Performance-based learning is an approach to education and training that focuses on developing learners' knowledge, skills, and abilities through practical, hands-on experiences that simulate real-world scenarios. In performance-based learning, the emphasis is on applying knowledge and skills to solve problems and complete tasks, rather than simply memorizing information.
Performance-based learning typically involves the following key elements:
Clear learning objectives: Performance-based learning begins with clearly defined learning objectives that specify the knowledge and skills that learners need to acquire.
Real-world scenarios: Learners are presented with real-world scenarios that require them to apply their knowledge and skills to solve problems or complete tasks.
Authentic assessments: Assessments are designed to evaluate learners' ability to apply their knowledge and skills in practical situations. These assessments may include simulations, projects, or performance tasks.
Ongoing feedback and coaching: Learners receive ongoing feedback and coaching from instructors or mentors, helping them to identify areas for improvement and refine their skills.
Performance-based learning is often used in vocational and technical training programs, where learners need to develop practical skills for specific jobs or industries. However, it can also be applied in other educational and training contexts, such as leadership development or soft skills training. The goal of performance-based learning is to prepare learners for success in the workplace by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and abilities they need to perform job-related tasks and solve real-world problems.
The Benefits of Performance-Based Learning for Employee Training
Here are some of the key benefits of using performance-based learning for employee training:
Improved Job Performance
Performance-based learning provides employees with opportunities to practice and apply their skills in real-world scenarios. This can help them improve their job performance and make meaningful contributions to the organization.
Increased Engagement and Motivation
Performance-based learning is often more engaging and motivating for employees than traditional classroom-based training. By presenting employees with real-world scenarios and practical challenges, performance-based learning can help them see the relevance of the training to their work and stay engaged throughout the learning process.
Faster Learning and Retention
Because performance-based learning focuses on practical application, employees can often learn more quickly and retain the information better than they would with traditional classroom-based training. This can help organizations save time and resources while still achieving the desired learning outcomes.
Better Alignment with Organizational Goals
Performance-based learning can be designed to align with specific organizational goals and objectives. This can help ensure that employees are developing the skills and knowledge that are most relevant to the organization's needs.
Improved ROI
By focusing on practical skills and knowledge, performance-based learning can help organizations achieve a better return on investment (ROI) from their training initiatives.
Employees who receive performance-based training are more likely to apply what they've learned on the job, which can lead to improved job performance, increased productivity, and better business results.
Utilize Your LMS for a Performance-Based Learning Strategy
Here are some ways organizations can leverage their Learning Management System (LMS) to support performance-based learning:
Develop Interactive eLearning Content
An LMS can host interactive eLearning modules that engage learners and help them apply concepts in a simulated environment. Interactive eLearning content can include simulations, branching scenarios, and gamification elements that provide learners with a safe space to practice and apply their skills.
Use Assessments to Measure Performance
Assessments can be used to measure learner performance and identify areas for improvement. Organizations can create assessments that simulate workplace scenarios and require learners to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in a practical setting.
Implement Performance Support Tools
Performance support tools, such as job aids, checklists, and decision trees, can be integrated into an LMS to provide learners with on-the-job support. These tools can help learners apply their knowledge and skills in real-world situations, and can also be used as a reference guide after the training has ended.
Create Personalized Learning Paths
Organizations can use an LMS to create personalized learning paths that are tailored to each learner's specific needs. Personalized learning paths can include a combination of eLearning modules, assessments, and performance support tools that address learners' knowledge and skill gaps.
Provide Feedback and Coaching
An LMS can facilitate ongoing feedback and coaching between learners and instructors. Feedback can be provided through assessments, simulations, and other interactive eLearning content. Coaching can be provided through virtual classrooms, discussion forums, and one-on-one sessions with instructors.
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 online coaching and social learning.
Together, these features make the LMS Portals platform the ideal platform for your performance-based learning employee training program.
Contact us today to get started or visit our Partner Program pages