She also says that in staff development most people have been trained using conventional learning styles. For good or for bad, we have always been told what to learn and what to do. It will take time to change this. Co-learning takes hard work, time and energy, but it's worth it, says Telles. Butler talks about the advantages she sees develop when a grouip picks up and runs with a co-learning model.
Participants see themselves as equals, as professionals, and as important members of a team.
Their knowledge is seen to be as significant as the next person's. They feel trusted, valued, and worthwhile. The group also benefits from pooled wisdom. From a practical aspect, co-learning helps bring new information to the fore, Butler continues. When participants bring experience and observations from their classrooms or job areas, they bring information that is not just research or written material from somebody else.