Without proper guidance, learners often end up lost in a sea of irrelevant content, a problem sometimes referred to as ‘doom scrolling.’ This wastes time and leaves employees feeling disjointed from their professional development.
Thankfully, there are solutions available, like structured learning pathways. This tactic can help guide learners toward the skills and knowledge they actually need, helping them focus on relevant learning and avoid getting sidetracked.
The Problem with Common Learning Approaches
Some companies only provide mandatory compliance learning without offering extra opportunities for skill development. Whilst this makes sure employees meet basic requirements, it doesn’t leave much room for growth. This approach can stagnate development leaving employees unprepared for changes in their industry, not to mention limit their appetite to grow and develop.
Without broader learning options, employees may feel disengaged. This can affect their long-term career progress and the company’s success.
Learning experience platforms which present content based on algorithms (similar to Netflix), can also create problems. Such systems normally offer content that learners already find appealing, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s what they need to develop new skills. This can lead to learners reinforcing what they already know, rather than exploring new areas for growth.
The Power of Structured Learning Pathways
Structured pathways guide learners by offering a clear, step-by-step journey toward achieving their professional growth. This method ensures that employees know exactly what skills they need to develop and why such skills are so important. By providing a structured approach, learners are given the direction they need to focus on relevant areas of growth. This helps them stay on-track and understand the value of their learning.
What makes structured learning even more effective is that they balance personalisation with clear guidance. Employees can still personalise their learning journey. However, with the right structure in place, they won’t waste time on irrelevant content.
Balancing Personalisation with Structure
Balancing personalisation with structure is vital to effective learning. Whilst giving learners freedom to explore content is important, too much freedom can result in aimless learning that doesn’t lead to real growth. On the other hand, too much structure can feel restrictive and limit creativity.
Combining the ability for learners to be curious and explore learning combined with challenged pathways which help guide them towards their goals is the sweet spot learning teams should be looking to achieve.
The Role of Tech and LMS in Structured Learning
Learning management systems, like those provided by us, offer a perfect balance between personalised learning and structured pathways. Such platforms let employees access content designed for their individual needs, whilst keeping them on track with clear learning goals. LMS platforms also provide real-time feedback and progress tracking. This helps make sure that learning objectives are met effectively.
By using tech to guide learners, LMS platforms make learning far more enjoyable, engaging and meaningful. This makes sure employees are actively developing the right skills, rather than just completing tasks for the sake of it.
Structured learning pathways offer all kinds of benefits, both for organisations and employees. They make sure learning is focused, relevant and goal oriented. This approach prevents time from being wasted on irrelevant content and instead, promotes the development of real, applicable skills.
To explore how structured learning pathways can transform your organisation’s stance toward development, get in touch today and we can take you through the solutions we have available.
