Written by
Gideon Aleonogwe
April 26, 2024
Table of contents
AI and Technology in Education
A Comprehensive Guide to Peer-to-Peer Learning in Cohorts: Strategies, Benefits, and Implementation`
Gideon Aleonogwe
November 21, 2023
How can you train a group using a unified yet flexible curriculum?
As a training instructor, you're always looking for ways to help online learners succeed. You want your organisation to stand out as a key part of people's career paths.
In 2024, online education is expected to bring in $185.20 billion. And with almost 15% of learners already buying courses.
It's clear why:
Students enjoy the personal touch of online learning. It helps students retain more information by up to 60% compared to traditional learning methods.
Peer learning builds on these benefits. It drives enrolments and retention rates even higher.
How?
By creating a supportive environment where students share insights and challenge one another.
In this post, we'll show you how to use peer learning activities in your cohorts programs. We'll also provide you with practical steps to integrate it into your courses.
What is Peer-to-Peer Learning in Cohorts?
Peer learning is a learning style where learners collaborate and share knowledge and ideas with their peers.
It's simple: learners teach each other as equals in a supportive environment.
Instead of relying solely on instructors, peers guide each other. They tackle anything from new concepts to reinforcing their understanding of old topics.
In cohort-based settings, this approach helps learners tackle challenges together. It creates a cooperative atmosphere and builds more adaptable teams capable of problem-solving.
Because students use their collective experience, peer learning boosts retention, motivation, and engagement.
Image via Peer Learning Institute
Examples of Peer Learning in Practice
Peer learning takes many forms based on group goals:
Committees (i.e., small groups focusing on specific projects to share expertise)
Focus Groups (i.e., centred around a topic to dive deeply into shared objectives)
Discussion Groups (i.e., encourage open dialogue where everyone builds knowledge)
Networking (i.e., building professional relationships through peer connections)
Debates (i.e., exploring diverse perspectives on key topics)
Peer Coaching/Mentoring (i.e., senior members guide others through their journey)
Study Groups (i.e., collaborating to grasp challenging subjects)
Adopting any of these examples in your cohort programs is not straightforward. It requires a lot of planning.
So, why choose a peer learning style for your cohorts? See below.
Peer learning brings several significant advantages that enhance both educational and workplace environments.
For Learners, peer learning:
1. Builds Trust and Motivation
Peer-to-peer learning creates a more trusting educational environment and boosts motivation.
A group of university professors published a research paper on peer learning. Students involved in the reserach demonstrated significant growth in metacognitive skills.
They became more aware of their learning processes and strategies.
When learners are actively engaged, they go from passive listeners to active participants. And this improves their ability to recall information.
2. Develops Essential Skills
Collaborating with peers fosters critical thinking, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and metacognition.
Teachers often have to go the extra mile for learners to confidently answer questions. And you can’t do so by only covering the foundations of the course.
Students in peer learning programs tend to revisit previous concepts. This helps them reinforce their understanding of the topic.
It also develops strong communication and listening skills in the workplace. They learn how to give and receive feedback during peer learning sessions.
This quote by Steve Almond, an American author and essayist, gives a special insight into the benefits of peer learning:
3. Improves Cohort and Team Dynamics
Peer learning has a threefold effect on cohort dynamics.
First, learners find the most effective way to work together. The learning model forces them to collaborate.
Differing schedule? No problem. They tend to find a way out.
Second, they get to tackle challenges together. And by doing so, it helps them understand their strengths and weaknesses.
Last but not least, peer learning has a way of making teams work toward a common goal.
When a team's cooperation is high, each individual feels supported and seen. The team becomes more adaptable and capable of solving complex problems.
4. Leverages Internal Expertise
With peer learning organisations can better maximize their employees' untapped talent.
You can’t always know who knows what or can do what if you don’t give them the opportunity to shine.
This is why peer learning is a good way to look out for talents for managerial and administrative roles. Are they imposing? Do they take their time to explain complex concepts?
These are some of the strengths you won’t see in external consultants. They probably won’t care as much as a colleague when handling the same subject.
With peer learning, you upskill the workforce and reduce the need for externals.
5. Increases Learners’ Engagement
When learners become teachers, they're more invested in the training process.
Why?
Peer learning creates a continuous loop of gaining knowledge. It involves applying knowlge gained, receiving feedback from peers, and reflecting.
This cycle reinforces learning and keeps peers engaged. They become invested in the outcome of the program and the friends they have made.
This, in turn, increases active participation and employee engagement
6. Saves Costs
Peer learning programs can be more cost-effective than hiring external consultants for training.
Let's say you want to teach time management techniques to new employees and students. Hiring an external to do the job may not have the same effect as if a peer taught it.
For starters, peer teachers have more relatable examples. They understand the concepts that are most rtricky to understand and try to make it easier.
For this reason, skills taught by peers are easily transferable and practical.
Secondly, learning kicks off almost immediately. Students don't have to adjust to externals. Plus, they are more willling to ask for help.
All these benefits are at no extra costs.
7. Cultivating Diverse Perspectives
Learning is best when everyone contributes.
We all have unique experiences and insights. And if there is no proper communication channel, you rob learners of the best learning experience.
What’s learning without an idea of the diversity of information available to you?
Working closely with diverse peers encourages new connections and widens understanding.
Why Should You Adopt Peer-to-Peer Learning in Cohort Models?
Key Differences Between Peer Learning and Traditional Learning
Let's compare peer learning vs. traditional learning using the following criteria:
Level of Interaction: The amount of interaction between students. Is student-to-student relationship part of the learning process? Or is it an afterthought?
Learning Autonomy: This is trusting students enough to take charge of their learning. Think of it this way: If you only allow peer learning sessions under supervision, is that a peer gathering?
