

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    Disclaimer: TLB websites contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available to our readers under the provisions of “fair use” in an effort to advance a better understanding of political, health, economic and social issues. The material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving it for research and educational purposes. If you wish to use copyrighted material for purposes other than “fair use” you must request permission from the copyright owner.

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    Disclaimer: The information and opinions shared are for informational purposes only including, but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material are not intended as medical advice or instruction. Nothing mentioned is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

    Source: TLB

  • 'Toxic roommate murder trial' comes to an end

    Eighteen-year-old Anita Knutson was a bright student working two jobs, putting herself through college, and living on her own. Her family became concerned after she failed to show up to work, so her father went to her house, where he found her stabbed to death. Nearly 20 years after her death, investigators arrested Anita’s roommate, Nichole Rice, on a charge of murder. She stood trial and recently learned her verdict. Did Anita get justice?

    Source: True Crime Daily

  • Where Are Andalusia Grads Headed in 2025? A Look at College Trends

    Where Are Andalusia Grads Headed in 2025? A Look at College Trends

    Published 8:54 am Monday, April 7, 2025

    Picking a college is a big deal. You’re closing one chapter and stepping into something brand new. And if you’re in Andalusia or somewhere else in Covington County, you might be wondering—where is everyone going after this?

    Some grads pack up for big-name universities. Others stick closer to home or dive into community college life. A few take gap years. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It’s like choosing your next adventure. And just like you’d search for quality essay writing services online to help with the workload, you’ve got to explore your college options with the same smart mindset. Let’s break it down and see where local students are heading in 2025 and why it matters.

    Source: https://www.pexels.com/uk-ua/photo/1438072/ 

    Staying Local with LBW Community College

    A big number of Andalusia grads are choosing to stay close to home. And it makes sense. Lurleen B. Wallace Community College (LBWCC) is right here and offers solid programs. It’s affordable, flexible, and personal—something you don’t always get at a massive campus.

    Many students use LBWCC as a launchpad. Two years here, then transfer to a four-year university. It’s a smart move if you want to save money or stay near family while figuring things out. The bonus? Smaller classes mean more one-on-one time with instructors.

    Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of staying local:

    Pros:

    • Lower tuition and fewer living expenses
    • More personal attention from instructors
    • Close to family and community support

    Cons:

    • Fewer on-campus events or “big college” experiences
    • Limited degree programs compared to larger universities
    • Might miss out on networking or internships in bigger cities

    Auburn and Alabama: The Classic Picks

    Auburn University and the University of Alabama are still go-to choices for Covington County students. Whether it’s for football, engineering, nursing, or business, these two schools pull in a lot of local interest.

    But it’s not just about the name. Auburn has strong ties to agriculture and engineering, fields a lot of rural Alabama students are interested in. Alabama has standout programs in law, communications, and health sciences. The variety is a huge draw.

    South Alabama and Troy University: Mid-Sized and Mighty

    Universities like South Alabama in Mobile and Troy University are big hits with Andalusia grads. They’re not too far, but far enough to feel like you’re getting the “college experience.”

    Troy especially has a strong rep in the region. It offers tons of degree options and a tight-knit campus vibe. South Alabama is great for students interested in health, tech, or science careers. Both schools are known for offering decent scholarships to in-state students.

    Out-of-State Options (Yes, Really)

    Not everyone stays in Alabama. A few adventurous grads head out of state—Georgia, Florida, and Mississippi. Sometimes, it’s about a specific program. Other times, it’s just wanting something different.

    You might not think that many students leave, but they do, especially if they’re after unique majors like marine biology or film studies. While applying to out-of-state schools can be intimidating, it’s totally doable with the right planning and a bit of help from counselors or even platforms like EssayHub, where students get guidance from real experts when the pressure hits.

    Online Degrees: More Popular Than You’d Think

    Yep, some students are skipping campus life altogether. With remote learning becoming more common, online degrees are a legitimate option now. And no, it’s not just for “older” students or full-time workers.

    Some Andalusia grads are taking college classes online while working part-time or staying home to help their families. It’s all about flexibility. Online learning isn’t easier, but it’s adjustable. You still need to focus and manage time. 

    Choosing a Path Based on Career, Not Just School

    A big trend in 2025? Students are thinking more about jobs and less about just “going to college.” It’s a shift. People are asking, “What do I actually want to do?” before picking a major or school.

    That’s leading grads toward programs that connect directly to careers. Healthcare, education, skilled trades, and tech are topping the list. And schools that offer internships or guaranteed job placements are winning major points.

    What Andalusia Students Want Most

    So, what are students really looking for in 2025? Based on local surveys and school reports, here’s what tops the list:

    • Affordable tuition and scholarships
    • Flexible schedules (hello, part-time and online!)
    • Good job placement after graduation
    • Smaller class sizes and personal support
    • Clear paths from college to real-world work

    The message is loud and clear: students want college to be worth it. Not just for the degree but for the life it helps build afterward.

