4 steps to boost learning
The recipe for success in learning
The 70-20-10 model for learning and development, developed by researchers Morgan McCall, Robert W. Eichinger and Michael Lombardo in 1980, demonstrates that when learning takes place between peers, it is easier and quicker.
According to a study carried out on 200 executives, 20% acquire skills through interactions with colleagues, senior leaders and mentors. It also showed that informal learning often happens unconsciously and is a result of self-directed study. Self-directed or self-determined learning is a term which captures the concept of individuals taking initiative and responsibility for their own learning process, often deciding what, how, and when to learn based on their own interests and goals.
Whether remote, face-to-face or even through digital learning modules, it proves that we learn twice as much from peers. This is due to a few reasons.
First and foremost, it can be explained by one of the main principles in teaching called ‘modelling’. This involves copying others to improve, taking the best bits and reproducing them. It goes without saying that when we learn alongside others we can help each other, mutually inspiring each other and improving together.
Developing a sense of competence is another issue for the education sector. Through peer feedback mistakes can be avoided. If we don’t recognise our mistakes, we will continue to make them until they become ingrained in our work, however working under the supervision of our peers allows us to avoid these types of errors or correct them from the outset.
A final explanation that is less known but highly important, is based on what is referred to in education as ‘reflective questioning’. This technique is about reflecting on what we do, questioning ourselves to understand how and why we learn. Without asking questions, we may be able to get things done, but not necessarily to the highest standard. It involves stepping back from our work, with the help of our peers, who help us to understand and answer questions raised. Asking questions improves the learning process, just as much for the person asking the questions as for those answering.
How can we promote peer learning within companies?
There are several techniques to implement and encourage peer learning. Let us introduce you to 4 foolproof methods which will allow you to significantly increase learning in your teams!
1) Process mapping
Understanding “who does what”, is precisely what process mapping addresses. This collaborative learning technique allows a pair or group of people to all contribute their activities and perspectives. This creates structure and order within the learning process and improves collaborative relationships within team members. This will not only help employees to learn better, but to better understand each other's role.
2) Peer-to-peer learning
The learners are at the heart of peer learning! They are both the giver and receiver of knowledge. Learners work together to find solutions to the various problems they are presented with. From this point onwards, all the individual skills gathered from this work will be shared with everyone. This method can be combined with co-development, whereby working in a group helps develop and enhance each individual's knowledge.
3) Competency pairing
This method is by far the simplest as it involves organising tasks in teams (of 2 people usually, but it can also be done with several people). Assigning a single task to several people, in addition to facilitating learning, will enable flexibility within teams as well as the development of mutual support.
4) Group sharing of best practices
This approach is based on peer communication and will allow individuals to revisit their practices and how they realise them. As well as improving their own ways of working and reflecting on “why and how I carry out my tasks”, this method will allow for the harmonisation of work and everyone will progress together.
Conclusion
There are so many technique options because they aren’t all equally effective for every team. It is therefore important to let each team test out different approaches to figure out which one will enhance performance and learning the most. The importance of the learning process is crucial and improving it will allow individual employees and groups to confront challenges or problems they face.
