Learning and Development: 5 Key Considerations for Better Learning Experiences

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Strategi Solutions

The future of work is constantly evolving, and in today’s fast-paced world, continuous learning and development (L&D) are essential for both personal and professional growth.

Ensuring that employees and managers have access to opportunities for upskilling, learning, and development can prevent you from falling behind your competitors and can increase employee performance by 58% (Forbes, 2023). However, learning and development are only valuable when the experience is engaging, thought-provoking, and purposeful.

What is learning and development?

Learning and development (L&D) is a HR-driven function in organisations dedicated to training and enhancing employees’ skills, knowledge and other competencies. L&D can be carried out in a number of formats such as online, in person and through mentorships. Having robust L&D initiatives in place in your business, whether internally or externally, is a way of attracting and retaining the right talent.

Here are our top five strategic considerations for creating a better learning experience:

1. Pre-learning engagement

Pre-learning engagement sets the tone for the entire learning experience. Before learners even begin a course or training session, it’s essential to capture their interest and motivate them. Here’s how you can achieve this:

Communication: Communicate the objectives, benefits, and relevance of the training. When learners understand the “why” behind the learning, they are more likely to engage deeply.

Interactive pre-assessment: Use pre-assessment tools to gauge learners’ current knowledge and skills. This not only helps in customising the learning path but also stimulates curiosity about what they will learn.

Pre-reading materials: If possible, provide engaging pre-reading materials such as articles, videos, or podcasts related to the course. This primes learners’ minds and gets them excited about the upcoming content.

2. Choosing the right technology

The right technology can significantly enhance the learning experience. With so many options available, selecting the most appropriate tools and platforms is crucial.

Learning management systems (LMS): Choose an LMS that is user-friendly and offers features such as progress tracking, interactive content, and mobile accessibility. This ensures learners can access training materials anytime, anywhere.

Multimedia tools: Incorporate various multimedia tools like videos, interactive simulations, and gamified elements. These tools make learning more engaging and cater to different learning styles.

Collaboration platforms: Utilise platforms that allow for real-time collaboration and communication. Tools like virtual whiteboards, chat functions, and discussion forums create a sense of community and enhance learning through peer interactions.

3. Personalising the experience

One size does not fit all in learning and development. Personalising the learning experience can lead to better engagement and retention. A significant challenge for 35% of HR managers is the ability to obtain training content tailored to the specific business requirements (Skillademia, 2023). At Strategi Learning, we ensure all of our training programmes are tailored to the organisations and individuals participating.

Assess and understand learner needs: Use pre-assessments and diagnostics, when possible, to gauge the knowledge, skills, and preferences of each participant.

Offer flexible and diverse learning options: Provide a variety of content formats, learning paths, and adaptive technologies to cater to different learning styles and levels.

Provide personalised support and feedback: Use learning analytics, mentorship, and tailored feedback to support individual progress and continuously refine and improve the learning experience.

4. Respecting your learners’ time

In a busy world, time is precious. Respecting your learners’ time is essential for maintaining their motivation and engagement.

Bite-sized learning: Break down content into manageable, bite-sized modules. Microlearning helps learners absorb information quickly and efficiently without overwhelming them, and companies that focus on bite-sized content have seen a 50% reduction in course completion time (Rapid Learning Institute).

Clear objectives: Clearly outline learning objectives and expected outcomes at the beginning of each module or task. This helps learners stay focused and understand the value of the time they are investing.

Breaks: Training sessions can be overwhelming and require a lot of concentration from the learners. Be sure to incorporate plenty of comfort breaks within the training plan to keep the audience engaged, switched on and improve learning retention.

Efficient use of technology: Leverage technology to make learning more efficient. Use automated reminders, progress tracking, and quick assessments to keep learners on track without consuming excessive time.

5. Relating to real-life experiences

Connecting learning content to real-life experiences makes it more relevant and memorable, and a Harvard Business Review study found that learners who connect training content to real-world scenarios are 32% more likely to apply what they’ve learned on the job.

Practical applications: Include practical, real-world examples and case studies in your content. Show how the skills and knowledge being taught can be applied in real-life scenarios. Our Problem Solving and Decision Making course includes practical case studies and role-playing exercises that simulate real-world scenarios, ensuring learners can apply these skills effectively in their work environment.

Hands-on activities: Incorporate hands-on activities, simulations, and role-playing exercises. These activities allow learners to practice and apply what they’ve learned in a safe environment.

Guest speakers and mentors: Bring in industry experts and mentors to share their experiences and insights. This not only enhances the learning experience but also provides valuable networking opportunities.

Personalising learning for a group or an individual requires a thoughtful, flexible, and ongoing approach. By assessing individual needs, offering diverse and adaptive learning options, and providing personalised support, you can create an engaging and effective learning experience for everyone involved.

Organisations that offer tailored training programmes see a 30% increase in employee performance, according to research by the CIPD. At Strategi Learning, we specialise in creating bespoke training programmes that cater to the diverse needs of your team. Our tailored learning and development solutions are designed to enhance skills, encourage engagement, and get the most out of your team. Contact us today to find out how we can help you deliver impactful and personalised training experiences for your organisation.