Integrating Content

Yesterday I discussed the dis-integration of learning occurring due to excessive chunking of the wrong types of content. Sure you can chunk declarative knowledge and concepts but problem-solving or situational creativity (like writing a proposal or developing a marketing plan or leading a project) requires integration of content not dis-integration.

How do you integrate content. First, immerse the learner in the situation by using game-based thinking.

Next, allow time for learning. You can’t learn everything in 15 to 20 minute chunks, I don’t care what learners like or have time for, real synthesis of content, knowledge and learning come from time. Allow learners some time to understand and work through content.

This time should include an overnight and then more work on the material the next day. Having an overnight during a 1.5 or 2 day training class provides time for the mind to absorb the instruction and to subconsciously work on the material.

Time should also include a chance for learners to discuss ideas with each other in an informal but meaningful way. This can be a planned gathering with no agenda, a breakfast with a long time span or other activity that gets learners talking to each other peer-to-peer learning. What happened to corporate retreats, there is value in that.

Finally, think about an apprenticeship model for some positions, yes, the model is not scalable but it has worked for 100s of years and we should not abandon the model. We tend to replace it with mentorship model but I am not sure that is hands-on enough.

Other suggestions?