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Social learning is the process of acquiring knowledge, skills and ideas through community-oriented learning programs and is a core element of the ISA Business Academy.
In today's world, traditional classroom learning or online, one-on-one lessons are no longer an option. only A means of acquiring knowledge. Social learning is a dynamic, interactive approach that harnesses the power of collaboration and interaction to accelerate knowledge transfer and skill development.
The International Society of Automation (ISA) hosted the ISA Business Academy, a 10-week mini-MBA course aimed at current and aspiring leaders in the automation field, using social learning principles.
But what exactly is social learning and why is it important for both individuals and organizations? Social learning is the process of acquiring knowledge, skills and ideas through community-oriented learning programs and is a core element of the ISA Business Academy. Because community is essential to ISA, you can leverage the experiences of our diverse members by participating in shared learning experiences that go beyond structured courses alone.
7 Benefits of Social Learning (and where you can experience it at ISA Business Academy)
1. Learn directly from the experts
Learning from your peers is a key component of social learning, but knowing you can hear from others with deep industry knowledge that you haven't yet developed in your career adds another element. According to a Training Industry report, including subject matter experts in your learning experience improves knowledge transfer by 63% because experts can share their personal experiences and contextualize the learning. Having the opportunity to learn directly from automation experts and hear their extensive real-world experience and personal anecdotes makes the content approachable and understandable, while providing insights that help you apply what you learn to different aspects of your career. To learn more about ISA Business Academy guest experts, visit the ISA website.
2. Knowledge Acquisition through Collaboration
Social learning encourages individuals to learn together and leverage each other's strengths and perspectives to find creative solutions to problems. This collaborative environment fosters community and helps build strong interpersonal relationships. According to a Brandon Hall Group study, 85% of organizations believe social learning helps address critical business knowledge and skills gaps. At ISA Business Academy, we build these opportunities through connection through bi-weekly expert-led discussions that combine knowledge shared by industry experts with opportunities to dig deeper in intimate breakout rooms with fellow leaders.
3. Increased engagement and accountability
When learning is a shared experience, it encourages active participation and engagement. Group discussions, debates, and work stimulate critical thinking and motivate individuals to dig deeper into the subject matter. Research by Bersin & Associates shows that social learning can increase employee productivity by up to 20%. In addition to engagement, data shows that participating in these conversations and building connections significantly increases the likelihood of completing material that leads into a live discussion.
4. Networking and lasting relationships
Social learning fosters community. Spending time together, sharing and listening to others' perspectives, helps us connect more easily. This can lead to long-term professional relationships, mentorship, and even friendships outside of the work environment. When individuals share their knowledge and expertise in a social learning environment, they contribute to the growth of the community as a whole. This ongoing exchange of ideas makes learning a lifelong journey.
5. Learning retention will improve.
Research shows that learning with others improves retention. A study by Bersin & Associates found that learners retain only 5% of what they hear from lectures and 10% of what they read from textbooks, but discussion and interaction boosts retention to 50%. Group discussions provide an opportunity for critical thinking and help participants stay focused by engaging them in the learning process. Our programs integrate this through live session breakout discussions and online communities, allowing learners to share at any time and discuss and add depth to the conversation at their convenience. These live, self-paced, ongoing conversations contribute to a mindset of continuous growth as learners apply their new knowledge to the real world.
6. Real-world applications.
Social learning often involves real-world scenarios and practical application of knowledge. By engaging in collaborative problem-solving, individuals gain skills that can be applied to real-world situations they may encounter in life, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills. This hands-on approach is emphasized in all discussions, with small group conversations going beyond the topic of “what did we learn” to share best practices and strategies for creating impact in the workplace.
7. Identifying knowledge gaps.
Group discussions and collaborative learning can reveal gaps in knowledge that may be overlooked in traditional learning environments. By engaging with their peers, learners can identify and address these gaps to improve their overall understanding. The 70:20:10 learning model indicates that 20% of learning comes from social interactions, making social learning useful for effectively identifying and filling knowledge gaps. Learning programs structured around live discussions and collaboration create opportunities to ask questions and hear alternative approaches. You will be empowered to identify your gaps and ask the questions necessary to effectively fill them.
Conclusion
Social learning improves retention, improves application, and creates opportunities to build community and grow together.
Social learning can be a powerful tool for enhancing the learning experience and building a culture of continuous development. When social learning becomes part of your professional development, you can leverage the collective knowledge and experience of your peers and mentors, leading to better collaboration and real-world application of your skills.
ISA Business Academy embodies the principles of social learning, providing a fully virtual experience that combines self-paced eLearning with bi-weekly live, facilitated conversations with peers and subject matter experts. Learn more about ISA Business Academy and discover the benefits of social learning as part of this growing community of continuous improvement and sharing.
Embracing social learning not only fosters personal growth, but also contributes to a culture of knowledge sharing and community growth within ISA. Join us and experience the difference this program can make to your professional and personal life.
This feature originally appeared on ISA Interchange.
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