A previous blog post, The Many Uses of Microlearning, introduces the concept of using microlearning to prepare learners for workplace training. This post explores the value of preparing learners for training with microlessons for pre-teaching or pre-work that optimize learning outcomes, engage employees, and contribute to the success of your organization.
Microlearning Strategies
Pre-teaching is an instructional strategy that involves preparing learners with concepts or skills before the actual training takes place. The purpose is to activate and structure the learner’s knowledge and build a foundation for the new skills and knowledge that will be taught through training.
Pre-work or pre-learning activities are designed to set the stage for effective learning. They can provide background information for the training, be an opportunity for employees to practice in advance of the training, or outline the basics of the training session so that the employees have some sense of what the session itself will be about. Because microlessons provide learning experiences that are focused, short, and engaging they are ideal for these type of learning activities. Let’s take a brief look at the ways that Learnie’s microlearning technology can be used to develop pre-learning learning activities.
Pre-learning activities are designed to engage learners, introduce concepts, and provide background information. Assigning articles or e-learning lessons in preparation for training can be an effective strategy for pre-learning but finding time to complete them can be an obstacle. However, a 5-6 minute microlesson can replace an article or e-learning lesson that takes 30 minutes or more to complete. With Learnie’s technology, the information can easily be consumed on your mobile device, a short burst can be reviewed in the time it takes to send a text message.
Another example of Learnie’s technology being used for pre-work is a commercial painting contractor, Paint Platoon, using Learnie to create microlessons to prepare workers for on-site training. Subject matter experts (SMEs) created microlessons demonstrating painting techniques so the workers can observe the process by watching short video bursts prior to arriving at the job site. Having context and visual images in advance provides a foundational knowledge that facilitates collaboration and improves the efficiency of on-site training. Additionally, documenting institutional knowledge contributes to the standardization of the processes and supports the organization’s scaling.
Optimizing Learning Outcomes
Preparing learners with pre-work contributes to the efficacy of the training. Pre-work generates enthusiasm for the training session by engaging the learners with the content in advance. Pre-work activities can show how the training will benefit them in their work, when learners see the relevance of the training they are more motivated to learn. Pre-work also prepares learners by giving them time to process and reflect on the information, in advance, and on their own schedule. Finally, preparing learners with pre-work provides a common knowledge base and context contributing to a collaborative workplace environment.
Organizational Success
Pre-work activities directly contribute to the success of the organization by optimizing the use of resources. Assigning pre-work increases the efficiency of workplace training. When learners are prepared in-advance valuable training resources are directed at the most critical skills and knowledge. Additionally, well-prepared employees are more likely to embrace and apply what they’ve learned, resulting in increased productivity and proficiency, which enhances the organization’s competitiveness and contributes to the success of the organization.
Engaging Training Content
Overall, pre-work activities serve as the cornerstone for a successful training program ensuring that participants are well-prepared, motivated, and ready to maximize their learning experience. Learnie’s technology can be used to quickly and easily create pre-work activities that contribute to a supportive learning environment and impact learner engagement leading to the overall success of the organization.
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Dr. Lisa McLeod is an educational consultant and VP of Content Strategy at Learnie.