Getting the most out of peer-to-peer learning

In their second diary chapter, Choice's partnership manager for SA, Angela D’Angelo, discusses the benefits of peer-to-peer learning

Getting the most out of peer-to-peer learning

In a fortnightly diary series, Choice’s broker support team take us through the everyday ways they help brokers build successful businesses. This week, Choice Partnership Manager for SA, Angela D’Angelo, discusses the benefits of peer-to-peer learning.

Learning with your peers can be so much more enjoyable than learning alone. But the benefits don’t end there. Educational research has shown that by helping one another in and outside of the learning environment, you are much more likely to fully understand and remember the topics you share.

At Choice, we believe peer-to-peer learning is essential for continuous professional development and we host more than 100 sessions across the country every year. The feedback I receive from my brokers is that they find it incredibly valuable.

If you’re thinking about exploring the benefits of peer-to-peer learning, here are some tips on how to get the most out of it.

Come with an open mind
Peer learning is an educational practice for everyone, about almost anything. So approach it with an open mind, as you never know what you will learn.

At Choice, we find our interactive sessions are not only beneficial to new members but the enthusiasm and excitement that our new members bring to the session is infectious and everyone walks out reinvigorated, with a refreshed approach on what they need to move forward within their business.

Bring something to the conversation
Whether it is a question, a comment or a detailed story on something that has happened in your business, our message is that everyone has something valuable to add.

By sharing your insights with others, you will find your peers are much more likely to share their own experiences, and potentially help to enhance the way you do business.

Have fun
Many of our best learning experiences happen outside the classroom. For example, ‘Partnership Pace and Product’ is an event that was suggested by a Choice member. A group of female brokers complete a hiking track with a nominated lender and we walk, talk, learn and get our exercise in. Then we go out for breakfast and the lender has the opportunity to summarise their products and policies.

‘Lenders Lunch and Learn’ is another popular event. Two lenders come along and do a quick presentation and then sit down and answer questions while everyone has lunch. The events are held in South Australia every two months and spots for these events fill up within minutes.

Remember, professional development doesn’t have to be hard work – in fact learning in an environment where you can network and learn from your peers can often provide the most rewarding learning experiences.

Angela D’Angelo is a Partnership Manager with Choice. This article is part of a series featuring Choice Aggregation's broker support team focusing on how they help their brokers overcome common challenges. Find out more http://www.choiceaggregationservices.com.au/success.

Previous diary chapters:
Ella Moradi on tips for tackling marketing