When the need to develop skills arises within an organization, the usual solution is to hire a subject matter expert who will serve as a consultant or trainer. However, it is possible to adopt an alternative approach to transmitting knowledge: peer learning What is peer learning? How does it work? What are the benefits?
Definition of peer learning
The Peer Learning, which is becoming more and more popular, is a way of learning that promotes collaborative work. This method actively involves learners in the learning process. Collaboration is fundamental in peer learning, the aim being to acquire mutual knowledge. Education takes place horizontally and interaction between learners is the basis for peer learning, in this case another learner Whom he is going to teach something or, on the contrary, who is going to teach him something - or both.
Peer Learning therefore consists of a mutual support session between two learners. Learning is thus carried out on the basis of collaboration and sharing. Learners strengthen their knowledge while contributing to the enrichment of that of their peers.
What are the different Peer Learning techniques? There are two types of traditional peer learning methods.
First of all, the Tutoring is the most used technique. The training of a novice student is taken care of by an advanced student on a theme. This method is beneficial for each of the participants: The most advanced increases their knowledge by doing extensive research on the subject and the novice gains in competence.
Second, the Jigsaw method promotes group work. It facilitates integration into a team. This time a person is responsible for the learning of a group on a given theme.
However, peer learning encounters obstacles. Employees must switch from time to time to avoid creating unconscious detours: a feeling of inferiority among the tutored compared to their tutors. In addition, the support system must be rigorous to allow corrective feedback to be given in the event of an error.
The origins of peer learning
Peer Learning has its roots at Harvard University, thanks to the physicist and professor Eric Mazur. In 1991, he had a brilliant idea, to observe that his students could solving problems without really understanding the underlying concepts.
This is how Peer Learning was born. He developed this new approach for encourage students to support each other in their understanding. A simple but ultimately very powerful idea.
Peer Learning Process
During peer learning, colleagues teach each other what they know, in groups of two. Peer learning is flexible and can be formal or informal. Regardless of how you do it, the benefits of team learning are undeniable..
One of the most effective ways to use peer learning in business is to encourage social learning, or Social Learning. Essentially, it's about learning by observing, interacting with, and following your peers as they complete their tasks. This form of learning is very effective because it is relatively informal, while being low-stress and engaging.
It is also important to let employees manage their own learning. While maintaining a structure in place, Peer Learning is a great opportunity to give employees control over what they learn. This method makes it possible to get the most out of the training and helps to stay engaged.
There are lots of ways to use Peer to Peer Learning. Here are a few examples:
- Lunch and Learn : this is a relatively simple and fairly common approach. Periodically, employees have lunch with another employee with different skills. One of the two (or both!) Give a presentation and lead the discussion on the topic provided, ideally by transferring knowledge or information
- Mentoring : Mentors are very effective in helping new hires solve problems. They have general knowledge about the demands of the job and can help resolve difficulties. Strong and present mentors are a huge advantage for businesses. They not only help to solve obstacles encountered in the work more effectively, but also to build strong internal relationships.
Benefits of Peer Learning in the educational environment
The benefits of Peer Learning in education are numerous.
The added values of peer learning are important. The teacher can check student comprehension using Feedback and readjust his teaching if necessary.
During the process, Students' confidence in their critical sense increases. The latter is a fundamental skill to be acquired in higher education. Peer learning also allows learners to maintain attention, to strengthen their spirit of mutual aid and collaboration, to learn by themselves and to develop a certain independence.
Peer Learning strengthens socio-motivational relationships and improves communication skills.
Benefits of Peer Learning within the company
Peer learning is profitable, as iselearning. It allows limit costs by avoiding the need to hire external experts whenever there is a lack of knowledge in the organization. Employees prefer to ask their colleagues for information. Learning at work and obtaining information from employees to improve skills is also a common trend.
- In-house learning empowers staff. When employees share what they know, and are considered experts, they feel valued in the workplace. Businesses can take advantage of internal staff goals to constantly improve.
- The common experience : Since the person who teaches and the person who learns are peers and work at a similar level, they will have shared experiences that can facilitate learning.
- Sharing : sharing allows you to care about others. When colleagues teach or learn from each other, they build more social relationships. Trust and respect are strengthened, as is companionship. This learning thus makes it possible to establish solid relationships based on the collective sharing of knowledge.
- Employee comfort : employees are much more comfortable with peer learning only with an external resource. Peer learning can encourage staff to stay in the company.
Peer Learning: are there any disadvantages?
Now that we've covered the interests, let's move on to the crucial question: Are there disadvantages to peer learning?
While peer learning has many benefits, it can also present challenges. Some people might feel Intimidated by the idea of participate actively in a group.
In addition, there may be a delta of competence between the various participants. So it can Making the experience of assimilation unequal. But don't worry, there are techniques to overcome these obstacles.
Some Peer Learning Techniques
There are a lot of techniques to successfully implement Peer Learning!
Les debates, discussion groups, coaching, mentoring, learning lunches and performance evaluations are methods that have already proven their worth.
Peer Learning and Neuroscience
Related aspects to attention, to action, to feedback and to practice play a role crucial in the learning process.
Neuroscience taught us that. Les interactive environments promote intrinsic motivation.
In addition, lSocial interaction boosts learners' well-being. Collaborative pedagogies also encourage this shared motivation.
Finally, the” reward system “of the brain generates dopamine and reinforces the desire to continue interacting!
To conclude, Peer Learning is a collaborative learning method centered on the learner. The latter is more motivated and cultivates better self-confidence. This method offers numerous benefits, ranging from easier learning to saving money. It is easy to implement in businesses of any size.
