Page History: Learning Path #2: Why use Peer Learning?
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Page Revision: 2010/04/01 15:55
STILL BEING DRAFTED - WORK IN PROGRESSThere are many ways we can and do learn. The question is, when is it useful to adopt a peer learning strategy? What are the benefits? Risks?
Benefits of Peer Learning
- We learn as we do. As adults, we learn in context, through exchanges with others, including our peers. See Peter Senge, The Fifth Discipline (Doubleday, 1990),
- We learn when it is relevant. We learn in moments of need, challenge or action. Peer learning is flexible.
- As we age, we rely more on learning in the moment, versus retaining lists of information. Contextual learning is essential.
- Peer learning builds on formal learning and complement other forms of learning.
- Self-managed - we learn when we can fit it in our busy lives.
Risks of Peer Learning
- It can be hard to measure, especially the informal, self directed bits and pieces.
- Peer learning may whither with too much organizational control. It is strongest when driven by the people needing and wanting to learn. While organizational support is useful, it can smother efforts if there is too much required action and control.
- May suffer from lack of learner motivation and/or time. Being too busy, juggling too many priorities removes the time and opportunity for peer learning. What can we STOP doing?
When to Consider Using Peer Learning
- To solve problems/address opportunities
- To build new skills and capacity
- For continued professional development
- To be connected to other practitioners
Process Note: How We'll Use Peer Learning in our work together
* Wiki
* Synchronous Coaching Sessions
* Asynchronous Discussions
* What else?
Identified needs for Peer Learning in Washington State Libraries
It would be great to make this a wiki page where we can start gathering examples and stories. We can harvest from the web meetings and trainings.Examples and Stories of Peer Learning¶
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http://educationaltechnology.ca/couros/1156
