What is Social Learning?

Humans are the most dominant species on the planet. Why is that? Is it thanks to our vast intellect or collection of superior skills? Or, is it perhaps because of our ability to face obstacles bravely and seek out adventure?

While there is no doubt that these factors contribute to our success, there is one that trumps them all — Social Learning.

Social Learning In History

Throughout history, Social Learning has led to significant innovations. Take Boeing, who’s founders’ vision was sparked by the work of the Wright brothers or Steve Jobs who revolutionized how we communicate by building on world-changing ideas from Alexander Graham Bell and others.

Social Learning enables us to forge ahead without starting from scratch over and over again. By looking to those who have come before us, we can learn from their successes and failures and build on their progress.

Social Learning has always happened organically in the workplace. However, today Social Learning is being applied with intent by the most forward thinking organizations to upskill their existing workforces, create new opportunities for those who are willing to learn, and drive innovation.

Social Learning vs. Traditional Learning

Knowledge retention is crucial for effective learning, and the method by which you learn? can have a significant impact on how well you remember and apply new information. Traditional learning methods, which often involve passive reception of information, tend to have low retention rates – around 10%. In contrast, Social Learning, which emphasizes interaction and collaboration, can lead to retention rates as high as 85%.

This significant difference in retention rates highlights the importance of incorporating Social Learning strategies into your personal and professional development. By engaging with others, asking questions, and working collaboratively, you're more likely to retain and apply the knowledge and skills you've gained.

At its essence, Social Learning is the process of learning from others through social interaction. By observing and imitating others, we quickly develop the skills we need to succeed in what we are trying to do. In the workplace, for example, new employees can learn the ropes faster by interacting with experienced colleagues, shadowing them on the job or even participating in mentorship programs.

Social interaction also fosters a sense of community and belonging, which can improve motivation and overall engagement with the learning experience. It is a fact that humans are inherently social and rely on cooperation to survive.

Albert Bandura's Social Learning Theory underscores the importance of learning through observation and modeling others. He posits that most human behavior is learned by observing others, which then informs future actions. The 70/20/10 model of learning illustrates that knowledge acquisition comes from three primary sources:

• 70% from hands-on, challenging assignments
• 20% from social interactions and exposure to others
• 10% from structured educational experiences

Upskilling the Workforce through Social Learning

One of the key benefits of Social Learning is the ability to upskill the existing workforce. By leveraging the power of collaboration and peer learning, employees can acquire new skills and knowledge more efficiently.

To implement effective Social Learning initiatives for upskilling, organizations can create mentorship programs, where experienced employees provide guidance and support to those looking to develop new skills. Additionally, companies can facilitate communities of practice, with Tigerhall for example, where employees with similar interests or job functions come together to learn from one another and share best practices.

Social Learning fills in the gap that mere information dumps leave behind. When individuals have access to the right mentors and influencers, they can quickly develop the skills they need to be successful.

Enhancing Collaboration and Communication

Social Learning can also have a profound impact on collaboration and communication among employees. When team members are encouraged to share their knowledge and experiences, they become more open to one another's ideas and are better equipped to work together effectively.

To enhance collaboration and communication through Social Learning, organizations can implement tools like enterprise social networks or collaboration platforms that facilitate knowledge sharing and group discussion. Regular team-building activities and interactive training sessions can also help to strengthen bonds between employees and foster a culture of open communication.

The Power of Social Technology

Another major aspect of Social Learning is social technology, which includes a variety of tools that promote communication and collaboration. From social media platforms like TikTok and Twitter to video conferencing software like Microsoft Teams and Zoom, these technologies connect people and enable learning. And of course, Social Learning Platforms like Tigerhall! We're basically the social media of professional learning.

Social media, in particular, has become a powerful learning tool, as it provides access to a vast network of individuals to learn from. Additionally, the dopamine rush associated with likes, comments, and notifications can be harnessed for Social Learning in the workplace.

Social Learning offers tangible benefits like professional growth and skill enhancement, setting it apart from solitary digital learning methods. The drive for social validation and fear of missing out (FOMO) fuel active participation in these platforms, encouraging users to stay informed, connected, and up to date with shared knowledge and experiences.

Workplaces can craft engaging Social Learning experiences through gamification elements like streaks and nudges, fostering enduring learning habits and professional development. However, it is crucial to be mindful of social technology's potential downsides, such as overuse leading to dependency on social networking sites for coping with stress or loneliness.

Conclusion

Social Learning has the potential to revolutionize how we approach personal and professional development. By harnessing the power of human interaction and social technology, we can foster a learning environment that is not only more effective but also more engaging and enjoyable. So why not give Social Learning a try and experience the difference it can make in your life and workplace? The world is becoming increasingly connected, and it's time to embrace the collaborative nature of learning to unlock our full potential. Embrace Social Learning and join the movement towards a more collaborative, innovative, and successful future.

Get started with Social Learning

Tigerhall is transforming the professional learning and development landscape, and we’re bringing this innovative social approach to the US and beyond! Originating from Singapore, we’re now a global force to be reckoned with.

Think of Tigerhall as the social media of learning, where you get bite-sized, real-world, actionable insights from leaders and subject matter experts in your organization, industry trailblazers, and top executives from Fortune 500 companies. We’re putting a fresh spin on corporate learning that leaves traditional LMSs in the dust!

Dive into Tigerhall for the ultimate experience in micro-learning, scaling tribal knowledge, sales enablement, leadership development, and peer-to-peer learning through engaging social cohorts. And trust us, that’s just the beginning!