How does peer learning work?

What are the principles of effective peer learning?

Peer learning is most effective when:

Learning objectives are clear, and peer engagements are structured to maximise these objectives.
Individual peers are matched appropriately and authorised and empowered to engage effectively.
The organisations authorising peers to engage give formal authorisation to these peers.
Peers engage with each other in an honest and committed manner.
Peers engage with each other over a medium to long run period.
Peers engage in multiple ways, including through shared work and site visits.
Peers do things together, and reflect regularly on what they are learning.
The learning gains of individual peers are communicated back to those authorising the engagement of these peers, to ensure continued support for the learning process.
The home organisations of each peer commit to allow peers to communicate their learning back into the organisations, and structure a strategy to ensure this is done regularly.
Facilitators simplify the process of peer engagement, to ensure peers find this process as easy as possible (with limited administrative demands and costs).
Peers are encouraged and empowered to share their learning back into their organisations.
The many facets of peer learning gains are evaluated—from initial engagement through individual learning, to organisational learning (from the peers) and final reform impact.