If you’re a manager or leader, you know that training is necessary for your employees to grow and improve. But if you’re the person tasked with creating training plans, it can be difficult to keep things fresh and interesting. The good news is that there are many ways for managers to make learning easier, more fun, and more effective for their employees. Here are some things to try:
Use a Modern LMS
To help your staff learn and retain the information they need to do their jobs, you need to provide them with the tools they need. This means making it easy for them to access training in a convenient way that doesn’t require much effort or time on their part. What is an LMS? It’s a learning management system delivered through software. They can house documents, videos, training materials, quizzes, progress reports, and so much more. Newer systems even use gamification technology to give virtual rewards to employees who complete their training on time. These programs are some of the best ways to deliver training content in small bites so that employees don’t have to do it all at once.
Make Training Classes Short and Sweet
Your training classes should be short and sweet. If you have too much material to cover in a class, it’s easy for learners to get bored or frustrated and mentally check out. Instead of trying to jam all of your content into one class session, break it up into shorter lessons that focus on specific topics. For example, you could teach one lesson on how to create a new document in Word, then another lesson on how to format text within that document, then another lesson on inserting images and editing them in the document. Think through different learning styles and how you can use course materials to engage with different types of learners.
Leverage AI and AR in the Workplace
Technology is getting more cutting-edge. Using AR is especially important for employers where safety matters. Employees can practice skills in an AR environment until they can be cleared to perform certain tasks safely. This type of training reduces injuries on the job due to improper training. AI technology can conform to each learner. When coupled with machine learning, tests, quizzes, and learning content can be customized to meet the unique needs of each staff member.
Create Opportunities for Hands-On Learning
Hands-on learning is a great way to learn. It’s often more effective than reading a book or watching videos, and it’s more fun than listening to a lecture. Hands-on activities give you the opportunity to apply new knowledge in real-world situations and make connections between different topics. By applying hands-on opportunities right away, the content is more likely to stick in the minds of your employees. You can create opportunities for hands-on learning by inviting employees who have different roles on your team into each other’s spaces or host workshops where staff can try out new skills.
Block off Time During Work Hours So Employees Can do Learning Activities
The best way to make learning fun and easy is by giving employees time during work hours to do it. How much time? 30 minutes per day is a good starting point, but you can adjust that number based on what works best for your team and their training needs. When people know that you are prioritizing their training, it alleviates a lot of pressure that can come with trying to figure out when to get the training done. This can make it more fun and exciting rather than a stressful burden.
Leverage Best Practices for Adult Learners
When people think about adult learning, they often consider how different it is from traditional classroom settings that are designed for children. But there are some best practices that apply equally well whether you’re teaching kids or adults. Adult learners learn best when they are engaged in the process, This means giving them opportunities to practice what they’ve learned while also encouraging them to ask questions. They also need autonomy over the experience and to be able to pick and choose courses that are relevant to their work in addition to any company-required options.
