Your Workplace: Transforming how you learn

Without realising we are always learning. Informally or in a formal setting our minds are always being challenged with something new. Starting a new job in a new workplace or new challenge can bring with it some new opportunities to learn.

In recent times and largely due to advancements in technology and alongside alternative thinking; the way we learn is ever-changing.

Here are some methods to help you learn and take on new challenges this year.

1. Spaced Learning

This is based on the idea that information is more easily learnt when it is split into short time frames and repeated multiple times with time passing between repetition. An example of this would be instead of spending 30 minutes studying something, to spend 3×10 minutes studying followed by repetition the next day.

Karpicke’s research in 2012 identified that memory degrades quickly when information is not reviewed. Recent studies from the Education Endowment Foundation found that students that used this technique performed better than other students. Using this tactic can significantly improve your memory and cognitive ability to retain information.

2. Post – Truth Learning

In a world where fake news is rife, sorting fact from fiction can sometimes be quite a headache. But a great way to combat it is by learning to ask questions. A great way to incorporate this into the workplace is by making challenging assumptions and information a positive in the work environment.

Asking questions is one of the first ways we learn as a child and can be a fantastic tool in the workplace. The teaching centre highlights how questions can facilitate discussions, help people understand, remember and analyse information. Using this tactic can help you increase your understanding and learning of a subject or topic.

3. Immersive Learning

This is something we are going to be hearing a lot more of into the future with thanks to virtual reality technology becoming ever more advanced and available for corporate training.

Traditionally immersive learning means using your skills in the real world but in a controlled and safe environment. This is an excellent way of getting additional experience when learning something new. Especially for languages.

Virtual reality will add an additional layer to this, a controlled environment with the ability to make variations and adjustments all within a safe environment. The future of learning using this technology is fantastic. This is especially favourable to those who find learning from a book or theory difficult but instead flourish in a practical environment. More information can be found here.

4. Learner-led Analytics

Understanding how we learn and why we learn is important. It is near impossible to paint everyone with the same brush when it comes to learning. Everyone has preferences and understand how they learn best. This is no different in a company setting. Training that works wonders for one employee might be confusing and stressful to another.

This method largely puts the learnings in the hands of the learner. But the key to it working is in the numbers. Learner Analytics tools such as Wooclap or Bright Bites provide feedback and track the development and progression of learners. This is a great way to monitor your learning and adapt it to what suits best. Giving everyone the opportunity to flourish in their own way.

5. Knowledge Building Communities

Researchers such as Chan and Lai have done extensive research into the area of knowledge building communities. We are familiar with a range of these communities such as classrooms or meetings to exchange knowledge. But technology is once again developing this concept of knowledge sharing on a globalised basis.

A fantastic way to learn more about a subject or topic is to immerse yourself in community discussion on the topic. Using social media tools where conversation and forums are rife such as Twitter and Reddit are great places to start. In recent times the group features on Facebook have become more utilised and are also a good source of knowledge. (Not forgetting post-truth learning in this scenario due to the nature of often incorrect information in the online space)

In essence there are many ways to learn, many ways to challenge yourself but finding how this works best for you, your team or your workplace can help the development of you or staff in a meaningful and measurable way.

If you’re looking for a new challenge in the form of a new job or role. Why not check out our latest vacancies here.