Peer+Assist

//Learning before doing//
 * PEER ASSIST**

A participatory method of learning with and through peers by sharing experiences, insight and knowledge. Designed to develop context-specific solutions to a particular challenge, based on participants' previous practices and experiences. Collaborative analysis in order to adapt action to a specific situation. Exchange of tacit knowledge and good practices in order to assist a peer in a particular activity or challenge.
 * What it is**


 * When to use it**

- to stimulate collaborative problem solving - to connect experienced peers - to address challenges - to elicit feedback - to review projects - to stimulate complex analysis


 * How it is applied**
 * Assess whether the subject matter is suitable for the Peer Assist method and identify staff or experts with sufficient knowledge and experience on the subject matter.
 * The Peer Assist normally consists of a meeting or a series of meetings.
 * The length of time required will vary depending on the complexity of cases selected and the size of the group. No less than 1.5 hours is recommended, because severe time limits can restrict the natural progress of the discussions.
 * Discussions can take place in one group or several working groups depending on the number of people participating in the peer assist.
 * The group or goups should be of 4 to 8 participants to ensure constructive discussion.
 * Each discussion group will require a flip-chart surrounded by a circle of chairs.
 * There are three roles in the Peer Assist which must be clearly explained for the session to run smoothly: the ‘peer assistee’, the ‘peer assisters’ and the facilitator.
 * The “peer assistee” is the person/s who posed the challenge/case that is discussed. The "peer assistee" is the beneficiary of the assistance that will be provided. During the discussion, the "peer assistee" should consider all ideas equally and be open to diverse perspectives.
 * The "peer assisters" are the people sharing their knowledge, expertise and ideas with the peer assistee and with each other. Their role is not to solve the problem single-handedly, but to offer options and insights based on their own experience. Suggestions of alternative resources, specialists or similar cases can be particularly useful to the ‘peer assistee’.
 * Each group should also identify a facilitator, whose role is to create a climate that is conducive to constructive dialogue and an open exchange of ideas.
 * The peer assist begins with the peer assistee presenting the case to the group and summarizing its details on a flip chart. This should not be a traditional presentation and must give only the information necessary to start a dialogue within 10 minutes. Under the guidance of their respective facilitator, each group of peer assisters then discusses the case through a constructive dialogue and an open exchange of ideas. The facilitator should record the main points of the conversation on a flip-chart. During the last 20-30 minutes of the session, each facilitator can present a summary of key ideas and points in plenary and peer assisters can provide any final reflections.
 * After the peer assist is concluded, the "peer assistee" prepares a note capturing the main points of the discussion and should also keep the group informed about any actions and outcomes that occur after the session. This step is essential because it reflects the use and value of the assistance received and can feed into the learning cycle of future application of knowledge in similar situations.
 * See the "Where to learn more" section below for more detailed instructions on preparing and implementing a Peer Assist.


 * How to adapt it**
 * A **Rotating Peer Assist** creates a wider spread of ideas by allowing the participants to the Peer Assist to act as ‘assisters’ for more than one case or challenge. This adaptation can be viewed as an application of the Knowledge Café method to Peer Assists.
 * In this variation, 2-4 facilitators and peer assistees act as table hosts. The objective is to address either distinct, but closely related cases, or different facets of a single case. The peer assisters, in groups of 4-6, start at one table and rotate every 30 to 45 minutes.
 * Each rotation begins with a brief presentation from the peer assistee on the table's case. Every time the peer assistees repeat the explanation of the case, they are likely to understand the problem better and come closer to an actual solution. The facilitator then summarizes observations and suggestions from the previous rounds to ensure that the conversation is constructive, as opposed to repetitive. Finally, the peer assisters discuss the case, building upon the ideas of the table's previous occupants.
 * Approximately 2 to 4 rotations are ideal. Due to the creative nature of the process, any more than this will simply exhaust the participants.
 * At the end of the rotations, facilitators can present brief summaries of the discussions held at their tables in plenary.
 * This option is a challenge for groups with diversity in language.
 * Another possibility is to carry out a peer assist with a single group of 6-10 people.


 * What to consider**
 * In order to save time in producing a record of the session, have the facilitators of each group record the ideas and insights directly into an accessible format, such as a previously opened wiki, blog, forum, or simple document. The facilitator must be able to type at a reasonable speed for this to be useful.
 * Avoiding the use of flip-charts saves a step and minimizes waste. However, it can create difficulties for visual learners, who may not be able to recall previous points without visual aids. This can be dealt with if projectors are available for each group. Connect them to the computers and ensure each discussion group is near a large, flat, white space.
 * Arrange Peer Assist groups by language if required.


 * Timing** (at least 1h30)

Introduce the session and divide groups (10 minutes) Facilitator explains process and roles (5 minutes) Peer assistee presents the case (5-10 minutes) Discussion and facilitation (45 minutes) Validate notes and plan follow-up (5 minutes) Plenary debriefing (after multiple Peer Assists) (15 minutes) Close the session (5 minutes)


 * What you will need**

flipchart for each peer assist group markers and pencils introduction video of what a peer assist is about or handouts with instructions for the peer assist method computers with internet access, if required.

During the "Share, Learn, innovate!" workshops different groups of OHCHR participants brainstormed on the potential application of peer-assists at OHCHR. Here are some of ideas of areas where conducting a peer assist could be useful:
 * OHCHR Applications**

- Gather input for the development of policy/guidance on a given issue - Use peer assists for planning exercises and office reviews - Use the method for specific OHCHR related challenges and problems - Undertake a peer assist before embarking in a new task (for the Office, the Section, the field presence or an individual staff) - When discussing projects with UN country teams - When opening a new country office/regional office - To identify tailored solutions from others' experiences on specific topics or needs - When dealing with sensitive situations or political issues.

More information from Learning Resources and Information: "Learning to Fly", C. Collison and G. Parcell, pp. 97-131. Instructional video on Peer Assist at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObmQyW3EiiE
 * Where to learn more**