    Conclusion: Where You Go Matters—But So Does Why

    There are more options than ever. Some are close. Some are online. Some don’t involve traditional college at all. What matters is picking what works for you. Whether you’re aiming for Auburn or studying something online, the key is being clear on your goals and using your resources. 

    Class of 2025, you’ve got choices. Make the one that feels right, and go with it.

    Source: Andalusia Star

  • UK PM Starmer To Make Stunning Admission: ‘Globalization Is Over’

    UK PM Starmer To Make Stunning Admission: ‘Globalization Is Over’

    (ZH) – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will soon declare something ZeroHedge readers have known for quite some time – the economic system championed by the international elite is dead and gone.

    Starmer’s office told the Sunday Times that, “The world has changed, globalization is over and we are now in a new era.”

    “We’ve got to demonstrate that our approach, a more active Labour government, a more reformist government, can provide the answers for people in every part of this country,” his office added, emphasizing a pivot toward proactive governance.

    Starmer’s admission, albeit late, follows President Donald Trump’s tariffs announcement, which slapped a 10% fee on all goods from the United Kingdom.

    In a high-profile speech this week, Starmer will sharply criticize Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on the UK, while belatedly conceding the shortcomings of free trade and unfettered mass migration.

    Starmer’s upcoming remarks come alongside persistent efforts by UK officials to finalize a trade agreement with the United States. Downing Street has confirmed that negotiations are in an “advanced stage,” with officials indicating, per The Guardian, that the core framework of a deal is largely settled.

    The Guardian reports:

    The Guardian revealed this week that as part of its negotiations towards a deal, the government has drawn up proposals to reduce the amount paid by US tech titans and broaden the tax to apply to a wider range of companies – without reducing its total take. This is thought to be among the most significant concessions the UK has offered the US.

    On Sunday, top Trump officials said that 50 countries have already reached out to the administration in response to U.S. tariffs. “We already have 50 countries that have come to the table over the last few days, over the last weeks that are willing and desperate to talk to us,” Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins told CNN on Sunday. “We are the economic engine of the world, and it’s finally time that someone, President Trump, stood up for America.”

    “This whole concept is about rebuilding an American economy around American goods, around American industry,” Rollins added. “We do already live under a tariff regime in this country, but it’s the tariff regime of China, of Mexico, of Brazil, of Australia, of countries that Mexico won’t take our corn, Australia won’t take our beef. The country of Honduras takes more pork than the entire European Union does, American pork.”

    The markets are closely monitoring the European Union’s response to U.S. tariffs, with a proposal expected on Monday and a vote scheduled for Wednesday, according to Reuters. French President Emmanuel Macron has adopted the most hardline public position against President Trump, calling on European companies to halt investments in the United States.

    _________

    SOURCE

    Header reatured image (edited) credit: Photo: Number 10/Flickr. Emphisis added by (TLB)

    ••••

    ••••

    Stay tuned tuned…

    ••••

    The Liberty Beacon Project is now expanding at a near exponential rate, and for this we are grateful and excited! But we must also be practical. For 7 years we have not asked for any donations, and have built this project with our own funds as we grew. We are now experiencing ever increasing growing pains due to the large number of websites and projects we represent. So we have just installed donation buttons on our websites and ask that you consider this when you visit them. Nothing is too small. We thank you for all your support and your considerations … (TLB)

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    Comment Policy: As a privately owned web site, we reserve the right to remove comments that contain spam, advertising, vulgarity, threats of violence, racism, or personal/abusive attacks on other users. This also applies to trolling, the use of more than one alias, or just intentional mischief. Enforcement of this policy is at the discretion of this websites administrators. Repeat offenders may be blocked or permanently banned without prior warning.

    ••••

    Disclaimer: TLB websites contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available to our readers under the provisions of “fair use” in an effort to advance a better understanding of political, health, economic and social issues. The material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving it for research and educational purposes. If you wish to use copyrighted material for purposes other than “fair use” you must request permission from the copyright owner.

    ••••

    Disclaimer: The information and opinions shared are for informational purposes only including, but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material are not intended as medical advice or instruction. Nothing mentioned is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

    Source: TLB

  • Peer Teaching Partnerships: When Students Become the Experts

    Peer Teaching Partnerships: When Students Become the Experts

    Published 8:55 am Monday, April 7, 2025

    The college classroom has traditionally been defined by a clear hierarchy: professors impart knowledge, and students receive it. However, a transformative approach has been gaining momentum across higher education institutions worldwide. Peer teaching partnerships—structured educational relationships where students teach other students—are reshaping this dynamic by positioning undergraduates not just as learners but as subject matter experts in their own right. This pedagogical approach recognizes that expertise can develop at any stage of academic development and that the act of teaching itself solidifies understanding.

