What is it actually !

What is peer-to-peer learning?
Peer-to-peer learning involves landowners sharing their knowledge and experience with one another.  It can happen through existing social networks or facilitated peer learning opportunities.  Peer-to-peer learning:

• Spreads information through formal or informal social networks;
• Involves two-way (or more) communication;
• Recognizes that every participant can be a teacher and a learner;
• Is community- and participant-driven; and
• Can occur through either an ongoing forum or one-time exchange

Benefits of peer-to-peer learning
People are more likely to hear and internalize messages, and thus to change their attitudes and behaviors, if they believe the messenger is similar to them and faces the same concerns and pressures.  Peer-to-peer learning provides locally relevant information when landowners need to make a decision about their land, delivered by the people they naturally turn to for information. Peer-to-peer learning is effective because peers:

• Understand the goals, issues, and pressures of that landowners face;
• Have direct experience regarding forest management and protection;
• Are seen as credible, unbiased, and trusted sources of information;
• Have specific local knowledge, such as recommendations for trusted professional service providers or sources of assistance;
• Speak the same language and can help each other distill information to the critical pieces needed to make a decision; and
• Are easy to contact when important decisions need to be made

Peer to peer learning can take place…

• Formally through woodland owner organizations, cooperatives, master volunteer programs, or learning circles;
• Informally, such as neighbors talking over the fence or at the local coffee shop; or
• Through Internet-based tools, such as discussion boards.
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