Creating Learning Experiences That Work for Everyone

I do a lot of training with a very wide range of skill sets. I have beginners and experts in my classes, sometimes in the same class.  

When I'm asked to put together the curriculum, I'm often asked to describe the content. 

Like, answer all the standard questions: 'What topics are going to be covered?', 'What are the learning outcomes?', and 'What tools will be utilized?' 

All great questions, obviously. And important.  

But I'm thinking of revising what I share with organizations or teams. I'm thinking of talking not about the how-tos, but about the intangibles that must align for the best learning environment. 

I think that it's equally important to make sure that there is an environment that encourages the kind of learning that meets you where you are. 

A place that fosters healthy participation is a place that you truly learn from.  

Learning is unique to each of us 

Recognizing that learning is as unique as each person in the room is key. We've all heard of learning styles (visual, auditory, tactile), but have we had the conversation about the learning environment in the same way? 

What about creating inclusivity so that each of these styles can achieve success together?  

Fostering a safe and welcoming space is key. Some participants ask questions immediately, some want to quietly take it in. Some are true beginners, some have experience in the platforms.  

There are ways to make sure that a group dynamic supports group learning. It's one of my non-negotiables when I work with organizations, because I've seen the outcomes. 

Case Study: Ongoing Group Training 

There is a group that I've worked with for nearly two years now, and it's one of the best examples I can find. They are an association made up of professionals in similar industries, not a single organization. 

What's fascinating about this group is their progression and willingness to stay together as a cohort and continue to learn in their own ways. 

We have such a safe space that people are actually more willing to learn. Is that possible? I can tell you that it is.  

Questions are welcome and encouraged. The group will often discuss what their own experiences have been before we come to a hands-on solution. 

Different skill levels are all in the same place, and nobody judges anyone else's pace. The lesson last month might not have been a high priority for one member, but they have taken from it what they need, and they have a higher priority in the next training 

Mistakes happen. We don't know what we don't know, and this is very obvious when it comes to tech training. So, we discuss and learn from the mistakes. 

They've actually taken some of these relationships into their own organizations and workspaces, teaming up on adoption or taking their questions offline to collaborate with one another. 

Inclusivity brings more collaboration and adoption 

Creating the space where people feel comfortable learning, we find that participation increases. Retention is stronger. We share what we learn.  

The result? Adoption skyrockets. 

We feel comfortable with the tools, which means that we use them for good.  

Training isn't about tools, it's about people 

Tech moves fast. As the wise Ferris Bueller once said, 'If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you might miss it'. It changes sometimes moment to moment. 

People, less so. Yes we do change of course (go look up your high school yearbook if you dare), but the constant is that if people are the focus of the training, rather than the tech as the focus, we'll win. We'll see the adoption stick, the light bulb a-ha moments, and the collaboration. 

The way to focus on the people is to make the learning inclusive, relevant, impactful and fun. 

Have we talked about fun? Because that counts too.  

The group I mentioned in this blog? We have been together long enough that we embrace the FUN. We look forward to seeing each other and catching up before we dive into the materials. 

And it gives me such a boost for the rest of the week.  

The goal was never to just teach features. Anyone can do that. 

The goal has always been to help people gain confidence, use what they have, and find their own success with the tools available to them.