Why is Traditional Learning Phasing Out?

Traditional education has been around for, well, seems like forever. Jotting down notes while the teacher delivers a lecture is what we have grown accustomed to since primary school. Traditional learning or the “talk and chalk” method of imparting knowledge relies on the instructor taking charge of the entire learning experience. According to some educational experts, this instructor-led learning experience is no longer relevant. In today’s world, traditional learning is quickly phasing out due to technological advancement. Job requirements are changing faster than the processes that support talent development itself. Quite a few companies struggle to provide their employees with the essential soft skills and technological know-how they need to survive a fast-moving global marketplace. One-size-fits-all trainings are no longer effective, especially in a corporate setting.

The modern learner looks forward to engaging and innovative learning experiences. The following set of tools can help facilitate the modern learner:

Engaging the Modern Learner

As the tech-savvy learner is constantly in a race against time, they require immediate access to quality information on their desired platform. Gone are the days when people were willing to sit in a chair for hours; the modern, distracted learner demands innovative learning tools that fit their lifestyle. This will not only facilitate the learning process but will also enhance the effectiveness of the entire learning process. The modern learner is expected to learn and develop new skills to remain both competitive and productive in the workplace. This self-directed learning tendency in modern learners is now convincing their employers to invest in more blended learning experiences.

E-learning

The growing popularity of e-learning solutions has a lot to do with the convenience they provide. They allow the learner to access training sessions on their own time and from the comfort of their couch or cubicle. The rise of digital courses and learning management systems (LMS) has significantly transformed the learner’s journey.

Experiential Learning

Have you ever seen a doctor performing surgery by just reading the theory or a pilot flying a jet just cramming a few books? The answer is, hopefully, a “No”. No one learns by just reading about it but one can gain deeper knowledge while attempting the task itself – such as cooking or painting. Experiential learning allows the learner to be completely immersed or engaged and learn via their experiences. Experiential learning is widely used in business trainings for effective skill development.

To maximize returns on corporate training sessions, employers need training programs that are custom-tailored for modern learners. The traditional training method has failed to deliver the desired outcome. How so? For most trainees, the second they step out of the room, they have already forgotten half of the things that they were taught in the session. The traditional learning model lacks engagement. It’s time to make the shift from traditional learning to experiential learning a permanent one.