My Approaches to learning design
are steeped in adult learning theory, a commitment to user experience and impact research, and over ten years of in-person teaching to a broad range of adult learners.
Here are a few examples of the principles that underly my work:
Peer to Peer Learning
Too often, asynchronous modules rely on anonymous talking slides, but adult learners want to learn from real people who have experienced the same challenges that they experience.
Solutions: Ideally, learning communities support adults to learn from each other, but in asynchronous modules, short videos capturing real experiences, struggles and successes can also teach and motivate.
In this example, social workers, psychologists, and other behavioral health workers get tips on safety planning from real practitioners.
My roles: Instructional designer, video producer and editor. To see the full Safety Planning course in Rise, click here.
Problem-Based Learning
Too often, workplace training jumps to telling people what they are going to learn without pausing for learners to identify why they might want to learn it.
But adults are problem-based learners: once they identify with a problem, they will be strongly motivated to learn in order to solve that problem.
Solution:
Give learners the opportunity to reflect on their own experiences, and connect the problems that they experience at work with the information the training provides.
For example, this training on verbal de-escalation strategies starts by asking learners to reflect on their experiences at work, and connect experiences to practice scenarios.
My roles: Instructional designer, script writer, video producer and editor. To see the first module of the Verbal De-escalation full Module 1 of De-Escalation in Storyline 360, click here.
Active Learning
Active learning means providing users with the opportunity to process the information in meaningful ways and practice new skills.
Solution:
Scaffolded practice, scenario-based learning, reflections, and interactive videos move beyond click-and-reveal to make online learning truly active and interactive.
For example, this training in storytelling for job-seekers gets learners to brainstorm, write, and record interview responses. They have the option to view model videos and interactive sample text to help them as they go.
My roles: Instructional designer, course developer and project manager.