In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, how we learn and train has evolved dramatically. Traditional classroom settings and solitary online courses are no longer the only avenues for acquiring knowledge. Enter social learning—a dynamic, interactive approach that leverages the power of collaboration and interaction to foster knowledge transfer and skill development.
But what exactly is social learning, and why is it crucial for individuals and organizations? Social learning is the process of gaining knowledge, skills, and ideas through community-oriented learning programs and is a core element of The L.E.A.D. Program. By capitalizing on the community rooted in ACCA, we can leverage the diverse experiences of all members through engaging in a shared learning experience beyond the structured course alone.
7 benefits of social learning (and where you’ll experience them within the L.E.A.D. Program)
- Learn directly from the experts
While learning from your peers is a key component of social learning, the additional element comes in when you know that those you will be hearing from have deep experience and knowledge that you may not have yet acquired in your career. According to a report by the Training Industry, incorporating a subject matter expert into the learning process can lead to a 63% improvement in knowledge transfer, thanks to the expert’s ability to share personal experiences and contextualize learning. You will have the opportunity to learn directly from industry experts who share their real-world experiences and personal anecdotes. This makes the content more relatable and easier to understand, offering valuable insights that can be applied to both your professional and personal life. - Knowledge gains through collaboration
Social learning encourages individuals to learn together, leveraging each other’s strengths and perspectives to find creative solutions to problems. This collaborative environment fosters a sense of community and helps build strong interpersonal relationships. A survey by the Brandon Hall Group found that 85% of organizations believe social learning helps solve critical business knowledge and skill gaps. In The L.E.A.D. Program, we build these opportunities through connection through bi-weekly expert-led facilitated discussions, which combine the knowledge shared by industry experts with the opportunity to dig deeper during intimate breakout rooms with a cohort of your fellow peer leaders. - Improved engagement and accountability
When learning is a shared experience, it promotes active participation and engagement. Group discussions, debates, and work stimulate critical thinking and motivate individuals to delve deeply into the subject. Studies by Bersin & Associates have shown that social learning can improve employee productivity by up to 20%. In addition to the engagement, data show that participating in these conversations and building connections dramatically increases the likelihood of completing the material leading up to live discussions. - Networking and continuing relationships
Social learning promotes a culture of community. By spending time together, sharing, and hearing others’ perspectives, you become connected. This leads to long-term professional relationships, mentorship, and even friendship outside the work environment. As individuals share their knowledge and expertise, they contribute to the collective growth of the community. This ongoing exchange of ideas ensures that learning is a lifelong journey. - Enhanced learning retention
Studies have shown that learning with others enhances retention. Research by Bersin & Associates found that learners can retain only 5% of information from hearing a lecture and 10% from reading a textbook, but retention increases to 50% through discussions and interaction. Group discussions provide an opportunity for critical thinking and help maintain focus by involving participants in the learning process. Our program integrates this through the live session breakout discussions and an online community, allowing for any sharing, where learners can discuss and add layers to the conversation at their convenience. These live and self-paced ongoing conversations foster that mentality of continuous growth to help with the practical application of knowledge gained. - Real-world application
Social learning often involves real-world scenarios and the practical application of knowledge. Individuals develop transferable skills to real-life situations by engaging in collaborative problem-solving, thereby bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. This practical approach is emphasized in all discussions, where small group conversations extend beyond ‘what we learned’ to sharing best practices and strategies that can be applied to implement this learning in real-world contexts, creating on-the-job impact. - Identification of knowledge gaps
Group discussions and collaborative learning can reveal knowledge gaps that might be missed in traditional learning settings. By actively engaging with peers, learners can identify and address these gaps, enhancing their overall understanding. The 70:20:10 learning model suggests that 20% of learning comes from social interaction, and social learning can effectively identify and fill knowledge gaps. A learning program structured around live discussions and collaboration highlights opportunities to ask questions and hear alternative approaches, ensuring that you can identify gaps and ask the necessary questions to fill those gaps effectively.
Discover what you’ll learn in The L.E.A.D. Program—click here.
Conclusion: Social learning enhances retention, improves application, builds community, and creates opportunities to grow together.
Social learning is more than just theory—it’s a powerful tool that enhances learning experiences, boosts engagement, and fosters a culture of continuous development. By incorporating social learning into any type of professional development, you can leverage your peers’ and mentors’ collective knowledge and experience, leading to better collaboration, improved engagement, and real-world application of skills.
The L.E.A.D. Program embodies social learning principles, offering an entirely virtual experience that blends self-paced eLearning with live, facilitated conversations bi-weekly with your cohort of peers and subject matter experts. Discover how this program can transform your learning journey and foster a community of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.
We invite you to learn more about The L.E.A.D. Program and discover the benefits of social learning as part of this growing community of continuous improvement and sharing.
By embracing social learning, you enhance your personal development and contribute to a culture of knowledge sharing and community growth within ACCA. Join us and experience the difference this program can make in your professional and personal life.
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