Role of Technology: How accessible is the teaching process? Is it interactive? Is the technology there to aid student collaboration or reinforce teacher’s instructions?
Hierarchy: The head of the learning process often dictates how learning goes. Is everyone seen as equals in learning sessions, or is there a hierarchical structure?
So, here’s how they compare side-by-side based on the classes we defined above:
Key Differences Between Peer-to-Peer Learning and Solo Learning
We can understand the differences between learning and solo learning using these bases:
Engagement Levels: How actively involved are learners? Is there a collaborative, interactive environment, or is learning an individual activity?
Learning Outcomes: Do learners recall and understand material better through collaboration? Or does independent study yield stronger results?
Feedback and Support: Do peers receive constructive feedback from others? Or must they rely on self-assessment?
Skills Development: The skills students develop depends on the learning model you choose. Do learners develop collaboration skills like communication and teamwork? Or do they focus on on their individual growth?
Here's a side-by-side comparison:
How to Implement Peer-to-Peer Learning Strategies Effectively
Implementing a peer-to-peer learning program can benefit your organization if approached thoughtfully. Here's how you can execute these strategies:
1. Talk to the Management
Before introducing a new learning model, speak with the management. Ensure that they are all on board with the idea as it makes planning so much easier.
With so many moving parts in the planning process, you don’t want to do this without proper backing.
Your strategy should include the benefits of the peer-learning model, guidelines, and schedules. Having a well-prepared program strategy increases your chances of securing the necessary support.
2. Create an Enabling Environment
Draft a code of conduct. In the document, emphasise respect, constructive feedback, and confidentiality.
These terms are necessary to establish mutual respect.
To drive your point, give examples and scenarios. Go the extra mile to plan for precautions in case anything goes wrong.
Doing this is critical to the model's survival. A guaranteed safe learning environment helps build mutual trust.
With a platform like VarsityScape, facilitators can reinforce these principles without hassle.
3. Encourage Teamwork
When you preach teamwork among peers, respect becomes a part of the culture.
Explain in your program guide that teamwork contributes to learners' final certification scores. Taking this action early on prepares them for collaborative projects.
Don't just jump into collaborative projects and peer learning exercises. You can ease learners into the model using class-wide discussions and team-building events.
It doesn’t have to be anything serious. You can also consider activities like debates and quizzes. This helps the course facilitator know the pairs that will work best together.
4. Set Up a Buddy System
There is no one rule to setting up a buddy system. Depending on your courses' goal, you can choose to:
Pair more experienced learners and those relatively new to the subject, or
Each of these methods have their own peculiarities.
For the first:
Standardising learners' expertise may be difficult. Yet, knowledge distribution between pairs is almost even.
And for the second, there is a possibility of pairing two newbies. But this encourages learners to figure things out on their own.
Compare both buddy styles and choose the one that best suits your course.
5. Use Collaborative Platforms
Invest in cohort-based learning platforms.
Prioritise platforms with intuitive user interfaces and positive user experience.
I get it, we all want the flashy features and sleek designs. But they add no real value to your programs because designs alone won't make students show up.
Instead, ask yourself:
Can teachers share training documents? Is the live class feature seamless and well-suited for presentations? Is Google Calendar integrated for easier reminders?
VarsityScape makes this dilemma a no-worry. The platform is a swiss-army knife to all your peer learning platform troubles.
Our platform encourages continuous learning, feedback, and easier collaboration for free.
6. Rewards Peer Learners
How do you ensure learners stick to the timetable and meet as scheduled?
Easy. Gamify the experience.
You can do it in several ways. You could:
Tie the peer learning experience to career growth at your organization, or
Expose them to job and internship opportunities with partners if you are running a boot camp.
Offering such incentives promotes personal commitment and continuous engagement in learning activities.
Ensure incentives align with each learner’s career path for even better results.
7. Encourage Different Perspectives
As with disclaimers, let learners know they will encounter new (sometimes unpopular) ideas. This approach prepares them for the program.
Foster an open-minded environment. Support anonymous suggestions if students are too scared to contribute their two cents.
This promote inclusivity, widens perspectives and keeps learners receptive to new viewpoints.
Also, incorporate these perspectives into group discussions to enrich peers' learning experience.
9. Get Feedback
Gather regular feedback to improve the peer learning program.
Use surveys, one-on-one meetings, and structured assessments. This allows you to know what's working and what needs adjusting.
Encourage learners to share honest opinions thatwill help refine the program.
Continuous feedback, helps you meet participants' needs and create a more effective system.
Types of Peer-to-Peer Learning Activities
Different peer learning activities offer varied benefits depending on the program's objectives. Here are some common forms:
Case-Based Discussions
In case-based discussions, peers analyse real-world scenarios together. They share insights and develop practical solutions based on these scenarios.
This activity allows learners to:
Apply theoretical knowledge to practical challenges, and
Develop critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, active listening, and diverse perspectives.
This peer learning style can include role plays for more practical demonstration.
It could also take the form of fishbowl discussions. Here, a smaller group sits in the center discussing a topic while a larger group observes.
Collaborative Projects and Group Work
Collaborative projects could be anything from tackling assignments to developing presentations.
These activities need team members to brainstorm, assign tasks, and communicate to achieve a the learning goal.
This approach enhances teamwork, leadership, and time management skills.
For example, when you have an expansive curriculum, split the class into small groups. Have them tackle the different portions of a topic.
Access the outcome of the group work. Then score them depending on the goal of the project. You could base scoring on the extensiveness of research, the depth of thinking. Or even teamwork. It's yours to decide.
Do you get the idea now?
Peer Review and Feedback Sessions
Peer review and feedback sessions encourage learners to grade each other's work.
Peer assessment show learners that there's a whole point of view they might be missing. So when they do come across different perspectives, it reinforces what they've learnt.
These sessions are crucial for developing communication and critical evaluation skills.
