Peer learning has many benefits that leading-edge education organizations have recognized, such as increased retention of learning, deeper understanding of new concepts, and increased informal learning. Participants are both teacher and student at different times, which fosters professional and personal growth.
Peer-based learning is both cost-effective and versatile because it is customized to the group involved, utilizes their own experience, and addresses real-world issues and challenges. Exchanging feedback with someone who has been through similar experiences and shares similar responsibilities is ideal for adult learners. Learning with colleagues in group settings is one of the most effective ways to understand, implement and sustain new approaches to real on-the-job challenges. And it’s enjoyable!
For the past decade, we have been designing peer learning from the perspective of participants engaged in the process. This makes it real and relevant and creates a genuine willingness to engage. We work hard to ensure the individuals involved get to know one another so that whatever topic being discussed can be addressed at a deep level. Cultivating this genuine understanding breaks down barriers between groups and allows them to work together and collaborate on other issues as well.
A few words from our participants:
- “Integrated Work Strategies’ conference call facilitation approach, has made our network of colleagues from across the country exponentially more productive and more effective.” L. Orloff, Washington, DC
- “I found the learning team meetings extremely supportive and valuable; it was such a rich exchange of ideas and sharing of problems, challenges, successes, and best practices. Your organization was excellent at facilitating everything-keeping the meetings lively and the ambitious agenda moving along.“ S. Pablo, Hawai’i
- “The benefit of the Peer Dialogue Group has been immeasurable to me.” Executive Director, OK
