Peer Learning: A Popular Model for Seniors Education

Institutes for Learning in Retirement (ILRs) in North America are member‐led organizations associated with colleges and universities. Many practice “peer learning,” in which seniors share responsibility for class activities. At McGill ILR (Montreal, Quebec, Canada) they meet together in small study groups. Group leaders, called moderators, are members who volunteer to lead a group in a subject of their choice. In a self‐evaluation of the McGill ILR program, the majority of participants reported enjoying learning and interacting socially with peers. They experienced intellectual stimulation and increased understanding of their area of study. The success of peer learning depends on the quality of the contributions of the moderator and fellow participants. Learning from the knowledge and experience of others, and participating in well‐informed discussion, are valued above all else. Study‐group activities may be research‐, expression‐, appreciation‐, or experience‐oriented. Moderators’ roles differ according to personality, experience, and area of study. Peer learning is a recent trend in seniors programs and is used in a variety of contexts. It can happen whenever a small group of seniors choose to study a subject of common interest. In future, by using the Internet, even those who are housebound or live in isolated areas may participate.