Peer Learning

What is peer learning?

Peer learning is a collaborative learning process in which learners acquire new knowledge and skills from each other rather than a formal instructor. Peer-to-peer learning can be both formal and informal. Peer mentoring programs facilitate knowledge sharing between new and more experienced colleagues. Informal peer learning can happen anywhere, any time—after training sessions, over lunch, or through internal messaging systems like Slack.

Example: We encourage our employees to engage in peer learning by sharing knowledge directly with one another throughout their day. 

What are the benefits of peer learning? 

Peer-to-peer learning helps increase knowledge retention, lower training costs, and build a strong learning culture. Direct knowledge transfer between peers provides learners with actionable skills relevant to their daily workflow. Frequent peer-to-peer learning builds trust, improves employee communication skills, and supports ongoing professional development. 

When combined with formal training processes, peer learning opportunities accelerate onboarding ramp time, reskilling, and upskilling. Use of internal expertise reduces reliance on external resources and creates a stronger collaborative culture. 

How to create an effective peer learning environment

Organizations foster an effective peer learning environment by implementing mentorship programs, lunch-and-learn sessions, peer feedback sessions, and buddy systems during onboarding. These programs help create an environment where all employees feel comfortable asking for help, receiving feedback, and learning from their mistakes. 

Learning and development teams identify subject matter experts—internal employees with deep knowledge and expertise—and encourage them to create training content for their peers. Employees can meet regularly in peer coaching groups to discuss challenges, share best practices, and review each other’s work. Organizations can use powerful course creation tools to provide employees with collaborative review spaces, as well as learning management systems (LMSs) to deliver and track employee-built content.