Creating effective learning

1. We develop skills through practice

People often learn by just doing a task, learning as they go. So, whether you’re designing classroom-based training or eLearning, it’s important to ensure learners are doing something practical to apply what they’ve seen, heard, read and learnt. For example, completing a scenario to see if they can identify what is happening and/or what should be done.

2. We learn when we are ready to 

People will be more motivated to learn if they need the knowledge or skill. Where possible, provide opportunities at the point of need or help them understand how the course or module will help them in their role, career or personal life.

3. We need to make connections

Find ways to help your learners make connections between what they know and/or are already doing with how they should behave. Use examples they will understand to help them connect their new knowledge with situations they are already comfortable with.

4. We learn one thing at a time

We shouldn’t rush people or give them too much to absorb at one time. Allow people to pause a module when it suits them, and plan plenty of breaks into the training. Delivering things in sections, followed by actions, gives people the opportunity to practice and apply what they’ve learnt. When creating a module that has practical outcomes, you could ask learners to complete actions off-line as they go. Spacing out learning, and the repetition that this can involve, is also great for helping learning stick.

5. We need to learn from others

We all learn in different ways and have different talents. We may be better with figures than we are with words. Sharing knowledge and skills between colleagues can sometimes be tricky, particularly if your organisation has multiple locations or everyone is working from home. Using storytelling, online forums and social media can help to build connections online.