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An Introduction to the ‘Moments of Need’ Learning Model


Moments of Need Learning Model

The Moments of Need Learning Model is a framework developed by Bob Mosher and Conrad Gottfredson in 2011, which outlines five moments of need that individuals experience during their learning and development journey.


These five moments of need are:

  1. Learning for the first time (New)

  2. Learning more (More)

  3. Applying what has been learned (Apply)

  4. When problems arise (Problem Solving)

  5. When things change (Change)

The model emphasizes that traditional training and learning approaches may not always meet learners' needs in each of these moments. Therefore, it encourages a shift towards a performance-support approach that aims to provide learners with the right knowledge and skills at the right moment of need.


According to the model, different learning interventions can be designed to meet the different moments of need. For example, traditional classroom training or e-learning may be appropriate for the New moment when learners are encountering new information for the first time. However, for the Apply moment when learners need to apply what they have learned to their work, job aids, coaching, or mentoring may be more appropriate.


The Moments of Need Learning Model helps organizations and learning professionals better understand their learners' needs and design effective learning interventions that provide the right knowledge and support at the right time.


The Benefits of the Moments of Need Learning Model

There are several benefits of using the Moments of Need Learning Model, including:


Improved Learner Performance

By designing learning interventions that meet learners' needs in each moment of need, organizations can improve learners' performance on the job. This approach ensures that learners have the right knowledge and support when they need it, which can help them be more effective in their roles.


Increased Efficiency

The Moments of Need Learning Model helps organizations identify the most effective learning interventions for each moment of need. This can help organizations save time and resources by avoiding ineffective or unnecessary training interventions.


Better ROI

By designing learning interventions that are tailored to each moment of need, organizations can improve the return on investment (ROI) of their training initiatives. This is because learners are more likely to apply what they have learned to their work, leading to improved performance and productivity.


More Engagement

The Moments of Need Learning Model can help organizations create more engaging and relevant learning experiences for their learners. By providing learners with the right knowledge and support at the right time, organizations can increase learner engagement and motivation.


Continuous Learning

The Moments of Need Learning Model emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and development. By providing learners with ongoing support and resources, organizations can create a culture of learning that promotes continuous improvement and growth.


How to Implement the Moments of Need Learning Model

Implementing the Moments of Need Learning Model involves the following steps:


1. Identify the Moments of Need

The first step is to identify the five moments of need in your organization. This involves understanding the specific knowledge and skills that learners need in each moment and the challenges they face.


2. Design Learning Interventions

Once you have identified the moments of need, the next step is to design learning interventions that meet learners' needs in each moment. This may involve creating traditional classroom or e-learning courses, job aids, coaching, mentoring, or other performance support resources.


3. Deliver Learning Interventions

After designing the learning interventions, the next step is to deliver them to learners at the right moment of need. This may involve integrating the learning interventions into the workflow or making them easily accessible to learners when they need them.


4. Evaluate Effectiveness

The final step is to evaluate the effectiveness of the learning interventions. This involves measuring learners' performance and the impact of the interventions on the organization. Based on the evaluation results, you can make adjustments to the learning interventions to improve their effectiveness.


To implement the Moments of Need Learning Model successfully, it's essential to involve all stakeholders in the process, including learners, managers, and subject matter experts. It's also important to continuously assess learners' needs and adapt the learning interventions accordingly to ensure they remain relevant and effective.


About LMS Portals

At LMS Portals, we provide our clients and partners with a SaaS-based, multi-tenant learning management system that allows you to launch a dedicated training environment (a portal) for each of your unique audiences.


The system includes an embedded SCORM-compliant course authoring tool that enables most anyone to build engaging courses quickly and easily.


We also offer a complete library of ready-made courses, covering most every aspect of corporate training and employee development.


If you choose to, you can create Learning Paths to deliver courses in a logical progression and add structure to your training program. The system also supports Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) and provides tools for social learning.


Together, these features make the LMS Portals platform and content an ideal choice for your corporate training program.


Contact us today to get started or visit our Partner Program pages

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