    Many undergraduates find themselves struggling with complex course material, often searching for reliable college essay support at essayservice.com or similar academic assistance platforms when they feel overwhelmed. Yet the peer teaching model suggests that students might find more meaningful help by turning to each other. This approach transforms the educational experience from passive consumption to active participation, creating dynamic environments where knowledge is co-created rather than simply transferred from authority figures to receptive vessels.

    The Evolution of Peer Teaching in Higher Education

    Peer teaching has deep historical roots in higher education. The tutorial systems of Oxford and Cambridge, where more advanced students guide their juniors through difficult material, represent early formalized versions of this approach. In American higher education, the concept gained significant traction during the progressive education movement of the early 20th century, championed by educational philosophers like John Dewey who emphasized learning through doing and social interaction.

    Modern peer teaching partnerships have evolved considerably from these traditional models. Today’s approaches range from structured supplemental instruction programs where experienced students lead review sessions to peer-led team learning where small groups tackle problems collaboratively to more formal undergraduate teaching assistant roles where students design and deliver portions of course content. What unites these diverse approaches is the fundamental belief that students can develop expertise worthy of sharing with their peers.

    Benefits for Student Teachers

    For students who take on teaching roles, the benefits extend far beyond their transcript. Research in educational psychology consistently affirms the “learning-by-teaching” effect—the process of preparing to teach material to others requires deeper processing and organization of knowledge than simply learning for oneself. When students know they must explain concepts to peers, they approach their own learning differently, seeking to understand rather than merely memorize.

    The development of soft skills represents another significant benefit for student teachers. Leading discussions, explaining complex ideas, responding to questions, and providing constructive feedback all require sophisticated communication abilities. Peer teachers must develop emotional intelligence as they navigate the complex interpersonal dynamics of helping classmates without appearing condescending. These skills—empathetic communication, clear explanation and adaptive teaching—transfer directly to professional contexts, from healthcare to business.

    Student teachers also gain valuable perspective on the learning process itself. When they encounter a peer struggling with a concept they now understand, they reflect on their own learning journey. This metacognitive awareness helps them become more effective learners across all their courses. Additionally, close collaboration with faculty mentors gives student teachers unique insight into academic careers and can influence their professional trajectories.

    Benefits for Student Learners

    Students receiving instruction from peers often engage more deeply with the material than they might in traditional professor-led environments. The psychological safety of learning from someone at a similar stage in their academic journey reduces anxiety and encourages questions that might remain unasked in more formal settings. Peer teachers serve as “near-peer role models”—close enough in experience to be relatable but advanced enough to be inspirational.

    The language peer teachers use naturally aligns with their learners’ understanding. While professors might unintentionally employ discipline-specific jargon or make assumptions about background knowledge, peer teachers remember what it was like to encounter the material for the first time. They can translate complex ideas into accessible language and connect concepts to shared experiences relevant to their generational peers.

    Peer learning also fosters community building among students. The collaborative nature of these interactions breaks down the competitive dynamics that often characterize higher education environments. Students begin to see each other as resources rather than rivals, creating support networks that extend beyond specific courses or assignments.

    Implementation Models in Contemporary Higher Education

    Across American universities, different models of peer teaching have proven successful in various contexts. Writing centers staffed by undergraduate consultants have become fixtures on most campuses, providing course-specific writing support led by students who excelled in those particular classes. This discipline-specific approach ensures that consultants understand both the content expectations and writing conventions of specific fields.

    In STEM disciplines, the Learning Assistant model pioneered at the University of Colorado Boulder has been widely adopted. Learning Assistants work alongside faculty in large enrollment courses, facilitating small group discussions, guiding problem-solving sessions, and providing individualized support during class activities. This model transforms large lecture courses into interactive learning environments.

    For humanities courses, discussion section leaders and reading group facilitators create spaces for deeper exploration of texts and ideas. These peer leaders don’t position themselves as content experts but rather as facilitators skilled at asking provocative questions, drawing connections, and ensuring diverse voices are heard.

    Conclusion

    Peer teaching partnerships represent a powerful paradigm shift in higher education. By acknowledging that expertise develops along a continuum rather than suddenly appearing with advanced degrees, these programs honor the knowledge and abilities students develop throughout their academic journeys. When students become teachers, they solidify their own understanding while developing transferable professional skills.

    As higher education continues to evolve, peer teaching partnerships offer a promising approach that honors student agency, leverages collective intelligence, and prepares graduates for careers that will increasingly value collaborative knowledge creation over individual expertise.

     

    Source: Andalusia Star