Before you create your custom training program, you may want to consider using project-based learning to make it more successful.
In the last article, we discussed what project-based learning is. We discussed how it can help make the course more relatable. It also increases the retention rate because it makes the course memorable. It encourages learners to participate in the activities presented to them in the learning process.
What makes project-based learning great is the fact that it focuses on making learners go through the process of solving a problem. When you present a problem, you do not just give the solution. You allot more time so the participants can tread their own path in solving it.
Now the question is, how can you incorporate this in your custom training program? There are several applications so you can use this.
Participants
First of all, you need to choose who will work on the project. You have three options. You can let learners work on it individually, in a small group or as a whole class. Identifying the number of participants needed to solve a problem will help you construct the details of the challenge that they will work on. You can determine this by going back to your learning goals. If it is a personal skill that they need to learn, then a challenge that they can work on individually is more appropriate. If your custom training program aims to strengthen the sense of teamwork in the company, you can have them work on a problem as a group. If you want to ensure that everyone will participate in the group project, divide them into small groups. If you are merely helping them establish stronger ties with each other to prepare them for other activities within the training, then have them work as a whole class. It is okay if you choose to use activities that will require learners to work on them individually and as a group.
Lesson
The other thing that you need to consider are the lessons that will be integrated in the activity. Will one activity only work on one skill or concept? Or will you require learners to use multiple skills or apply various concepts or ideas to solve the problem? Again, that will depend on your learning goals. If one skill is very important and you need to ensure that it is mastered, then you may want to create an activity or a challenge that will focus on that.
Here are a few things that you need to remember when you are using project-based learning in your custom training program.
- Make sure you test your challenge first. Do a test-run before you fully integrate this activity in your training program. You could end up failing to incorporate it properly in the course. It may be too difficult or maybe the software you used cannot allow it to be deployed in the existing system or platform that you are using. Test it yourself and then ask someone to go through the activity or the whole course to check if it can be applied. The other reviewer should ideally be a colleague that can give you constructive criticism. This will allow you to check for errors too.
- Ask for feedback from learners. Project-based learning is quite learner-centric. Because of that, you need to get the feedback of the learners at the end of the course. This will help you check if you were able to meet their expectations – and your learning goals too.
- Allow the learners to take charge of their learning curve. This is the best way to get them to learn, by allowing them to pace their own learning. Give them the tools that they will need in the learning process. Not only that, make sure they have enough time to work on the solution to the problems. Of course, you need to set a time limit but make it lengthy enough to keep them from stressing out while solving the challenges presented to them. This control will help make them feel empowered during the custom training program.
Consider these tips to get the best response from your learners while they are going through the training program.
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