A method of teaching and learning called “collaborative learning” entails groups of students working together to solve problems, finish tasks, or produce products. Through teamwork, cooperation, combined effort, and resources, effective collaborative learning has the potential to highlight the distinctive talents of each individual student while enhancing the work of the group.
Self Directed, Peer-to-peer Learning Can Teach the World | Bodo Hoenen | TEDxLoyolaMarymountU
Benefits of using peer-to-peer learning in the workplace
Although peer-to-peer learning is frequently associated with classroom instruction, it also has many advantages in the workplace. These include:
What is peer-to-peer learning?
A type of training program called peer-to-peer learning involves coworkers instructing other coworkers. Colleagues in the same department or at the same level share knowledge with one another rather than having an expert, a trainer, or a manager teach employees skills and knowledge. Examples of peer-to-peer learning include:
All of these types of peer-to-peer learning involve staff members interacting with one another and talking about ideas. In a friendly and open environment, they can impart what they already know and pick up new abilities.
How to implement peer-to-peer learning in the workplace
Establish a peer-to-peer learning program in your division by doing the following:
1. Get leaderships support
To ensure the success of your program, confirm that the company supports peer-to-peer learning. Use statistics and research on the advantages of peer-to-peer learning to demonstrate why it is efficient and valuable. Request a meeting with the company’s executives and be prepared with a plan for the program that includes timetables for learning, rules, and resources.
2. Choose an organizer
Select a team member to serve as the facilitator of the peer-to-peer learning process. They are in charge of planning lessons, kicking off and carrying on conversations, maintaining the focus of lessons, and posing thoughtful questions. This person is an impartial team member and does not hold a managerial position. As a facilitator, they usually focus more on organizing and leading than on teaching.
3. Set rules
Create a code of conduct and a secure environment so that staff members are at ease discussing their skills and experiences. Stress the value of respect, constructive criticism, boundaries, privacy, and effective communication. The designated facilitator can contribute to the creation of the code of conduct and oversee employee adherence.
4. Encourage teamwork
When workers have solid relationships and function well as a team, learning is frequently made easier. Make sure your workplace culture values collaboration and hosts team-building activities. A team that works well together and has mutual trust is typically more open to taking direction from their peers.
5. Schedule peer learning opportunities
Establish networking opportunities and peer-to-peer learning sessions so that staff members can openly exchange ideas and abilities. These opportunities for learning can take the form of casual happy hours and educational lunches or formal, scheduled occasions like mentoring sessions or online workgroups. In addition to scheduling regular peer-to-peer learning once a week or once a month, encourage your staff to lead impromptu learning sessions.
6. Use technology
Invest in a learning management system or learning platform that staff members can use to access and share knowledge. They can share content like educational documents, how-to presentations, training webinars, and helpful tips through these programs. Each team member can interact with, discuss, and learn from the content.
7. Encourage different perspectives
Encourage staff to share different viewpoints or methods of doing things to foster a more tolerant workplace culture. You can also motivate staff to take chances and develop skills outside the scope of their regular responsibilities. The outcome is a knowledgeable and skilled workforce that can approach tasks from various angles.
8. Match new hires with seasoned employees
Managers have the option of pairing new hires with seasoned personnel as part of the organization’s onboarding procedure. The seasoned coworker instructs the new hire using their expertise. By allowing new hires to train themselves, this type of peer-to-peer learning can speed up employee integration into the company and save managers time and money.
9. Get feedback
Employers can help you develop and improve your program for peer-to-peer learning by providing feedback. Ask how you can improve the program or the process. Choose the learning materials they find most useful and the frequency of your learning sessions. To find out if peer-to-peer learning has improved since beginning, you can also ask managers or company leadership for feedback.
FAQ
Why is peer learning important?
- Proctor model. The proctor model involves senior students tutoring junior students.
- Discussion seminars. …
- Peer Support Groups. …
- Peer Assessment Schemes. …
- Collaborative Projects. …
- Cascading Groups. …
- Workplace mentoring. …
- Reciprocal teaching.
How do you facilitate peer to peer learning?
Peer learning has the benefit of allowing students to concentrate on understanding rather than problem-solving. This fosters a spirit of cooperation and collaboration among students, increasing their effectiveness.
What are peer learning strategies?
- Allowing students to create brief video lessons will allow them to teach one another.
- Before asking the teacher a question, let the students debate it among themselves.
- Encourage group discussion, explanation of points of view, and idea sharing
