Peer Learning Networks: Instructor Guide

Course Delivery Overview

Target Audience: Leaders interested in establishing peer learning groups
Format: Interactive workshop with facilitation practice
Duration: 4-6 hours
Group Size: 15-30 participants (can include potential group members)

Teaching Philosophy

Position peer learning networks as an alternative and complement to traditional training. Help participants understand the unique power of peer learning and develop concrete skills to establish and facilitate groups. Provide templates and processes they can immediately implement.

Key Messages:

• Peer learning drives behavior change and sustained development
• Groups require intentional establishment and facilitation
• Psychological safety is foundation for effective groups
• Peer coaching skills are learnable
• Virtual and hybrid groups can be highly effective

Module Delivery

Module 1: Understanding Peer Learning (45 minutes)

Opening Discussion (15 min): Share positive peer learning experience. What made it powerful?

Framework Presentation (20 min):

• Why peer learning is powerful
• Types of peer learning networks
• Research on effectiveness

Assessment (10 min): Where might peer learning add value in your organization?

Module 2: Establishing Groups (45 minutes)

Group Design Exercise (30 min):

• Participants design peer learning group for their context
• Member selection criteria
• Meeting structure and frequency
• Group contract and norms
• Share and feedback

Key Success Factors (15 min): What makes groups work?

Module 3: Peer Coaching Skills (60 minutes)

Active Listening Practice (20 min):

• Demonstrate active listening
• Triads: Practice listening, reflecting, questioning
• Feedback on listening effectiveness

Questioning Skill (20 min):

• Demonstrate powerful questioning
• Practice with scenarios
• Discuss impact of different question types

Peer Coaching Session Practice (20 min):

• Small group runs full coaching session
• Observer provides feedback
• Rotate roles

Module 4: Facilitation Skills (45 minutes)

Group Facilitation (25 min):

• Create psychological safety
• Balance participation
• Address dynamics
• Practice facilitating difficult situations

Managing Virtual Groups (20 min):

• Unique challenges of virtual facilitation
• Best practices for connection and engagement
• Technology considerations

Module 5: Sustaining Groups (30 minutes)

Sustaining Engagement (20 min):

• Maintaining momentum over time
• Addressing common challenges
• Evaluating group health

Scaling Peer Learning (10 min): How organizations scale peer learning

Facilitation Considerations

Creating Psychological Safety in Workshop:

• Use confidential examples, not identifying organizations
• Position peer coaching as skill everyone can develop
• Normalize imperfection and learning
• Create low-stakes practice opportunities

Addressing Skepticism:

• Acknowledge valid concerns about time investment
• Present research on effectiveness
• Share compelling examples
• Help participants see value in their context

Different Learning Styles:

• Mix content delivery with experience
• Provide templates and frameworks to take away
• Use stories and examples
• Include interactive practice

Resources to Provide

Participant Takeaways:

• Group charter template
• Meeting agenda templates
• Peer coaching session structure
• Facilitation tips
• Virtual meeting best practices
• Evaluation and assessment tools
• Resource list for further learning

Follow-Up Support

Post-Course Actions:

• Participants establish or join peer learning group
• Create implementation timeline
• Connect with others interested in same topic
• Optional facilitation coaching for group leaders

Measuring Success:

• Groups established and sustained
• Member development and behavior change
• Impact on leadership capability
• Organizational outcomes from peer learning