Active learning is an approach to learning that involves actively engaging the learner in the learning process, rather than passively receiving information from an instructor or trainer. In active learning, learners are encouraged to participate in the learning process through various activities such as discussions, problem-solving exercises, hands-on activities, and other interactive methods.
The goal of active learning is to promote deep learning and critical thinking by enabling learners to process and analyze information, apply concepts to real-world situations, and construct their own knowledge. Active learning encourages learners to take an active role in their own learning process, leading to better understanding, higher retention, and improved problem-solving skills.
Examples of active learning strategies include group discussions, case studies, role-playing exercises, project-based learning, and inquiry-based learning. Active learning can be used in a variety of educational settings, including schools, universities, and corporate training programs.
The Benefits of Active Learning for Corporate Training
Active learning has numerous benefits for corporate training programs. Here are some of the most significant benefits:
Increases Engagement
Active learning makes training more engaging and interactive, which can help employees stay motivated and interested in the material.
Improves Retention
By actively engaging with the material, employees are more likely to remember and retain the information they learn in training.
Develops Critical Thinking Skills
Active learning exercises, such as case studies and problem-solving activities, encourage employees to think critically and apply concepts to real-world situations.
Encourages Collaboration
Group discussions and team-based activities promote collaboration and communication among employees, leading to a more cohesive and effective workforce.
Provides Immediate Feedback
Many active learning exercises provide immediate feedback, which can help employees identify areas where they need to improve and adjust their learning strategies accordingly.
Promotes Skill Development
Active learning exercises, such as role-playing and hands-on activities, allow employees to practice and develop new skills in a safe and supportive environment.
Five Steps to Incorporate Active Learning into Your Corporate Training Program
Implementing active learning in a corporate training program requires careful planning and execution. Here are five steps you can take to incorporate active learning in your training program:
Define learning objectives: Start by defining your training goals and learning objectives. Determine the skills and knowledge that employees need to acquire, and identify which active learning strategies will be most effective in achieving those objectives.
Choose appropriate active learning strategies: There are many active learning strategies to choose from, such as group discussions, case studies, role-playing exercises, and hands-on activities. Select the strategies that best align with your learning objectives and the needs of your employees.
Design activities and materials: Once you have identified the active learning strategies to use, design the learning activities and materials that will support them. This may include developing case studies, creating simulations or scenarios, and creating handouts or other materials.
Train trainers and facilitators: If your training program involves facilitators or trainers, make sure they are trained in how to implement active learning strategies effectively. Provide them with the necessary materials and resources to ensure they can lead successful active learning activities.
Evaluate the effectiveness of the training: Once the training is complete, evaluate its effectiveness by collecting feedback from participants. Use this feedback to refine your training program and make adjustments as needed.
By following these steps, you can successfully implement active learning in your corporate training program and help employees acquire new skills and knowledge in a more engaging and effective way.
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 the ideal solution to incorporate active learning into your corporate training program.
Contact us today to get started or visit our Partner Program pages