Training Industry Magazine - Summer 2024 - 47

STRATEGIES
MAKING LEARNING IRRESISTIBLE:
HOW TO SUCCESSFULLY ENGAGE EMPLOYEES
IN TRAINING PROGRAMS
BY BHAVNEET CHAHAL
Building learning and development (L&D)
programs isn't simple or straightforward.
However, one key action sets companies
up for success: Adopting a learner-centric
design approach. For corporate training
to be successful, it should be designed
around the learner. This means getting to
know how they learn best and what makes
them stick around.
* More engaged in learning that is
centered around problem-solving.
These traits underscore the need to
create relevant and practical learning
experiences and empower employees
to
direct
their own educational
journeys. With this in mind, let's
explore the strategies that have
proven the most successful in boosting
learner engagement.
CAN PERSONALIZED,
ENGAGING LEARNING
EXPERIENCES
BE SCALED?
ABSOLUTELY.
1. Personalize the Learning
Experience: The days of onesize-fits-all
are decidedly behind
us. Now, it's all about crafting
bespoke learning paths and content
recommendations that align with
each learner's unique needs
and aspirations.
HOW TO ENGAGE
ADULT LEARNERS
Engaged learners are more likely
to
enjoy training, finish it and get real
value from it. So, the key question is,
how do we engage them? The starting
point is understanding what makes your
employees (i.e., adult learners) unique.
Adult learners are characterized
mainly by being:
* Self-directed.
* Intrinsically motivated by value drivers
other than money.
* Drawn to learning things relevant to a
real-life context.
2. Embrace Microlearning and
Gamification: Shorter lessons,
practical exercises and gamification
features like points, badges and
leaderboards can turn learning into
a captivating experience.
3. Encourage Social Learning:
Fostering interaction and
collaboration among learners can
boost engagement and builds a
stronger learning culture within
your organization.
4. Provide Self-Paced Training: This
approach accommodates different
learning styles and schedules,
typically resulting in a more
effective experience.
5. Assess: From short quizzes to realworld
challenges and immediate
TRAINING INDUSTRY MAGAZINE - SUMMER 2024 I WWW.TRAININGINDUSTRY.COM/MAGAZINE
feedback, evaluations serve as a
key tool for gauging progress and
refining training initiatives.
6. Be Agile and Data-Driven:
Quick adaptation is key in L&D.
Leveraging data and certain
technologies, like artificial
intelligence (AI), allows for the
continuous refinement of learning
strategies and ensures the delivery
of the right content to the right
person at the right time.
FEATURES THAT SUPPORT
LEARNER ENGAGEMENT
While learning management systems
(LMS)
have traditionally been the
go-to for delivering, tracking and
administering training programs,
putting learners at the forefront
often demands other capabilities.
That is where learning experience
platforms (LXP) come into play.
An LXP is a digital platform that
prioritizes the learner's experience
and engagement, enabling them
to take the steering wheel of their
professional development.
The most forward-thinking learning
platforms combine the robust
administrative capabilities of an
LMS with the modern, learnercentered
approach of an LXP. This
hybrid model ensures that training
not only meets organizations'
necessary requirements but also
deeply resonates with and empowers
their learners.
47

https://trainingindustry.com/glossary/agile/ https://online-journals.org/index.php/i-jac/article/view/43277 https://online-journals.org/index.php/i-jac/article/view/43277 https://trainingindustry.com/wiki/content-development/gamification/ https://www.trainingindustry.com/magazine

Training Industry Magazine - Summer 2024

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