Another way to go about this learning method is to have experienced peers mentor newbies.
This should include, but not limited to, personalized feedback and support.
This peer learning style is well-suited to programming bootcamps and language learning programs.
Must-Have Features for Peer Learning Management Software
There are so many peer learning management solutions available, no doubt. And it can be challenging to find the right one for your organisation.
Like Thanos’s gauntlet, we understand how it can be enticing to want every feature in the book. But that shouldn’t be the case.
You need a tool that meets your unique needs while offering a set of core features. Here's a list of features the right peer learning management software must-have:
1. Cohort Management
A great peer learning management software makes it easy for admins to manage cohorts.
Organized peer learning is only possible in cohorts and other similar class models.
When choosing a peer learning solution, ask yourself:
"Will this software help me set up and organize my classes better?", "Do I need more tools to manage my course?"
If your answers to these questions are "yes" and "no", then you might have found the right solution. The right solution helps you set up, organize, and manage courses without hassle.
2. Chats & Community for Collaboration
An effective peer learning management software must support collaboration.
Effective collaboration has become a buzzword in peer learning. Everyone claims they have that covered but do little beyond live chats.
What happened to organized threads?
Yes, chats and direct messaging are a from of collaboration. But having a community of learners makes learning and working together easy.
Peers can share materials and ideas, and solve problems within chats and can always come back to it.
Besides, everyone can't have the same schedules. That is why you must choose a solution with chats & community built.
3. Live Classes for Interactive Learning
Engaging students can be exhausting without the right tools. With everything online, you need meeting tools that allows for interactive class activities.
Some of the activities include class polls and real-time chat. The idea is to have a dynamic classroom where information sharing is a two-way process.
Recording such classes should now take away from the interactiveness of the class.
What does this do for learners? They can:
Better interact and share information
Clarify doubts any concepts or techniques, and
Collaborate with their peers even if they have different schedules.
And that's where a software solution like VarsityScape comes in. It integrates live class features, making peer learning seamless and discussions productive.
4. Reporting and Analytics
You can't go wrong with a platform that prides itself on accurate reporting and analytics.
It's great to think you can tell which students are performing and those that aren't. But nothing visualization. Using dashboards to track learner progress and know which modules pose a problem.
It's easier to make mistakes when tracking attendance and completion rates with sheets. Now you see why dashboards can be game changing.
Discover insights that will help refine your teaching approach and improve engagement.
Bonus points if the learning software provides analytic tools to make your decision-making easier.
5. Payment and Revenue Management
Simplifying payment management is crucial to focus on providing quality education.
Look for platforms that can helps you manage student payments, and track revenue. All from within the software.
This means you don't have to worry about using other apps to streamline your finances. All you have to do now is focus on creating a seamless experience for learners.
That simple!
6. Customizable and Scalable
Every organisation has unique needs and growth patterns.
A scalable platform allows you to tailor features as your cohort programs grow. That way, your learning objectives remain intact.
This flexibility ensures you’re never limited in supporting future learners. You don't have to care about anything else but marketing your course to more students.
Select software that can adapt to your specific requirements while accommodating future expansion.
Optimise Your Peer-to-Peer Learning Programs With VarsityScape
We've covered a lot in this blog post:
The importance of peer-to-peer learning. How it enhances engagement, collaboration, and knowledge retention.
How cohort models foster a supportive environment, motivating students to share insights and challenge each other.
How you can implement peer learning. Including tips on how to create the right environment and encourage teamwork.
The must-have features in a peer learning management platform. All of which you can find on VarsityScape.
In all this, one thing remains crucial:
Are you ready to maximize your organisation's educational programs with VarsityScape?
Arm yourself with the right tools and strategies to provide seamless peer learning. Deliver an engaging learning experience that supports your learners at every step.
Sign up to VarsityScape for free today!
AI and Technology in Education
A Comprehensive Guide to Peer-to-Peer Learning in Cohorts: Strategies, Benefits, and Implementation`
Gideon Aleonogwe
November 21, 2023
How can you train a group using a unified yet flexible curriculum?
As a training instructor, you're always looking for ways to help online learners succeed. You want your organisation to stand out as a key part of people's career paths.
In 2024, online education is expected to bring in $185.20 billion. And with almost 15% of learners already buying courses.
It's clear why:
Students enjoy the personal touch of online learning. It helps students retain more information by up to 60% compared to traditional learning methods.
Peer learning builds on these benefits. It drives enrolments and retention rates even higher.
How?
By creating a supportive environment where students share insights and challenge one another.
In this post, we'll show you how to use peer learning activities in your cohorts programs. We'll also provide you with practical steps to integrate it into your courses.
What is Peer-to-Peer Learning in Cohorts?
Peer learning is a learning style where learners collaborate and share knowledge and ideas with their peers.
It's simple: learners teach each other as equals in a supportive environment.
Instead of relying solely on instructors, peers guide each other. They tackle anything from new concepts to reinforcing their understanding of old topics.
In cohort-based settings, this approach helps learners tackle challenges together. It creates a cooperative atmosphere and builds more adaptable teams capable of problem-solving.
Because students use their collective experience, peer learning boosts retention, motivation, and engagement.
Image via Peer Learning Institute
Examples of Peer Learning in Practice
Peer learning takes many forms based on group goals:
Committees (i.e., small groups focusing on specific projects to share expertise)
Focus Groups (i.e., centred around a topic to dive deeply into shared objectives)
Discussion Groups (i.e., encourage open dialogue where everyone builds knowledge)
Networking (i.e., building professional relationships through peer connections)
Debates (i.e., exploring diverse perspectives on key topics)
Peer Coaching/Mentoring (i.e., senior members guide others through their journey)
Study Groups (i.e., collaborating to grasp challenging subjects)
Adopting any of these examples in your cohort programs is not straightforward. It requires a lot of planning.
