"The Impact of Human Connection on Learning: 5 Key Strategies"

As organizations delve into the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), the metaverse, and other emerging technologies within the realm of training, it is imperative to maintain a focus on the individuals we aim to engage. Drawing from experience in overseeing and spearheading training initiatives for hundreds of thousands of participants over the last two decades, a discernible pattern has surfaced: Irrespective of the training mode—be it virtual or in-person instruction, blended learning, microlearning, or gamification—the consistent and significant factor contributing to enhanced learning outcomes is the cultivation of human relationships.

Here are five approaches to unleash greater human potential by ensuring that training prioritizes fostering connections.

1.Utilize coaching to instill confidence

Studies indicate that establishing a connection between employees and a supportive coach enhances their general well-being, self-assurance, and level of engagement. Coaches play a crucial role in assisting individuals facing challenges, fostering confidence, and guiding them back on track. This interaction can take place through calls, emails, or face-to-face meetings, and it may involve one-on-one sessions or group settings. The coach's unwavering belief in a learner's potential for success is inspiring. Effective coaching elevates an individual's outlook, restores confidence, directs attention to future steps, and motivates them to take proactive measures.

2.Tailor communication and deliver it promptly

Providing timely and pertinent insights, such as individual performance data, enables coaches to establish meaningful connections with learners. These interactions equip learners with crucial information regarding their progress, indicating whether they are on course or facing challenges and guiding them on the necessary steps forward. The regular check-ins on their well-being and specific feedback serve as valuable support, directing learners and reinforcing a sense of connection. Learners feel reassured knowing that someone is monitoring their progress and ensuring they have the necessary resources for success, preventing them from being overlooked.

3.Foster engagement through collaborative teaching

The collaborative teaching approach, where organizations employ two instructors, showcases the importance of connection and teamwork. The banter between instructors not only helps learners relax but also fosters an environment that encourages openness to new information. Observing the interpersonal dynamics creates a captivating experience for learners, particularly when infused with humor, thereby enhancing engagement. This teaching model yields a positive pedagogical impact by presenting learners with multiple perspectives and explanations for new concepts. The dialogue between co-teachers brings these concepts to life, reinforcing their relevance to the learner. Co-teaching has demonstrated notable effectiveness in identifying and supporting struggling learners.

4.Cultivate a community spirit to enhance the learning experience

Whether you're navigating through an onboarding process, acquiring a new skill, or preparing for a licensing exam, cohort-based learning plays a pivotal role in fostering group resilience when confronted with challenges. An essential advantage of this method lies in the establishment of a supportive community. Cohort members are driven to stay on track together, fostering motivation and collaboration. This learning model recognizes that creating a community centered around shared objectives and a collective educational journey enhances overall learner performance.

5.Align learners with their objectives

Helping learners establish a connection with their "why" – the overarching reason behind acquiring a new skill or delving into fresh material – serves as a potent reminder of the compelling motivations that drive them to persist, even in the face of challenges. Beyond the pursuit of a new or improved job, individuals seeking to acquire a new skill often aspire to support themselves and their families or to prove to themselves that they are capable of achieving more. The sense of being linked to a broader purpose significantly fuels human performance.

As technology remains integral to the necessity of upskilling and reskilling in business operations, it's crucial to emphasize that the most effective training strategies revolve around fostering human connections. A personalized approach is key, recognizing that a one-size-fits-all model is inadequate for optimal learning outcomes. Indeed, learners thrive when they experience a sense of visibility, acknowledgment, and belonging.

The enhancement of learning outcomes is consistently and significantly influenced by human relationships.