Every employee has a distinct way to approach and absorb information. What may work for one, may not work for another. This is because the thinking and learning abilities differ from one employee to another. Some employees can manage their learning on their own, while others would need someone to continuously guide and help them.
Based on the learning abilities, we can divide the employees into the following categories.
- Visual learners-
Such learners understand better through visuals like pictures, symbols, maps, videos, and charts.
- Auditory learners-
Such learners understand information better through listening.They rely on voice-over videos, audio recordings, podcasts, etc uploaded on the online digital library.
- Reading learners-
Such learners absorb text-based content easily. They rely more on textbook-style manuals, written handouts, PDFs, and PowerPoint presentations.
- Kinesthetic learners-
Such learners learn by experiencing new knowledge and information hands-on. You can test their knowledge and understanding levels by giving them physical activities.
Every employee in your company is your asset. Hence, a “one size fits all” approach cannot work in training employees. As an organization, you must try to identify the individual needs of your employees and develop a strategy that can help them understand even the most complex topics and problems. Such complex topics include coding essentials, understanding laws, rules and regulations for compliance training, etc. However, the difficulty and complexity of a topic are again determined by the employee.
Sticking to one instruction method say a lecture-based approach, wouldn’t suffice. Instead, you can use a mix of learning styles to help employees ace their training.
Here are ways to train your employees on complex topics.
- Keep it simple-
Instead of creating lengthy and bulky eLearning material, why not compress the information into smaller packets that can be consumed anytime. There is a clear connection between the size of the information and the retention rate of employees. The smaller the information, the higher will be its accessibility and usability.
Using a learning management system you can create a brief, impactful lessons and eLearning content that pushes employees to reach an end goal.
You can use Accord Software for training employees efficiently.
- Make it clear-
Any eLearning course, especially those dealing with complex topics must begin explaining to the employees, why they need to understand those topics and why should they should invest their time in learning such topics. Make sure that eLearning courses start with answering the following questions-
- What is the topic?
- Why the topic matters to the organization and employees?
- What can the topic address overall, and in general?
- How will employees benefit from learning the topic?
- Use simulators-
In the last few years, the simulator technologies like Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) have picked up the steam as being the most effective technology to train employees. Simulators allow employees to learn and practice in a realistic setting. For instance, a salesperson can prepare his sales pitch and practice the same using a VR headset before he interact with customers and clients.
- Make learning fun-
When learning becomes fun then even the most complex problem or information can be absorbed easily by the employees. You can use animation to grab their attention and keep them engaged. Animation is useful for almost all types of learners. For example, visual learners can easily memorize information when presented to them in simple graphics like maps, charts, cartoons, etc. The auditory learners, on the other hand, can assimilate information due to the use of speech, music, and auditory cues.
- Make them think-
Sometimes case studies can be very useful in explaining difficult problems and topics to employees. Also, it helps in building their problem-solving and analytical skills. Cases may be based on real events involving real people in an organization, or they can be fictional or imaginary as well. Case studies establish a link between theory and practice and hence help employees process information easily.
Conclusion-
When training on complex topics, a learning management system can help you in creating engaging and interactive eLearning content that can be accessed anytime and anywhere. The information can be accessed on the desktop as well as on mobile devices. Using an LMS, you can keep evaluating your employees through online training assessments like quizzes and questionnaires.