Learning together in 2024
In my view the rise of collaborative learning is more than just a trendy fad in learning. It offers us a fundamental shift in emphasis that can redefine future educational experience.
In a world of technology and AI, collaborative, peer-to-peer (P2P) learning taps into the inherent human desire to connect, to share, and to learn from one another. In an era when information is abundant, the value of collaborative learning becomes all the more apparent.
It fosters critical thinking, nurtures empathy, and champions the development of skills that are essential for the ever-evolving landscape of our world.
P2P learning is certainly not new idea, but it has been underutilised and in some cases side-lined in our modern education systems and learning models. As we navigate the evolving landscape of the future of work, the power of learning from our peers holds the key to unlocking untapped potential among a more diverse range of people. People that traditional education models, or digital first learning, often fail.
The essence of collaborative learning goes beyond mere individual knowledge acquisition. It thrives on the idea of interdependence, cultivating an environment where growth is mutual and collaboration is paramount. As Boud aptly puts it, "it's a journey from solitary learning to a dynamic exchange of knowledge.” This dynamic is enriched through various models, as explored by researchers from the Ulster University (Griffiths et al.) who identified ten different models of P2P learning, from senior students mentoring juniors to collaborative project work and the formation of private study groups.
P2P learning creates a deeper, lasting and more authenticity learning experience. Online or face to face, human connection is the super power we all posses.
At its core, P2P learning harnesses the power of social learning—a conduit that weaves the acquisition of new skills, knowledge, and attitudes with the threads of dynamic peer interactions. Contrary to other methods that are increasingly tech led, P2P learning thrives on direct human engagement within a social or communal environment, be it in-person or virtually. It doesn't just stop at observation.
In this model learning becomes dynamic and is made proximal through direct, real, peer to peer interaction.
The authenticity of these peer interactions creates a fertile ground for two-way communication—a platform where diverse perspectives and insightful nuances both challenge and fortify the learning experience.
The interactive nature of collaborative learning creates as a catalyst for personal growth. It is not confined to the walls of lecture halls and it breaks down boundaries that traditional education often reinforces. It does not need to be positioned as an alternative to digital learning, but rather can even be used to enrich the online experience using real interactions with other people to create relevance and increase enjoyment of the learning experience.
?Wherever it is applied well, peer-to-peer learning has the potential to transform education into an authentic, interactive, and empowering experience.
In 2023 I've loved being involved with education businesses that take this approach to learning seriously. From humanising the online learning experience at MasterStart , to seeing the power of collaborative learning in the apprenticeship world at Paragon Skills , Tempdent and Knovia , to the whole community of MD2MD that is built on this principle of learning. I'm looking forward to learn together in 2024!
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References:
Nadine Diaz-Infante,? Michael Lazar,? Samvitha Ram, and Austin Ray, Demand for online education is growing. Are providers ready?
July 20, 2022 | Article, www.mckinsey.com/industries/education/our-insights/demand-for-online-education-is-growing-are-providers-ready
Chandra, S., & Palvia, S. (2021). Online education next wave: peer to peer learning. Pages 157-172. Published online: 30 Sep 2021 www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15228053.2021.1980848
Damon, W. (1984). Peer education: The untapped potential. Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, 5(4), 331-343. ISSN 0193-3973.
Knopf, T., Stumpp, S., & Michelis, D. (2021). How Online Collaborative Learning leads to improved Online Learning Experience in Higher Education.
ECSM 2021 8th European Conference on Social Media. DOI: 10.34190/ESM.21.010 Published online: July 2021
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Your Neurodiversity partner in diagnostic and needs assessments
10 个月This is so important, throughout the education system, people can feel forced into a one size fits all way of learning and they actually do not know or understand other ways to work, this is a fantastic way to get other ideas out there and can be so beneficial.
Chief Strategy Officer | Double Your Profit In Twelve Months! or Your Money Back | The Power of The Counsel of Many
10 个月Ben Pike you just blew up the sparks on my idea to create an online peer to peer coaching and mentorship platform. Iron sharpens Iron and the counsel of many is sound Biblical principles.
Executive Community Manager
10 个月It is amazing Ben, how we can learn so much from each other's unique perspectives. This not only enhances our understanding of the subject matter but also promotes a sense of community and mutual support.
?? Helping ACCIDENTAL business leaders to scale ADOLESCENT businesses. ??Businesses throwing tantrums at GROWTH pains and adult rules?? Leaders promoted for being good at what they did BEFORE?? Led 3 x ￡M+ businesses?
10 个月Totally agreed Ben. If I look backmy most powerful learning has been my own mistakes, closely followed by learning from others Ive been working with. I've also had the great privilege of some great formal education although even if I look back at that, especiallymy Cranfield MBA, the most powerful aspect of that was the learning with and from peer groups. Something the Cranfield MBA majors on.
Coach | Facilitator | MBA (WBS) | Ex-EdTech Unicorn (Multiverse) | Ex-Apprentice (QA Ltd) | Passionate about People and their Potential | Podcaster | Author | Inter-Cultural Communication | Education
10 个月Great insights, Ben Pike! Happy 2024!