Unlock the Power of the 4 Learning Methods for Impactful Instructional Design

Imagine a world where Fortune 500 employees eagerly anticipate their next training session, fully engaged and excited to learn. This utopia of corporate learning may seem like a distant dream, but instructional designers can make it a reality by unlocking the power of the four key learning methods.

By thoughtfully incorporating these methods into your instructional design, you’ll produce more engaging and effective elearning, ultimately driving improved performance and business results. In this post, we’ll dive into each method, explore their benefits, and discuss how you can seamlessly blend them into your training programs.

1. Visual Learning

Visual learning harnesses the power of images, diagrams, and videos to convey complex information or ideas. The human brain processes visual information 60,000 times faster than text, making it a powerful tool for teaching and learning. Designing elearning modules with visual content enables trainees to quickly grasp concepts, especially when it comes to data visualization or process mapping.

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“Incorporating visual elements into our training programs has had a significant impact on learner engagement and retention,” notes one L&D professional from a leading Fortune 500 company. For example, infographics can help break down intricate topics into digestible chunks for easier understanding, while video demonstrations can provide context and real-world examples.

2. Auditory Learning

Auditory learning is all about the power of sound. This method uses spoken language, music, and other auditory cues to help learners absorb and retain information. By integrating podcasts, recorded lectures, or even sound effects into your instructional design, you can create a multi-sensory learning experience that caters to the needs of auditory learners.

One L&D manager at a global corporation shares, “Our employees appreciate having multiple formats for learning content, and we’ve seen an uptick in engagement and knowledge retention since implementing audio resources.” As a best practice, be sure to include transcripts or captions to ensure accessibility for all learners.

3. Kinesthetic Learning

Hands-on learning, or kinesthetic learning, is the process of acquiring knowledge through physical activities and experiences. This method helps learners develop a deeper understanding of concepts by engaging their motor skills and physical senses. Examples of kinesthetic learning in instructional design include simulations, role-playing exercises, and interactive technology-driven activities.

An L&D specialist from a tech giant explains, “We’ve seen a striking improvement in learner outcomes when incorporating hands-on activities and real-world scenarios into our training programs.” By providing opportunities for learners to engage in kinesthetic learning, you can help them develop essential soft skills and enhance their overall training experience.

4. Reading/Writing Learning

Reading and writing learners thrive on textual information and written communication. This learning method involves presenting information through articles, slide presentations, or written exercises. To cater to these learners, incorporate a variety of text-based resources into your instructional design, such as case studies, whitepapers, and quizzes.

“Our team has found that providing a mix of written and visual content within our elearning modules allows us to cater to diverse learning preferences and drive better outcomes,” says an L&D expert from a top financial services firm.

Unlock the Power of Learnexus

Now that you’ve explored the four key learning methods, it’s time to take your instructional design to the next level. Learnexus is the premier freelancer marketplace for Learning & Development, helping managers at companies quickly and easily find and hire highly skilled L&D freelancers. With our platform, you can save up to 47% on costs, streamline procurement and save time with a single master services agreement.

Start leveraging the power of the four learning methods with Learnexus today and unlock the full potential of your corporate training programs!