Benefits of Group Learning

In the modern world, there seems to be more opportunities to consume learning content than ever before.

The first decision by employers when deciding how their team are to consume particular content is usually deciding between face to face training or a virtual option. If a virtual option is selected, the question then moves to whether a synchronous learning option (scheduled at a particular time with a presenter) or asynchronous (an on-demand option) is most appropriate on that occasion.

There are various factors that employers consider when deciding on the above and this blog is not here to discuss the merits of face to face vs virtual or whether a live option is better than on demand. Firms make decisions on these based on various factors such as time, availability, budget and the needs of individuals.

This blog is specifically focussing on the benefits of group learning, where team members are actively collaborating with each idea whilst consuming the learning as opposed to just listening. Done well, group learning can completely enhance the learning experience for the whole team whilst helping to build confidence and develop relationships, with the benefits continuing long after the training has ended.

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Benefits of group learning

Collaboration over ideas

Content-centred learning is centred on the presenter informing or educating the learners on an area that falls within the presenter’s specialism. This uses a one-way approach to learning and works when the presenter’s primary aim is to impart knowledge and information one way and the learner consumes the learning with the aim of understanding what is being shared by the presenter.

On topics where the subject matter is objective (e.g. the eligibility conditions have changed for a particular area of law to apply and learners need to understand these changes) the approach can work just fine, primarily because the perceptions, ideas and beliefs/ opinions of the peers about the changes aren’t relevant to the learning aim. It’s the information that is being provided by the presenter that is of use.

But for less objective subjects (usually which focus more on behaviours such as modern leadership, self and relationship management, approaches to change etc), providing the team the opportunity to share ideas and experiences whilst learning (and providing a safe and open environment for them to do so) is likely to throw up many more ideas from a broader range of perspectives.

Improved problem solving and communication skills

Group learning allows team members to practice their communication skills during the learning. It will help your team members become more confident in:

·        thinking critically about the subject matter

·        pooling their wide range of knowledge and skills, opinions and experiences to better problem solve

·        articulating ideas and opinions and presenting these to their peers in a succinct way

·        actively listening to others by considering different viewpoints

·        influencing others

·        showing empathy and challenging limiting beliefs (in ourselves and others)

·        providing feedback to others and receiving feedback from others

These enhanced skills can then be transferred to other areas of work and life.

Builds stronger relationships

One of the main benefits of group learning is the longer term impact that the collaboration will have on the team dynamic. Strong relationships can be built during the learning which then transfer to the wider work environment. A shared experience discussed during the learning can break down a barrier that currently exists between two team members who are working together on a project. Likewise, an opinion that somebody has which was expressed during the learning may give you an insight into their personality that was previously hidden making you more likely to seek feedback or counsel from this individual going forward.

The benefits identified above have hopefully made you reflect on how important collaborative learning is. Group learning done well can be applied in both face to face and virtual learning, and asynchronous learning (on-demand) shouldn’t be a barrier to group learning either.

In order to get the most out of group learning, we would encourage:

·        Scheduling times and communicating these clearly with reminders

·        Short bitesize topics (most research suggests that less than an hour is best)

·        A clear objective for the learning (what are we trying to achieve)

·        A facilitator (rotated where possible) to encourage discussion

·        Reflections and action points documented and shared following the learning

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Are you a my3Q member and using the library?

We have an engaging library of over 40 course videos on a range of personal development topics to help your team develop their knowledge and improve their communication. Each course video has been designed to be consumed collaboratively with peers. The videos are broken into sections to be paused to aid discussion and comes with a collaboration tool to capture group points and takeaways.

To view our comprehensive library, which gets added to each month with exciting new content or to enquire about membership, please visit

www.3qhub.com/my3q-membership

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