Engaging Learners Today

Learning how to motivate learners has been a challenge for decades. We are often faced with the question, “How can we engage learners more effectively and efficiently with technology that is constantly on the rise and changing by the day?” In spite of the fact that there are numerous answers to this question, we are aware that it requires multiple approaches to be addressed. Answers can be found in an infinite number. Let us take a moment to discuss what learner engagement is and why it is important.

When learners are appropriately motivated, they will be able to be and remain successful throughout their educational, professional, and personal lives. Those who are fully engaged are inspired, motivated, and committed to their learning, no matter where, when, how, or with whom it is conducted.

It is possible to categorize learning into three types: emotional, behavioral, and cognitive. During emotional engagement, emotions enter into play when it comes to learning and the environment in which the learner is situated. In spite of the fact that this type of learning is not always clearly recognized, it can be complex to understand. It is amplified when a strong emotion takes precedence over other emotions, such as anxiety, stress, rejection due to lack of inclusion, or fear. 

The concept of behavioral engagement refers to a learner’s ability to participate in projects, activities, and questions in order to better understand something they may not have otherwise understood. In the event that this type of engagement is recognized, it is more easily addressed than other types of engagement. Learner engagement can also be defined as cognitive learning engagement. Understanding something at different intellectual levels requires different strategies. In order to be properly engaged, cognitive engagement involves a multitude of levels, such as challenging yourself through hard work and wisdom.

Even though each type of engagement incorporates a different form of learning, all of them must be present in order for learners to be fully engaged. As soon as one is removed from the equation, the learner does not feel motivated, inspired, or invested in the objectivity on display (for them to learn). Each of these forms of engagement is seen as equally important to one another, and engagement is the glue that connects them all. 

An exceptional amount of learner engagement indicates that the learner is utilizing all forms of engagement effectively. A mediocre level of engagement indicates that approximately two out of three types of engagement are being utilized. Having a low or inconsistent level of engagement indicates that the learner is struggling to engage with at least one of the three types of engagement or is unable to engage with any type of engagement at all, and therefore requires a better sense of motivation.

Engaging Learners in Your Practice

Engaging a learner does not always require them to be in an education setting. In the workplace, learner engagement is just as critical, if not more critical, than in an educational setting. The use of different strategies and tactics can make a superior difference in the level of knowledge, skillset, and enthusiasm that your organization and its employees have going forward. By determining the amount of success your practice has both short- and long-term, as well as whether your team members are encouraged to remain at your practice or move on to something more exciting, you will be able to assess the success of your practice.

To make engagement a central component of your organization, you must have strategies or techniques in place. To begin, it is important to recognize that no two employees will engage in exactly the same manner, but they appear to have similar characteristics. There is no doubt that corporate learners have more needs than general learners. The best engagement experiences should be considered in order to meet their specific needs. In addition to setting your organization apart from the competition, this will demonstrate to your learners that they are valued as a whole.

Corporate Learning Strategies and Techniques

Those working in a fully functional organization must be constantly motivated in order to remain engaged with their careers and interested in further advancement. For your corporation to remain on the forefront of motivation, here are a few useful techniques.

Incentives are a great tool, but they may not be sufficient on their own. There is no doubt that you can offer amazing incentives to your employees and organization. There are many ways in which these incentives can be provided, including pay raises, bonus increases, luxury items, and even workshops. However, it is true that people wish to know they are valued for more than just their performance. Positive reinforcement and incentive programs will be essential to fully engaging them behaviorally, emotionally, and cognitively. A simple hello is the first step, followed by being patient with them when they need guidance, showing them how to grow, and supporting their growth at every stage.

Choose training exercises and workshops that are effective. Training sessions, workshops, and coaching sessions are classic methods of promoting growth and encouraging corporate engagement for your fellow employees. Consider the type of learners being engaged when choosing the most appropriate exercises. Depending on the learner, online courses may be more beneficial. If this is the case, consider offering Zoom sessions. You may, however, have learners who prefer group activities in other instances. In order to ensure that everyone has the same opportunity for growth and engagement, please ensure that you accommodate accordingly. 

Take advantage of social media for the benefit of your organization and its employees. In today’s rapidly changing society, social media has become an integral part of everyone’s daily lives. Everyone uses social media on a daily and frequent basis. There will be employees who engage primarily through social media, as they are accustomed to it. When this occurs, use social media to recognize and encourage them. As a result, they will be able to engage with technology in exchange for their full-blown motivation. Suitable for Gen-Z employees, but do not limit this type of engagement to just your Gen-Z colleagues. 

Ensure that different forms of engagement are inclusive. When you encourage and promote inclusion throughout all types of engagement, you are setting up your organization for success and showing everyone within and outside the organization that inclusion is still a priority. You should ensure that all of your employees feel included throughout whatever engagement exercise, incentive, or social media you are providing.

Encourage the incorporation of new ideas and the exchange of feedback. Using the same techniques repeatedly can be beneficial, however it is important to ask your colleagues for their feedback and suggestions. As a result, everyone will be more engaged on a consistent basis, and an open mind will allow new ideas to be considered that may be beneficial to the organization’s future.