Peer Learning Scheme: applications for guest learners now open!
Sound Connections is looking for London-based individuals to take part in a peer learning placement (lasting no longer than one day) at a project or activity for young people facing challenging circumstances.
The Peer Learning Scheme is a development of a pilot ‘work shadowing’ scheme Sound Connections ran for its Challenging Circumstances Music Network (CCMN) members in spring 2015. Four music leaders took the opportunity to experience a day in the life of a CCMN organisation. Thanks to funding fromYouth Music we are delighted to be able to develop the scheme, opening it to more organisations and practitioners, during 2015-2016. We are redefining it as ‘peer learning’ to emphasise that this is an opportunity for people of all levels of career experience – equally beneficial to those starting out in their music leading career; experienced teachers and practitioners interested in moving into work in challenging settings; or those with years of experience in the challenging circumstances field keen to gain new ideas and perspectives. This reflects Sound Connections’ commitment to delivering high-quality Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for the music education workforce.
The potential benefits of being a guest learner are:
Gaining insight into a new challenging setting. Experiencing and learning from a different leader/organisation, and their approach, and inspiring new ideas/activities to take into your own practice. Developing new relationships and networks, and potentially building your pool of contacts.
Guest learners in the pilot work shadowing scheme reported the following benefits:
“These techniques [learnt on the placement] will translate easily and very effectively into the workshops I already run.”
“[The placement] encouraged me back into my direct practice as I have had a break due to illness. I found it enjoyable to be in the atmosphere and it renewed my interest in the younger age group as I have been away from it for a while.”
Find out more about the Peer Learning Scheme and the current placements on offer by clicking here >