Welcome to our series on learning theories in practice. This series, 'Learning Theories in Practice,' explores five key theories that are reshaping modern learning and development. These include constructivism, social learning theory, adult learning theory (andragogy), transformational learning theory, and cognitive load theory. In this post, we dive into the first one, constructivism.
Have you ever watched your team's eyes glaze over during a software training session? It's a common sight in companies worldwide, but what if we could turn this around using constructivism? Imagine introducing a new software system not through lectures, but through a challenge: teams are given real tasks, requiring them to dive into the software, explore, and experiment. Suddenly, the room buzzes with discussions, questions, and collaborative problem-solving. This is constructivism in action – learning by doing, engaging, and reflecting.
Constructivism, a theory emphasizing knowledge construction through experience, is boosting corporate learning. In our example, as employees interact with the software, they're not just memorizing steps; they're understanding the 'why' and 'how' behind them. This approach transforms learners from passive recipients to active participants, making the learning process more engaging and effective.
For HR leaders and decision-makers, this shift offers more than just an efficient training method. It fosters a workplace culture that values continuous learning, collaboration and adaptability. Employees trained under the constructivist model are more likely to retain knowledge, apply it practically, and innovate in their daily tasks.
In your experience, how does active, hands-on learning compare to traditional training methods in your organization? Have you witnessed a shift in engagement and retention with more interactive learning approaches?
Stay tuned for our next post in this series, where we will explore learning theory number 2 and its practical applications in the workplace.
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Thanks for more great content, Joseph Atkinson!