Join / Form Peer Learning Group

Sections of this topic

    Join / Form Peer Learning Group

    One of the most powerful and low-cost (even free) sources of
    help is a peer learning group. You might join a current group
    or form your own group — often, it’s much easier than you think.

    Members in a group are considered to be peers because each
    is equal in helping themselves and others to share ongoing support,
    feedback, materials and accountability to get things done –and
    learn at the same time.

    Group members can meet face-to-face or by means of telecommunications
    (via phone, email, Web, etc.). Also, members often can schedule
    their own meetings and where those meetings will be held.

    The format and process used by the peer group depends on the
    purpose of the group, whether it be for goal attainment, problem
    solving, training, support or networking. For example, peer groups
    might be discussion groups, study groups or peer coaching groups.

    Often, the best groups are small in size (6-10 members), keep
    has the same members in each meeting, use a standard agenda, and
    meet for a few hours at least once a month. Someone from outside
    the group can be assigned to facilitate or all groups members
    can take responsibility for facilitating. Some groups might decide
    to have a different group member facilitate each meeting.

    The following links are to additional resources about peer
    learning, including about the many benefits, where you can learn
    more, how to choose the best program, some organizations that
    provide peer learning programs, and materials from which you could
    form your own peer learning group.

    Sections in This Topic Include the Following

    Benefits of Peer Learning
    Learn More About Peer Learning
    Peer Learning Groups and Programs
    Form Your Own Peer Learning Group
    General Resources About Groups

    Also consider
    Related Library Topics

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    Benefits of Peer Learning

    What
    is Peer Learning? Why is Peer Learning So Popular Today? (read
    the top sections on this page)

    Joining
    Forces — Entrepreneurial Peer Groups

    Peer
    Business Advisor Groups Ease the Pressure of Ownership

    Peer Learning

    Learn More About Peer Learning

    Various
    Forms of Peer Learning (one-page depiction)

    Action
    Learning and Peer Learning Programs (some theory, principles,
    etc.)

    Peer Learning

    Peer Learning Groups and Programs

    Authenticity
    Circles (peer coaching groups)

    Create
    a Personal Board of Directors

    Creating
    Your Own Personal Board of Directors

    Form Your Own Peer Group

    To form your own group, first think about the purpose or application
    of the group. Usually, there are two major different kinds of
    groups:
    1) Those where all members learn about the same topic or skill
    (training groups), for example, around a common topic in the Free
    Management Library.
    2) Those where members address the same problem/goal or each addresses
    their own (coaching groups). For example, Tom works on strategic
    planning, Susan works on time management, Jack works on career
    development, etc.

    In a training group, you would gather any 6-8 people who are
    interested in the same topic or skill. In a coaching group, you
    would gather 6-8 people, ideally who have similar roles or positions
    in their life and/or work.

    To Find People in Your Locale (for Face-to-Face Meetings)

    The following link is to a free online service that helps you
    locate people with similar interests in your geographic area.
    First, you join the service (they don’t share your information
    and use it for marketing). Then you can use the service to join
    or form a group of people in your area.

    Meet Up
    Craigs List About Sites

    To Join or Form Internet/Web-Based Groups

    One of the most popular online forums is the Yahoo groups.
    The groups are free and the Yahoo group software provides a wide
    range of functionality for members. There’s already a vast range
    of established groups you can consider joining, or you can use
    the software to start your own group.

    Yahoo groups

    General Resources About Groups

    The following link is to a wide variety of types of groups
    and includes information about facilitation, as well.
    Group
    Skills


    For the Category of Peer Learning (Facilitation and Teams):

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