Peer learning — why should we do it? How deep should we go? I wrote down my thoughts on this a while ago.
I've polished them up a bit this time.
Why Is Peer Learning Necessary?#
You can certainly learn a subject through books or credible resources, but the benefits of peer learning go beyond just acquiring knowledge. Explaining to others or listening to explanations reinforces your learning attitude. You learn from each other's trial and error, and the experiences stick in your memory for a long time. You also pick up practical know-how. Learning with peers isn't just about solving assignments — hearing someone explain what they know and explaining what you've done are both effective learning methods.
How Deep Should You Go?#
I don't think everyone needs the same depth of learning. Some study to get a job, while others need deep expertise in a specific technology. Of course, it's hard to define where learning ends, but it's good to learn within an appropriate scope aimed at completing the task at hand. Even if the knowledge is only for the current assignment in the short term, it's important to maintain the mindset that you're continuously learning and growing. At 42 Seoul, since there's a curriculum, most cadets prioritize completing their assigned projects.
In a World with Open Source and AI, Do We Still Need to Learn from People?#
Can a person live alone? GitHub and AI can help you acquire knowledge, but human relationships are a different matter. No one can accumulate all knowledge on their own. Building bonds and relationships with others provides value beyond just gaining knowledge. Through sharing learning and growing together, you can become a better person. There's a saying that the biggest stimulus for a person is another person.
Peer Learning — Are We Just Addicted to the 'Fun of Learning'?#
If peer learning is a process toward getting a job, you should be able to get hired after reaching a certain level. Additionally, the fun you feel during interview practice or collaboration is also a benefit gained through peer learning. Where you used to focus on getting the right answer, now you can enjoy the learning process and the fun of growing together. I think the joy of discovery is a huge motivator for learning anything.
Is Having More Knowledge Always a Good Thing?#
As knowledge accumulates, you might become more humble or realize your limitations more deeply. You become aware that 'there's still so much I don't know.' If you're mentally prepared to handle the weight of more knowledge, learning can bring even greater positive changes to your life.
Can Peer Learning Continue at Work? Who Covers the Costs?#
Maintaining peer learning at work is an excellent attitude. However, you shouldn't think of work itself as part of peer learning. In the process of leveraging individual expertise to divide labor and create a product together, you need to apply your professional knowledge. It's best to keep peer learning to after-work community activities or within company welfare time. I also think code reviews are a great form of peer learning.
What's the Difference Between Peer Evaluation and Code Review?#
Looking only at code on a GitHub pull request makes it easy to miss the intent or big picture behind the code. It can be hard to understand the design intent, leading to misunderstandings, and you might tend to only look at parts you're familiar with. In contrast, during peer evaluation, since the code author explains directly, it's much easier to understand the overall context. Peer evaluation enables deeper learning and higher code comprehension. Having someone who needs a code review meet directly with another person to explain their code is also a form of peer evaluation or peer learning, in my opinion.
Peer learning goes beyond simply acquiring knowledge — it's a process of sharing experiences and growing through relationships. Through this learning attitude, you can grow into a better developer in the long run.
Don't walk in front of me… I may not follow Don't walk behind me… I may not lead Walk beside me… just be my friend
— Albert Camus
