Improving Learner Engagement

Published by Tony Small

4 October, 2022

LMS analytics can sometimes reveal a disheartening story in far too many companies when it comes to the levels of learner engagement and adoption of learning. Your levels of learner engagement and online course completions can, however, be boosted and improved through the use of a number of straightforward methods that, for the most part, require little to no financial investment on your part.

Aim to be Current and Relevant.

The phrase "personalised learning" has become very popular in the L&D industry. The interest in, and desire for, personalised learning is driven by a push to increase the relevance of learning, which is a critical factor in the adoption of learning initiatives and the results they achieve. It's an obvious point, but it's one that, in the process of delivering learning at scale and at pace, can be easy to overlook. In order to address the relevance agenda, you will need to have a solid understanding of the learning needs of your audience and pay careful attention to the Training Needs Analysis stage of the learning lifecycle. Self-directed learning is the most effective method for meeting this requirement because it allows the learner to acquire knowledge at a time when it is most relevant to their needs.

Make it a game!

Yes, I am aware that it is yet another buzzword. However, I believe that there is a significant idea hiding behind the buzzword, and that idea is to appeal to the competitive nature that is inherent in the human condition. The provision of visibility and the ability to evaluate an individual's progress relative to that of others is the primary goal of gamification. Two common methods of accomplishing this are the distribution of digital badges and the publication of online leaderboards. Also, give some thought to the possibility of providing other, more tangible rewards and prizes to the top performers of important programmes.

Cater to different learning paces

I want to highlight the significance of learning at one's own pace as a potential answer to the timing issue. I have been attempting to eradicate the word "training" from my dictionary for a good number of years. The word "Training" originates from the Latin word "trahere," which can be translated as "to pull" or "to draw." Because of this, we also use the word to refer to trains that travel along tracks. The concept of allowing learners to study at their own pace is an essential part of empowering them to take control and responsibility for their own learning, and eLearning delivery models are very well suited to the idea of self-pacing. Today, we recognise the importance of empowering our learners to take control and responsibility for their own learning.

Introduce Social Learning

The term "social" is also an essential component of the human condition. Although we enjoy going at our own pace, we also value the opportunity to discuss and gain insight from the experiences of others. Another popular topic of conversation in the L&D community right now is social learning. Nevertheless, developing an active and long-lasting community of students in today's digital world is a challenge, and numerous attempts to implement corporate social media platforms have been unsuccessful, both for the purpose of education and for any other purpose. It is possible that working with a small community of dedicated but geographically dispersed learners who share a strong sense of common purpose can be the most effective way to initiate it.

Get Support from Sponsors

Learner engagement is tremendously bolstered by the involvement, attention, and sponsorship of leadership, all of which are extremely powerful factors. Make sure that your educational programmes are getting the attention and support that they require and deserve. To begin, check to see that your training programmes are in line with and articulated in language that reflects the positive outcomes that will enhance operational outcomes and productivity. If they are, you are off to a good start. If you speak in the same language as your company's executives, you can count on getting their support.

Milestones That Are Easily Attainable and Chunking

We are all fans of "quick wins." You should make sure that your programmes are "chunked" so that you can offer a number of shorter-term milestones that recognise the steps of success that will lead to the overall successful outcome. Of course, there may be some goals and objectives that have a longer-term time frame.