So, why choose a peer learning style for your cohorts? See below.
Peer learning brings several significant advantages that enhance both educational and workplace environments.
For Learners, peer learning:
1. Builds Trust and Motivation
Peer-to-peer learning creates a more trusting educational environment and boosts motivation.
A group of university professors published a research paper on peer learning. Students involved in the reserach demonstrated significant growth in metacognitive skills.
They became more aware of their learning processes and strategies.
When learners are actively engaged, they go from passive listeners to active participants. And this improves their ability to recall information.
2. Develops Essential Skills
Collaborating with peers fosters critical thinking, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and metacognition.
Teachers often have to go the extra mile for learners to confidently answer questions. And you can’t do so by only covering the foundations of the course.
Students in peer learning programs tend to revisit previous concepts. This helps them reinforce their understanding of the topic.
It also develops strong communication and listening skills in the workplace. They learn how to give and receive feedback during peer learning sessions.
This quote by Steve Almond, an American author and essayist, gives a special insight into the benefits of peer learning:
3. Improves Cohort and Team Dynamics
Peer learning has a threefold effect on cohort dynamics.
First, learners find the most effective way to work together. The learning model forces them to collaborate.
Differing schedule? No problem. They tend to find a way out.
Second, they get to tackle challenges together. And by doing so, it helps them understand their strengths and weaknesses.
Last but not least, peer learning has a way of making teams work toward a common goal.
When a team's cooperation is high, each individual feels supported and seen. The team becomes more adaptable and capable of solving complex problems.
4. Leverages Internal Expertise
With peer learning organisations can better maximize their employees' untapped talent.
You can’t always know who knows what or can do what if you don’t give them the opportunity to shine.
This is why peer learning is a good way to look out for talents for managerial and administrative roles. Are they imposing? Do they take their time to explain complex concepts?
These are some of the strengths you won’t see in external consultants. They probably won’t care as much as a colleague when handling the same subject.
With peer learning, you upskill the workforce and reduce the need for externals.
5. Increases Learners’ Engagement
When learners become teachers, they're more invested in the training process.
Why?
Peer learning creates a continuous loop of gaining knowledge. It involves applying knowlge gained, receiving feedback from peers, and reflecting.
This cycle reinforces learning and keeps peers engaged. They become invested in the outcome of the program and the friends they have made.
This, in turn, increases active participation and employee engagement
6. Saves Costs
Peer learning programs can be more cost-effective than hiring external consultants for training.
Let's say you want to teach time management techniques to new employees and students. Hiring an external to do the job may not have the same effect as if a peer taught it.
For starters, peer teachers have more relatable examples. They understand the concepts that are most rtricky to understand and try to make it easier.
For this reason, skills taught by peers are easily transferable and practical.
Secondly, learning kicks off almost immediately. Students don't have to adjust to externals. Plus, they are more willling to ask for help.
All these benefits are at no extra costs.
7. Cultivating Diverse Perspectives
Learning is best when everyone contributes.
We all have unique experiences and insights. And if there is no proper communication channel, you rob learners of the best learning experience.
What’s learning without an idea of the diversity of information available to you?
Working closely with diverse peers encourages new connections and widens understanding.
Why Should You Adopt Peer-to-Peer Learning in Cohort Models?
Key Differences Between Peer Learning and Traditional Learning
Let's compare peer learning vs. traditional learning using the following criteria:
Level of Interaction: The amount of interaction between students. Is student-to-student relationship part of the learning process? Or is it an afterthought?
Learning Autonomy: This is trusting students enough to take charge of their learning. Think of it this way: If you only allow peer learning sessions under supervision, is that a peer gathering?
Role of Technology: How accessible is the teaching process? Is it interactive? Is the technology there to aid student collaboration or reinforce teacher’s instructions?
Hierarchy: The head of the learning process often dictates how learning goes. Is everyone seen as equals in learning sessions, or is there a hierarchical structure?
So, here’s how they compare side-by-side based on the classes we defined above:
Key Differences Between Peer-to-Peer Learning and Solo Learning
We can understand the differences between learning and solo learning using these bases:
Engagement Levels: How actively involved are learners? Is there a collaborative, interactive environment, or is learning an individual activity?
Learning Outcomes: Do learners recall and understand material better through collaboration? Or does independent study yield stronger results?
Feedback and Support: Do peers receive constructive feedback from others? Or must they rely on self-assessment?
Skills Development: The skills students develop depends on the learning model you choose. Do learners develop collaboration skills like communication and teamwork? Or do they focus on on their individual growth?
Here's a side-by-side comparison:
How to Implement Peer-to-Peer Learning Strategies Effectively
Implementing a peer-to-peer learning program can benefit your organization if approached thoughtfully. Here's how you can execute these strategies:
1. Talk to the Management
Before introducing a new learning model, speak with the management. Ensure that they are all on board with the idea as it makes planning so much easier.
With so many moving parts in the planning process, you don’t want to do this without proper backing.
Your strategy should include the benefits of the peer-learning model, guidelines, and schedules. Having a well-prepared program strategy increases your chances of securing the necessary support.
2. Create an Enabling Environment
Draft a code of conduct. In the document, emphasise respect, constructive feedback, and confidentiality.
These terms are necessary to establish mutual respect.
To drive your point, give examples and scenarios. Go the extra mile to plan for precautions in case anything goes wrong.
Doing this is critical to the model's survival. A guaranteed safe learning environment helps build mutual trust.
With a platform like VarsityScape, facilitators can reinforce these principles without hassle.
3. Encourage Teamwork
When you preach teamwork among peers, respect becomes a part of the culture.
Explain in your program guide that teamwork contributes to learners' final certification scores. Taking this action early on prepares them for collaborative projects.
