Blog - Training design

Throw them in the deep end! (but keep a life preserver handy)

What happens if you let learners try to figure it out themselves first, and only then teach them? They could learn much more deeply, according to several studies. Learn more.

You want me to listen to a talking frog?

“Learning should be fun!” But what’s “fun?”

Do haunted castles or wise wizards really make learning “fun?” Research suggests that developing mastery is what’s really fun. Learn more.

Content presentation followed by scenario

Why you want to put the activity first

Turn traditional training on its head: Challenge learners from the start with decision-making scenarios and let them learn through experience. It’s not only more interesting and memorable, it makes our designs more efficient. Learn more.

3 powerful ideas you should steal from marketing

A popular commercial for shaving products gives us three ideas we can use to make training memorable and motivating. Learn more.

Signpost representing branching scenario

4 reasons to use a branching scenario

One-scene mini-scenarios are great for covering a lot of topics. So when is it worthwhile to design a branching scenario? Example scenarios included! Read more.

Three simple but powerful ways to get love from your leaders

Business leaders love their L&D departments! Well, maybe 20 percent of them do, according to surveys. Here are three ways to get real business results and win the love you deserve. Read more.

Learning & development people unite!

We, the downtrodden and ignored learning and development professionals of the world, hereby shake off the shackles of convention and obedience and proclaim the arrival of a new order! Read more.

Example of a realistic activity: Set up the laptop

I preach a lot about making activities realistic and showing the results of the learner’s choice. Here’s an activity that shows how you could apply those principles. Read more.

Can we use training to motivate?

Is low motivation a problem on its own, or is it caused by something else? Can training help, or is it a waste of time? Here are some ideas to consider. Read more.

Feedback in elearning scenarios: Let them think!

Do we really need a know-it-all Omniscient One to explain everything to our learners? Or can we trust them to draw conclusions from the results of their choices? Read more.