The benefits of a well designed Peer Learning Project extend far beyond the participants in the groups. Sponsoring organizations advance the capabilities of a whole sector, provide targeted technical assistance to critical partners, and learn about the needs of their constituents.
Additionally, early warning signs of concerns and issues that are brewing become apparent, as well as increasing the visibility of concrete success stories to share with their funders and stakeholders. Staff who facilitate Peer Learning experiences receive an invaluable education about the nuances of the field, the challenges to implementing policies or approaches advocated by the sponsoring organization, and ultimately how to best support professionals on their path to increasing individual and collective capabilities.
Peer Learning Groups are highly appreciated by participants because:
- Discussion topics are specific, relevant, and customized to participants’ current responsibilities, needs, and interests. People enjoy knowing that others have similar challenges; that they are not alone.
- Learners respond better to hearing how someone has actually solved a problem, such as when a fellow participant talks about their own experience, as opposed to being told by a trainer about applying an idea or theory.
- Participants easily forge bonds, advise and inspire one another because they share so much in common in their work. Additional collaboration and networking occurs over time outside regularly scheduled meetings based on connections established during Learning Group exchanges.
- Individuals can leverage the collective wisdom of their peers when they most need it.
- A summary of the insights and actions suggested by participants during the call is provided to all. Summary notes remind those involved in the call about the full range of suggestions and ideas discussed. They also provide a valuable synopsis for those unable to attend.
- Conversations are cumulative, incorporating participant expertise and building on shared knowledge gained across multiple topics.
- Supplemental resources, articles, tools and subject matter experts are brought to bear on specific areas of interest by group participants and facilitators.
Creating custom capacity-building projects involving Peer Learning is our passion. With more than a decade of experience behind us, we can help you design a truly effective capacity building project. Contact Jessica Hartung, Founder and CEO, to discuss further.
