Bilateral Learning
Bilateral learning is a collaborative educational concept where two sides or groups work for reciprocal knowledge and skills development. This method stresses learning from each other's points of view, thus developing a more fundamental understanding and strengthening the relationship, particularly in the multicultural or international arena.
Bilateral exposition is a two-way street and, as such, provides a multitude of advantages that include not only the observer's but also the student's view of the culture, the enhanced communicative skills, and the critical power development. One of the specifics is that the people who exchange programs between the students get to know the foreign cultures directly, which broadens their global understanding as well as prepares them for the jobs of the future that will be executed in multicultural conditions.
Contrary to conventional education, where the teacher usually pours knowledge to the student, bilateral learning is the interactive and reciprocal learning of both. Through this, the time for each of the two to share insights and experiences, which is a precursor of the due learning attitude, is earnt. For instance, let us consider a scenario where multicultural students are enrolled in a class of students, the uniqueness in their cultural background will be an addition to the overall student learning experience.
Bilateral learning is particularly successful in multicultural environments, in international partnerships, and in language exchange programs. For instance, universities that initiate joint programs with the institutions of other countries give students a chance to learn from the other party's educational practices and thus stew in their own juices for a more meaningful experience and indirectly promote international cooperation.
The technology dependence that means a perquisite to bilateral learning is the provision of platforms of communication and collaboration over distances. Instruments, for example, video conferencing, online forums, and collaborative software are the main reasons, why students from elsewhere can talk live and share documents with effectiveness. One exemplification is, virtual exchange programs which can link to classrooms globally and do joint projects where pupils teach and learn with each other in spite of the distance.