Blended Learning: Learner-to-Learner Engagement Episode 01/4
Before we define what Blended Learning is, I think it will be easier for us to understand it if we define what it is not. Blended Learning is not simply mixing technology and teaching and or facilitation. The idea that having virtual classes and then complimenting them with one or two in-person sessions qualifies a program to be Blended Learning is misleading. Blended learning is not a completely online course or a lecture course that is broadcast online. It also does not include course changes that simply swap analog tools for digital ones. The focus on Blended Learning is purely based on the learning journey and experience.
There are four key components that need to be effectively met for a program or learning experience to be considered a blended one. These include:
- Learner-to-learner engagement
- Learner-to-facilitator engagement
- Learner to content engagement
- Tech capacity of the user to trainer or implementer
Let us take a closer look at these components in detail:
Learner-to-learner engagement
Learner-to-learner engagement refers to the active interaction and collaboration among learners in an educational setting. It involves learners working together, sharing knowledge, experiences, and ideas to enhance their learning process. Learner-to-learner engagement can take place in various educational contexts, including traditional classrooms, online courses, study groups, or collaborative projects. It fosters a sense of community, promotes more profound understanding, and enhances the overall learning experience. Here are a few benefits and strategies for learner-to-learner engagement:
Benefits of learner-to-learner engagement
Active learning: Engaging with peers encourages active participation, discussion, and critical thinking, which helps learners retain information better.
Diverse perspectives: Collaborating with peers exposes learners to different viewpoints and experiences, broadening their understanding and encouraging empathy.
Social and emotional development: Learners develop social skills, such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, while also building relationships and a sense of belonging.
Peer support: Learners can support each other, provide feedback, and offer assistance, creating a supportive learning environment.
Knowledge construction: Through discussions and debates, learners co-construct knowledge, deepening their understanding and gaining new insights.
Strategies for learner-to-learner engagement:
Practical Group activities: Assigning group projects or activities that require collaboration promotes interaction among learners. These are things like problem-solving tasks, case studies, or group presentations.
Discussion forums: When dealing with online learning environments it is great to have engagement strategies like discussion forums. These provide a platform for learners to share thoughts, ask questions, and engage in conversations related to whatever they are learning.
Peer feedback: Encourage learners to provide constructive feedback to their peers on assignments, presentations, or projects. This can be done through peer reviews either in person or through the learning medium. It can also be anonymous to avoid any bias or fear as long as the learners stick to the rules of giving and receiving feedback. This process not only benefits the receiver but also helps the giver develop critical evaluation skills.
Study groups: Always encourage learners to form study groups. The aim here is to meet regularly to review course materials, discuss concepts, and share resources.
A friendly and inclusive learning environment is crucial for effectively fostering learner-to-learner engagement. Encourage involvement, layout standards and expectations clearly, and create possibilities for teamwork. The whole learning experience can be improved and students can be given the tools they need to take an active role in their education by encouraging learner-to-learner engagement.
In the next episode, we will take a look at Learner-to-facilitator engagement.
