Study: ‘Flipped’ instruction boosts engagement and performance
We’ve been hearing a lot about the “flipped classroom.” So is it working? A recent study suggests it is. Researchers found significant learning benefits from the approach when compared to traditional...
View ArticleSix ways to make examples more effective
Examples. Every trainer uses them. Whether they take the form of stories, demonstrations or role plays, people benefit from seeing a new skill used in a real-world context. A recent study by leading...
View ArticleGreen tea boosts memory
If you don’t have green tea in your break room, you might want to consider stocking up.A recent study shows that it increases the performance of working memory – which, of course, is critical to all...
View ArticleCan distractions be a good thing?
When you’re training people, you want to keep the learning environment free of distractions: no cell phones, no interruptions, no veering off topic. Right?Well maybe not.A recent study suggests that...
View ArticleHere’s a no-cost technique that’s proven to boost training outcomes
Workplace training isn’t exactly like college. But if there was a simple technique that reduced failure rates for college students by a third and added nearly an entire letter grade to their scores,...
View ArticleHow to help front-line managers get better at training follow up
Training isn’t likely to succeed without the support and participation of front-line managers.Even when they’re not delivering the content themselves, it’s up to bosses to coach their people on the new...
View ArticleThe ‘testing effect’ in the real world
We’ve reported on the learning power of tests and quizzes in previous issues. But the majority of that evidence was based on lab experiments, where conditions are tightly controlled.So what about...
View ArticleLearning as a journey: The power of metaphor
Do your trainees follow a “learning path”? Do you help keep them “on track” and make sure they head in “the right direction”? If so, you could be helping them succeed. A recent study found that people...
View ArticlePractice: Time pressure can boost performance
It’s easy to see why trainers might be hesitant to add a strict time limit to practice exercises: A ticking clock ramps up the pressure and could throw learners off their games.Well, it’s true that a...
View ArticleChallenging topic? Start with an analogy
When you’re introducing a complex topic, where’s the best place to start? With an overview? An example? A historical review?Research suggests: an analogy.Multiple studies have shown that analogies are...
View ArticleFour reflection techniques that can help lock in learning
Recent research suggests that you can significantly improve learners’ performance and enhance their self-confidence by giving them more opportunities to reflect on what they’ve learned.The research In...
View ArticleWhy training works in some organizations, and fails in others
Why is training effective in some organizations, but falls flat in others? Is it something about the training itself? The way it’s delivered? The quality of the workforce?All of these play a role, of...
View ArticleSuccess story: M-learning helps learners in the moment of need
Will mobile learning improve your training results? A recent study suggests that the answer is yes – if you do it right.A medical education organization in South Korea recently created more than 300...
View ArticleStudy finds another big benefit of training: recruitment & retention
When it comes to recruiting top talent – especially younger workers – training may play a critical role, a new survey suggests.According to the survey, an overwhelming majority of new college graduates...
View ArticleNeed a boost of creativity? Take a walk
What do you do when you’re trying to get creative juices flowing? Pace back and forth? Step outside to get some air? Walk around the block to clear your head?If you do any of these, keep it up....
View ArticleLearners who teach learn more
Consider asking learners to fill in as trainers from time to time. Not only will you get a break, but the experience will help lock in what they’ve learned.In a recent study, researchers divided...
View ArticleBe your own coach: Self-talk boosts performance
Researchers found that talking to yourself can lower stress and improve performance – if you do it right.Subjects were put in an intentionally stressful situation: Present a five-minute speech about...
View ArticleDoes self-directed learning work? It depends on how you serve it up
If you provide your people with self-directed learning – that is, training programs and materials that they can access on their own as they see fit – will they take responsibility for improving...
View ArticleWant more buy-in for learning? Don’t turn it into a competition
When you’re conducting training – especially group training – it’s only natural that you’ll get some competitive juices flowing. Some people will excel; others will lag behind.You may even be tempted...
View ArticleLearner, quiz thyself
As simple as quizzes are, they can be time consuming and awkward to administer – for example, in an informal session or when you’re training a large group.A new study validates an easier approach: just...
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