Don't just jump into collaborative projects and peer learning exercises. You can ease learners into the model using class-wide discussions and team-building events.
It doesn’t have to be anything serious. You can also consider activities like debates and quizzes. This helps the course facilitator know the pairs that will work best together.
4. Set Up a Buddy System
There is no one rule to setting up a buddy system. Depending on your courses' goal, you can choose to:
Pair more experienced learners and those relatively new to the subject, or
Each of these methods have their own peculiarities.
For the first:
Standardising learners' expertise may be difficult. Yet, knowledge distribution between pairs is almost even.
And for the second, there is a possibility of pairing two newbies. But this encourages learners to figure things out on their own.
Compare both buddy styles and choose the one that best suits your course.
5. Use Collaborative Platforms
Invest in cohort-based learning platforms.
Prioritise platforms with intuitive user interfaces and positive user experience.
I get it, we all want the flashy features and sleek designs. But they add no real value to your programs because designs alone won't make students show up.
Instead, ask yourself:
Can teachers share training documents? Is the live class feature seamless and well-suited for presentations? Is Google Calendar integrated for easier reminders?
VarsityScape makes this dilemma a no-worry. The platform is a swiss-army knife to all your peer learning platform troubles.
Our platform encourages continuous learning, feedback, and easier collaboration for free.
6. Rewards Peer Learners
How do you ensure learners stick to the timetable and meet as scheduled?
Easy. Gamify the experience.
You can do it in several ways. You could:
Tie the peer learning experience to career growth at your organization, or
Expose them to job and internship opportunities with partners if you are running a boot camp.
Offering such incentives promotes personal commitment and continuous engagement in learning activities.
Ensure incentives align with each learner’s career path for even better results.
7. Encourage Different Perspectives
As with disclaimers, let learners know they will encounter new (sometimes unpopular) ideas. This approach prepares them for the program.
Foster an open-minded environment. Support anonymous suggestions if students are too scared to contribute their two cents.
This promote inclusivity, widens perspectives and keeps learners receptive to new viewpoints.
Also, incorporate these perspectives into group discussions to enrich peers' learning experience.
9. Get Feedback
Gather regular feedback to improve the peer learning program.
Use surveys, one-on-one meetings, and structured assessments. This allows you to know what's working and what needs adjusting.
Encourage learners to share honest opinions thatwill help refine the program.
Continuous feedback, helps you meet participants' needs and create a more effective system.
Types of Peer-to-Peer Learning Activities
Different peer learning activities offer varied benefits depending on the program's objectives. Here are some common forms:
Case-Based Discussions
In case-based discussions, peers analyse real-world scenarios together. They share insights and develop practical solutions based on these scenarios.
This activity allows learners to:
Apply theoretical knowledge to practical challenges, and
Develop critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, active listening, and diverse perspectives.
This peer learning style can include role plays for more practical demonstration.
It could also take the form of fishbowl discussions. Here, a smaller group sits in the center discussing a topic while a larger group observes.
Collaborative Projects and Group Work
Collaborative projects could be anything from tackling assignments to developing presentations.
These activities need team members to brainstorm, assign tasks, and communicate to achieve a the learning goal.
This approach enhances teamwork, leadership, and time management skills.
For example, when you have an expansive curriculum, split the class into small groups. Have them tackle the different portions of a topic.
Access the outcome of the group work. Then score them depending on the goal of the project. You could base scoring on the extensiveness of research, the depth of thinking. Or even teamwork. It's yours to decide.
Do you get the idea now?
Peer Review and Feedback Sessions
Peer review and feedback sessions encourage learners to grade each other's work.
Peer assessment show learners that there's a whole point of view they might be missing. So when they do come across different perspectives, it reinforces what they've learnt.
These sessions are crucial for developing communication and critical evaluation skills.
Another way to go about this learning method is to have experienced peers mentor newbies.
This should include, but not limited to, personalized feedback and support.
This peer learning style is well-suited to programming bootcamps and language learning programs.
Must-Have Features for Peer Learning Management Software
There are so many peer learning management solutions available, no doubt. And it can be challenging to find the right one for your organisation.
Like Thanos’s gauntlet, we understand how it can be enticing to want every feature in the book. But that shouldn’t be the case.
You need a tool that meets your unique needs while offering a set of core features. Here's a list of features the right peer learning management software must-have:
1. Cohort Management
A great peer learning management software makes it easy for admins to manage cohorts.
Organized peer learning is only possible in cohorts and other similar class models.
When choosing a peer learning solution, ask yourself:
"Will this software help me set up and organize my classes better?", "Do I need more tools to manage my course?"
If your answers to these questions are "yes" and "no", then you might have found the right solution. The right solution helps you set up, organize, and manage courses without hassle.
2. Chats & Community for Collaboration
An effective peer learning management software must support collaboration.
Effective collaboration has become a buzzword in peer learning. Everyone claims they have that covered but do little beyond live chats.
What happened to organized threads?
Yes, chats and direct messaging are a from of collaboration. But having a community of learners makes learning and working together easy.
Peers can share materials and ideas, and solve problems within chats and can always come back to it.
Besides, everyone can't have the same schedules. That is why you must choose a solution with chats & community built.
3. Live Classes for Interactive Learning
Engaging students can be exhausting without the right tools. With everything online, you need meeting tools that allows for interactive class activities.
Some of the activities include class polls and real-time chat. The idea is to have a dynamic classroom where information sharing is a two-way process.
Recording such classes should now take away from the interactiveness of the class.
What does this do for learners? They can:
Better interact and share information
Clarify doubts any concepts or techniques, and
Collaborate with their peers even if they have different schedules.
And that's where a software solution like VarsityScape comes in. It integrates live class features, making peer learning seamless and discussions productive.
4. Reporting and Analytics
You can't go wrong with a platform that prides itself on accurate reporting and analytics.
