Four Ways to Assess the Latest Learning Trends

3. Go small.

There is an allure in being part of something big — winning over key stakeholders; planning an initiative; crafting a vision; and providing the organization with a game-changing program. But many times the excitement at the beginning of an initiative fizzles during development and implementation. Expectations aren’t met, investments are questioned, end users aren’t satisfied and another flash-in-the-pan comes to pass. This can be avoided through small-scale piloting. With the ubiquity of social networking and video, websites like Ning or YouTube can be used at little cost to test different training approaches. The learning gained from small-scale piloting greatly outweighs the risks of large, costly endeavors.

4. Wait and focus on the basics.

Remember that many trends are simply performance enablers. Mobile technology and social networking are not magic formulas for improving performance. While many may consider them passe, concepts like high standards, accountability, clear expectations and behavior modeling still apply. While not as exciting as the latest trend, many have found success by simply waiting and shoring up the basics.

It’s a mistake to view the latest trends as a replacement for the fundamentals of learning. People have learned the same way for centuries. The key is to augment the way in which people naturally learn how to perform. Taking a measured approach to trends will help ensure success and support a healthy organization.

Ed Francis is the managing director of learning and performance solutions and Brian Donovan is the director of insights and client solutions for Root Learning, a learning services provider. They can be reached at editor@CLOmedia.com.