{"id":303,"date":"2026-07-01T10:00:07","date_gmt":"2026-07-01T09:00:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/changing-ourselves\/?p=303"},"modified":"2026-06-30T12:29:39","modified_gmt":"2026-06-30T11:29:39","slug":"the-hidden-power-of-peer-learning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/changing-ourselves\/2026\/07\/01\/the-hidden-power-of-peer-learning\/","title":{"rendered":"The Hidden Power of Peer Learning"},"content":{"rendered":"

In recent workshops,\u00a0I\u2019ve\u00a0noticed\u00a0leaders appreciating they\u00a0are not alone. Others in the room are navigating similar challenges, facing similar pressures, and often finding things just as difficult.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The value of this insight is so visible in the moment, and yet, this kind of connection\u00a0doesn\u2019t\u00a0tend to happen by accident.\u00a0\u00a0It often takes a dedicated space, a clear purpose, and facilitation for the value of peer learning and connection to\u00a0emerge.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Why it\u00a0matters<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Leaders play a critical role in the success of our\u00a0University. We rightly invest in formal programmes, training, and frameworks to support them\u00a0-\u00a0and these all have a\u00a0place.\u00a0But development\u00a0isn\u2019t\u00a0just about acquiring\u00a0more knowledge.\u00a0It\u2019s\u00a0about creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue and connection\u00a0-\u00a0spaces where leaders can explore challenges openly, test their thinking, and learn with and from others. These experiences can have a powerful impact on confidence, capability, engagement,\u00a0and ultimately, the\u00a0motivation to\u00a0take action.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

None of this is new, but the\u00a0pace, complexity, and ambiguity of leadership\u00a0make it more important than ever for leaders to connect with others, to sense-check their thinking, and to feel part of something shared.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What the research tells us<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The value of peer learning is well supported by research.\u00a0Self-Determination Theory (Deci and Ryan) suggests that people are most motivated and able to grow when three psychological needs are met: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. That sense of relatedness\u00a0-\u00a0feeling connected to others facing similar challenges\u00a0-\u00a0creates the conditions for openness, reflection, and learning.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Alongside this, Amy Edmondson\u2019s work on psychological safety highlights the importance of environments where people feel able to speak honestly, admit uncertainty, and take interpersonal risks without fear of judgement.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What\u00a0we\u2019ve\u00a0seen in peer learning spaces is how quickly these dynamics can\u00a0emerge\u00a0when the conditions are right. When leaders hear others\u00a0being vulnerable,\u00a0articulating challenges they\u00a0recognise, it creates a sense of shared experience.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Challenges<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Despite its value, peer learning is not without its challenges:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n