It's great to think you can tell which students are performing and those that aren't. But nothing visualization. Using dashboards to track learner progress and know which modules pose a problem.
It's easier to make mistakes when tracking attendance and completion rates with sheets. Now you see why dashboards can be game changing.
Discover insights that will help refine your teaching approach and improve engagement.
Bonus points if the learning software provides analytic tools to make your decision-making easier.
5. Payment and Revenue Management
Simplifying payment management is crucial to focus on providing quality education.
Look for platforms that can helps you manage student payments, and track revenue. All from within the software.
This means you don't have to worry about using other apps to streamline your finances. All you have to do now is focus on creating a seamless experience for learners.
That simple!
6. Customizable and Scalable
Every organisation has unique needs and growth patterns.
A scalable platform allows you to tailor features as your cohort programs grow. That way, your learning objectives remain intact.
This flexibility ensures you’re never limited in supporting future learners. You don't have to care about anything else but marketing your course to more students.
Select software that can adapt to your specific requirements while accommodating future expansion.
Optimise Your Peer-to-Peer Learning Programs With VarsityScape
We've covered a lot in this blog post:
The importance of peer-to-peer learning. How it enhances engagement, collaboration, and knowledge retention.
How cohort models foster a supportive environment, motivating students to share insights and challenge each other.
How you can implement peer learning. Including tips on how to create the right environment and encourage teamwork.
The must-have features in a peer learning management platform. All of which you can find on VarsityScape.
In all this, one thing remains crucial:
Are you ready to maximize your organisation's educational programs with VarsityScape?
Arm yourself with the right tools and strategies to provide seamless peer learning. Deliver an engaging learning experience that supports your learners at every step.
Sign up to VarsityScape for free today!
AI and Technology in Education
A Comprehensive Guide to Peer-to-Peer Learning in Cohorts: Strategies, Benefits, and Implementation`
Gideon Aleonogwe
November 21, 2023
How can you train a group using a unified yet flexible curriculum?
As a training instructor, you're always looking for ways to help online learners succeed. You want your organisation to stand out as a key part of people's career paths.
In 2024, online education is expected to bring in $185.20 billion. And with almost 15% of learners already buying courses.
It's clear why:
Students enjoy the personal touch of online learning. It helps students retain more information by up to 60% compared to traditional learning methods.
Peer learning builds on these benefits. It drives enrolments and retention rates even higher.
How?
By creating a supportive environment where students share insights and challenge one another.
In this post, we'll show you how to use peer learning activities in your cohorts programs. We'll also provide you with practical steps to integrate it into your courses.
What is Peer-to-Peer Learning in Cohorts?
Peer learning is a learning style where learners collaborate and share knowledge and ideas with their peers.
It's simple: learners teach each other as equals in a supportive environment.
Instead of relying solely on instructors, peers guide each other. They tackle anything from new concepts to reinforcing their understanding of old topics.
In cohort-based settings, this approach helps learners tackle challenges together. It creates a cooperative atmosphere and builds more adaptable teams capable of problem-solving.
Because students use their collective experience, peer learning boosts retention, motivation, and engagement.
Image via Peer Learning Institute
Examples of Peer Learning in Practice
Peer learning takes many forms based on group goals:
Committees (i.e., small groups focusing on specific projects to share expertise)
Focus Groups (i.e., centred around a topic to dive deeply into shared objectives)
Discussion Groups (i.e., encourage open dialogue where everyone builds knowledge)
Networking (i.e., building professional relationships through peer connections)
Debates (i.e., exploring diverse perspectives on key topics)
Peer Coaching/Mentoring (i.e., senior members guide others through their journey)
Study Groups (i.e., collaborating to grasp challenging subjects)
Adopting any of these examples in your cohort programs is not straightforward. It requires a lot of planning.
So, why choose a peer learning style for your cohorts? See below.
Peer learning brings several significant advantages that enhance both educational and workplace environments.
For Learners, peer learning:
1. Builds Trust and Motivation
Peer-to-peer learning creates a more trusting educational environment and boosts motivation.
A group of university professors published a research paper on peer learning. Students involved in the reserach demonstrated significant growth in metacognitive skills.
They became more aware of their learning processes and strategies.
When learners are actively engaged, they go from passive listeners to active participants. And this improves their ability to recall information.
2. Develops Essential Skills
Collaborating with peers fosters critical thinking, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and metacognition.
Teachers often have to go the extra mile for learners to confidently answer questions. And you can’t do so by only covering the foundations of the course.
Students in peer learning programs tend to revisit previous concepts. This helps them reinforce their understanding of the topic.
It also develops strong communication and listening skills in the workplace. They learn how to give and receive feedback during peer learning sessions.
This quote by Steve Almond, an American author and essayist, gives a special insight into the benefits of peer learning:
3. Improves Cohort and Team Dynamics
Peer learning has a threefold effect on cohort dynamics.
First, learners find the most effective way to work together. The learning model forces them to collaborate.
Differing schedule? No problem. They tend to find a way out.
Second, they get to tackle challenges together. And by doing so, it helps them understand their strengths and weaknesses.
Last but not least, peer learning has a way of making teams work toward a common goal.
When a team's cooperation is high, each individual feels supported and seen. The team becomes more adaptable and capable of solving complex problems.
4. Leverages Internal Expertise
With peer learning organisations can better maximize their employees' untapped talent.
You can’t always know who knows what or can do what if you don’t give them the opportunity to shine.
This is why peer learning is a good way to look out for talents for managerial and administrative roles. Are they imposing? Do they take their time to explain complex concepts?
These are some of the strengths you won’t see in external consultants. They probably won’t care as much as a colleague when handling the same subject.
With peer learning, you upskill the workforce and reduce the need for externals.
