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In today's world, continuous learning is critical to our professional and personal growth. However, not everyone thrives in the fast-paced and intense learning environment that has been traditionally favored. That's why the concept of "Slow learning" is becoming increasingly popular. This approach to learning encourages individuals to take their time, prioritize quality over quantity, and truly absorb knowledge at their own pace.
Why should we take our time to learn? First and foremost, learning is an experience that must be assimilated and woven into everyday life. This requires time and patience. The process of rapid and intense learning can be stressful and draining. When constantly under pressure, focusing and retaining pivotal information becomes challenging. Furthermore, one can grasp the nuances and subtleties of a topic more profoundly by taking time. It also allows us to ask questions and delve deeper into our understanding.
Pacing Learning Over Time It's crucial to pace learning over time rather than trying to grasp everything simultaneously. By breaking down learning into smaller, manageable steps, one can concentrate better on each phase, leading to enhanced retention of information. Regular breaks interspersed in this learning journey allow reflection on what has been learned, reinforcing our understanding. This method not only aids in retaining information but applies it practically in various scenarios.
Digital Learning in the Corporate World Digital learning has brought about numerous possibilities in the corporate world, ranging from e-learning modules to virtual reality training sessions. There is an opportunity to seamlessly integrate the principles of slow learning into digital learning platforms to enhance retention, engagement, and practical application. Here are a few examples;
1. Digital Onboarding for New Employees
Traditional Approach;
Method: A series of video lectures and e-books that provide information on company policies, culture, and primary job responsibilities.
Duration: To be completed within the first week of joining.
Outcome: New employees may feel overwhelmed by the information presented. Retention levels could be low may not feel fully integrated into the company culture.
Slow Learning Approach;
Method: An interactive e-learning platform spread out over the first month.
Week 1: Introduction to the company's history, vision, and culture through interactive timelines, quizzes, and short videos.
Week 2: In-depth exploration of the employee's department, company role, and objectives. This could involve webinars with department heads or virtual team introductions.
Week 3: Introduction to tools, software, and processes relevant to the employee's role. Hands-on exercises and simulations can be incorporated.
Week 4 involves various activities such as feedback sessions, mentor interactions, and group discussions with other new employees. These sessions aim to foster connection, improve knowledge, and boost confidence among the newcomers as they embark on their new roles.
2. Leadership development programs Regarding leadership development programs, there are two approaches to consider. The traditional approach typically includes a week-long in-person workshop with access to e-books and video lectures. While the workshop may be engaging, the abundance of digital resources afterward can be overwhelming and less effective.
On the other hand, a slower learning approach spans six months and incorporates a mix of in-person workshops, webinars, e-learning modules, and group projects. In month one of this approach, an in-person workshop sets the tone for the program while covering fundamental leadership concepts and allowing participants to network with their peers.
Month two focuses on specific leadership skills through weekly released e-learning modules. This allows participants to delve deeper into topics such as conflict resolution or strategic thinking at their own pace.
Moving into month three, virtual group projects come into play. Participants collaborate on real-life challenges within the company and apply the skills acquired throughout the course.
In month four, webinars are conducted where company leaders, industry experts from outside sources, or leadership coaches engage in interactive question-and-answer sessions with program participants.
Month five is about providing feedback on group projects, engaging with mentors, and reviewing peers' work will be done through the digital platform.
Finally, in month six, an in-person workshop will conclude the program. During this workshop, participants can share what they have learned, discuss future plans, and set personal goals for leadership development.
Outcome: The program helps participants grasp leadership concepts and allows them to put those concepts into practice in real-life situations. The blended format of the program ensures continuous involvement and a thorough exploration of each topic.
Implications on Training Programs What does this mean for training structures? L&D (Learning and Development) digital managers can lean towards slower, more in-depth teaching methods. They can also motivate learners to take their time, emphasizing understanding over speed. The flexibility offered by this approach benefits learners as they can opt for online courses or training sessions that allow them to proceed at their own pace. This ensures that the learning process is adaptable to individual needs and preferences, leading to a more personalized and practical learning experience.
Furthermore, training materials can be designed to be more engaging, allowing for deeper reflection and understanding. Interactive sessions, group discussions, mentoring, and hands-on practical experiences can be integrated to make the learning journey more enriching.
"Slow learning" offers a refreshing perspective on continuous education. By allocating ample time to learn, we stand a better chance of honestly understanding topics and seamlessly integrating them into our daily lives. Pacing our learning ensures better focus and retention of information. Both trainers and learners stand to gain significantly by adopting this approach, leading to an enriched quality of education. In a world that often rushes past us, slowing down to truly understand can be the key to genuine progress.