The term ‘peer’ means friend. Hence, peer-to-peer learning is a process in which students or co-workers teach each other new concepts without the need for an instructor. This is a mutual learning and training strategy that involves people belonging to the same level, engaging with each other in collaborative learning. The opportunity provided in this process to teach each other and learn from each other in an effective way will ultimately benefit organizations in growing a strong group of employees who can work in the most productive way.
Peer-to-peer learning can take place in various places such as:
- Debates: In a debate, a person has a specific viewpoint towards a given topic and he or she tries to convince the opposing team with a different point of view, agree to with the person’s specific point of view. Even though debates do not encourage learning new concepts or generating new actions, it does enhance higher-order and critical thinking among the participants involved in the activity.
- Coaching: Peer coaching is a mutually beneficial relationship where two professional colleagues tutor or mentor each other in learning new concepts. They even share new ideas with each other, or solve work-related problems together.
- Peer Mentor: In this process, a senior or more experienced mentor is appointed to act as an advisor, counselor, guide, or trainee. In a beneficial mentoring relationship, an intentional focus on new actions and learning is required. Peer mentoring is a more informal, less structured process.
Peer-to-peer learning is really beneficial as it enables us to share our knowledge with each other in a very comfortable setting.