5. Increases Learners’ Engagement
When learners become teachers, they're more invested in the training process.
Why?
Peer learning creates a continuous loop of gaining knowledge. It involves applying knowlge gained, receiving feedback from peers, and reflecting.
This cycle reinforces learning and keeps peers engaged. They become invested in the outcome of the program and the friends they have made.
This, in turn, increases active participation and employee engagement
6. Saves Costs
Peer learning programs can be more cost-effective than hiring external consultants for training.
Let's say you want to teach time management techniques to new employees and students. Hiring an external to do the job may not have the same effect as if a peer taught it.
For starters, peer teachers have more relatable examples. They understand the concepts that are most rtricky to understand and try to make it easier.
For this reason, skills taught by peers are easily transferable and practical.
Secondly, learning kicks off almost immediately. Students don't have to adjust to externals. Plus, they are more willling to ask for help.
All these benefits are at no extra costs.
7. Cultivating Diverse Perspectives
Learning is best when everyone contributes.
We all have unique experiences and insights. And if there is no proper communication channel, you rob learners of the best learning experience.
What’s learning without an idea of the diversity of information available to you?
Working closely with diverse peers encourages new connections and widens understanding.
Why Should You Adopt Peer-to-Peer Learning in Cohort Models?
Key Differences Between Peer Learning and Traditional Learning
Let's compare peer learning vs. traditional learning using the following criteria:
Level of Interaction: The amount of interaction between students. Is student-to-student relationship part of the learning process? Or is it an afterthought?
Learning Autonomy: This is trusting students enough to take charge of their learning. Think of it this way: If you only allow peer learning sessions under supervision, is that a peer gathering?
Role of Technology: How accessible is the teaching process? Is it interactive? Is the technology there to aid student collaboration or reinforce teacher’s instructions?
Hierarchy: The head of the learning process often dictates how learning goes. Is everyone seen as equals in learning sessions, or is there a hierarchical structure?
So, here’s how they compare side-by-side based on the classes we defined above:
Key Differences Between Peer-to-Peer Learning and Solo Learning
We can understand the differences between learning and solo learning using these bases:
Engagement Levels: How actively involved are learners? Is there a collaborative, interactive environment, or is learning an individual activity?
Learning Outcomes: Do learners recall and understand material better through collaboration? Or does independent study yield stronger results?
Feedback and Support: Do peers receive constructive feedback from others? Or must they rely on self-assessment?
Skills Development: The skills students develop depends on the learning model you choose. Do learners develop collaboration skills like communication and teamwork? Or do they focus on on their individual growth?
Here's a side-by-side comparison:
How to Implement Peer-to-Peer Learning Strategies Effectively
Implementing a peer-to-peer learning program can benefit your organization if approached thoughtfully. Here's how you can execute these strategies:
1. Talk to the Management
Before introducing a new learning model, speak with the management. Ensure that they are all on board with the idea as it makes planning so much easier.
With so many moving parts in the planning process, you don’t want to do this without proper backing.
Your strategy should include the benefits of the peer-learning model, guidelines, and schedules. Having a well-prepared program strategy increases your chances of securing the necessary support.
2. Create an Enabling Environment
Draft a code of conduct. In the document, emphasise respect, constructive feedback, and confidentiality.
These terms are necessary to establish mutual respect.
To drive your point, give examples and scenarios. Go the extra mile to plan for precautions in case anything goes wrong.
Doing this is critical to the model's survival. A guaranteed safe learning environment helps build mutual trust.
With a platform like VarsityScape, facilitators can reinforce these principles without hassle.
3. Encourage Teamwork
When you preach teamwork among peers, respect becomes a part of the culture.
Explain in your program guide that teamwork contributes to learners' final certification scores. Taking this action early on prepares them for collaborative projects.
Don't just jump into collaborative projects and peer learning exercises. You can ease learners into the model using class-wide discussions and team-building events.
It doesn’t have to be anything serious. You can also consider activities like debates and quizzes. This helps the course facilitator know the pairs that will work best together.
4. Set Up a Buddy System
There is no one rule to setting up a buddy system. Depending on your courses' goal, you can choose to:
Pair more experienced learners and those relatively new to the subject, or
Each of these methods have their own peculiarities.
For the first:
Standardising learners' expertise may be difficult. Yet, knowledge distribution between pairs is almost even.
And for the second, there is a possibility of pairing two newbies. But this encourages learners to figure things out on their own.
Compare both buddy styles and choose the one that best suits your course.
5. Use Collaborative Platforms
Invest in cohort-based learning platforms.
Prioritise platforms with intuitive user interfaces and positive user experience.
I get it, we all want the flashy features and sleek designs. But they add no real value to your programs because designs alone won't make students show up.
Instead, ask yourself:
Can teachers share training documents? Is the live class feature seamless and well-suited for presentations? Is Google Calendar integrated for easier reminders?
VarsityScape makes this dilemma a no-worry. The platform is a swiss-army knife to all your peer learning platform troubles.
Our platform encourages continuous learning, feedback, and easier collaboration for free.
6. Rewards Peer Learners
How do you ensure learners stick to the timetable and meet as scheduled?
Easy. Gamify the experience.
You can do it in several ways. You could:
Tie the peer learning experience to career growth at your organization, or
Expose them to job and internship opportunities with partners if you are running a boot camp.
Offering such incentives promotes personal commitment and continuous engagement in learning activities.
Ensure incentives align with each learner’s career path for even better results.
7. Encourage Different Perspectives
As with disclaimers, let learners know they will encounter new (sometimes unpopular) ideas. This approach prepares them for the program.
Foster an open-minded environment. Support anonymous suggestions if students are too scared to contribute their two cents.
This promote inclusivity, widens perspectives and keeps learners receptive to new viewpoints.
Also, incorporate these perspectives into group discussions to enrich peers' learning experience.
