We are continually learning from each other. Most of the information or guidance we require in our daily lives we can attain from our friends and colleagues. Whether through online reviews and testimonials or observations of colleagues in the workplace, we are constantly gaining knowledge from our peers.
By definition, peer learning is a two-way reciprocal learning activity. In this style of learning, the peers help each other to learn through sharing advice, feedback and thoughtful questions. Additional types of sharing can also enrich the learning, for example, by sharing supportive challenges and accountabilities. Generally, peers are other people in a similar situation to each other who do not have power over each other by virtue of their title or responsibilities.
There are many benefits to peer learning. For instance, various forms of peer learning, especially when applied to real-life challenges and development, provide ideal conditions for adult learning. This type of learning can also be quite cost effective, since the peers often do most of the work and thus consultants or other facilitators are not required. Peer Learning can also deepen and enrich other more traditional forms of training and development, for example, courses, workshops and seminars.
Peer learning comes in many forms. To name a few:
Committees
Groups of people formally organized around a common project or program in order to make decisions and/or generate recommendations to share with others outside of the committee.
Debates
Debates are a formal activity in which members having a particular point of view attempt to convince others having a different point of view to arrive at the members’ particular point of view.
Peer Mentoring
A person (a mentor) who has strong knowledge and expertise in a certain topic or activity shares these attributes to help another (a mentee) to advance in his or her career.
Support Groups
These are groups organized to assist, guide and/or support each member to accomplish a significant development in his or her life. Self-help groups often focus on intentionally generating new actions to enhance personal development.
Teams
Teams are groups of people working toward a common purpose or goal.
A benefit to this style of learning is that it promotes certain types of learning outcomes, some of which are not easily achieved through other teaching and learning methods. While different forms of peer learning result in different outcomes, some of the common learning outcomes include: working with others; critical enquiry and reflection; communication and articulation of knowledge, understanding and skills; managing learning and self and peer assessment.
We rely on our peers for more than just casual social interactions. We are consistently learning from some of those closest to us and gaining not only knowledge but invaluable life skills such as collaboration, communication and self-awareness through peer learning.
Contact us today to learn more about how peer learning can integrate into your existing educational programs.
What is Peer Learning? was published by Authenticity consulting and was accessed through the Free Management Library.
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