Career and Talent Management

Learning groups are a form of peer learning that provides a practical structure for development. Small peer groups agree to meet regularly for a set period of time to focus on professional development goals.

The participants determine what they want to explore. Some groups work on a common set of skills and knowledge. Other groups serve as sounding boards for each individual’s development needs. Learning groups can also be applied to leadership development by using “scenario” sessions in which a senior leader discusses an actual work situation.

Learning groups can be set up within a functional area or department, or across the Institute among employees serving in similar job roles.

Learning groups use a variety of learning techniques including:

• presentations on specific topics
• case studies
• reading groups
• problem-solving discussions

These groups work best with a clear commitment among participants, a start and end date, facilitation roles, and agreement of goals and purpose of the group. For help in starting a learning group, contact oed-request@mit.edu.