9. Get Feedback
Gather regular feedback to improve the peer learning program.
Use surveys, one-on-one meetings, and structured assessments. This allows you to know what's working and what needs adjusting.
Encourage learners to share honest opinions thatwill help refine the program.
Continuous feedback, helps you meet participants' needs and create a more effective system.
Types of Peer-to-Peer Learning Activities
Different peer learning activities offer varied benefits depending on the program's objectives. Here are some common forms:
Case-Based Discussions
In case-based discussions, peers analyse real-world scenarios together. They share insights and develop practical solutions based on these scenarios.
This activity allows learners to:
Apply theoretical knowledge to practical challenges, and
Develop critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, active listening, and diverse perspectives.
This peer learning style can include role plays for more practical demonstration.
It could also take the form of fishbowl discussions. Here, a smaller group sits in the center discussing a topic while a larger group observes.
Collaborative Projects and Group Work
Collaborative projects could be anything from tackling assignments to developing presentations.
These activities need team members to brainstorm, assign tasks, and communicate to achieve a the learning goal.
This approach enhances teamwork, leadership, and time management skills.
For example, when you have an expansive curriculum, split the class into small groups. Have them tackle the different portions of a topic.
Access the outcome of the group work. Then score them depending on the goal of the project. You could base scoring on the extensiveness of research, the depth of thinking. Or even teamwork. It's yours to decide.
Do you get the idea now?
Peer Review and Feedback Sessions
Peer review and feedback sessions encourage learners to grade each other's work.
Peer assessment show learners that there's a whole point of view they might be missing. So when they do come across different perspectives, it reinforces what they've learnt.
These sessions are crucial for developing communication and critical evaluation skills.
Another way to go about this learning method is to have experienced peers mentor newbies.
This should include, but not limited to, personalized feedback and support.
This peer learning style is well-suited to programming bootcamps and language learning programs.
Must-Have Features for Peer Learning Management Software
There are so many peer learning management solutions available, no doubt. And it can be challenging to find the right one for your organisation.
Like Thanos’s gauntlet, we understand how it can be enticing to want every feature in the book. But that shouldn’t be the case.
You need a tool that meets your unique needs while offering a set of core features. Here's a list of features the right peer learning management software must-have:
1. Cohort Management
A great peer learning management software makes it easy for admins to manage cohorts.
Organized peer learning is only possible in cohorts and other similar class models.
When choosing a peer learning solution, ask yourself:
"Will this software help me set up and organize my classes better?", "Do I need more tools to manage my course?"
If your answers to these questions are "yes" and "no", then you might have found the right solution. The right solution helps you set up, organize, and manage courses without hassle.
2. Chats & Community for Collaboration
An effective peer learning management software must support collaboration.
Effective collaboration has become a buzzword in peer learning. Everyone claims they have that covered but do little beyond live chats.
What happened to organized threads?
Yes, chats and direct messaging are a from of collaboration. But having a community of learners makes learning and working together easy.
Peers can share materials and ideas, and solve problems within chats and can always come back to it.
Besides, everyone can't have the same schedules. That is why you must choose a solution with chats & community built.
3. Live Classes for Interactive Learning
Engaging students can be exhausting without the right tools. With everything online, you need meeting tools that allows for interactive class activities.
Some of the activities include class polls and real-time chat. The idea is to have a dynamic classroom where information sharing is a two-way process.
Recording such classes should now take away from the interactiveness of the class.
What does this do for learners? They can:
Better interact and share information
Clarify doubts any concepts or techniques, and
Collaborate with their peers even if they have different schedules.
And that's where a software solution like VarsityScape comes in. It integrates live class features, making peer learning seamless and discussions productive.
4. Reporting and Analytics
You can't go wrong with a platform that prides itself on accurate reporting and analytics.
It's great to think you can tell which students are performing and those that aren't. But nothing visualization. Using dashboards to track learner progress and know which modules pose a problem.
It's easier to make mistakes when tracking attendance and completion rates with sheets. Now you see why dashboards can be game changing.
Discover insights that will help refine your teaching approach and improve engagement.
Bonus points if the learning software provides analytic tools to make your decision-making easier.
5. Payment and Revenue Management
Simplifying payment management is crucial to focus on providing quality education.
Look for platforms that can helps you manage student payments, and track revenue. All from within the software.
This means you don't have to worry about using other apps to streamline your finances. All you have to do now is focus on creating a seamless experience for learners.
That simple!
6. Customizable and Scalable
Every organisation has unique needs and growth patterns.
A scalable platform allows you to tailor features as your cohort programs grow. That way, your learning objectives remain intact.
This flexibility ensures you’re never limited in supporting future learners. You don't have to care about anything else but marketing your course to more students.
Select software that can adapt to your specific requirements while accommodating future expansion.
Optimise Your Peer-to-Peer Learning Programs With VarsityScape
We've covered a lot in this blog post:
The importance of peer-to-peer learning. How it enhances engagement, collaboration, and knowledge retention.
How cohort models foster a supportive environment, motivating students to share insights and challenge each other.
How you can implement peer learning. Including tips on how to create the right environment and encourage teamwork.
The must-have features in a peer learning management platform. All of which you can find on VarsityScape.
In all this, one thing remains crucial:
Are you ready to maximize your organisation's educational programs with VarsityScape?
Arm yourself with the right tools and strategies to provide seamless peer learning. Deliver an engaging learning experience that supports your learners at every step.
Sign up to VarsityScape for free today!
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Stay updated with the best tips, resources and strategies to scale your creator business and maximise your earning potential.
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All Rights Reserved © 2023
Made with ❤️ by the VarsityScape Team
All Rights Reserved © 2023
Made with ❤️ by the VarsityScape Team
All Rights Reserved © 2023
Made with ❤️ by the VarsityScape Team