Turning Challenges into Opportunities for Learning
May 28
2 min read
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A volcanic eruption in Iceland today resulted in lava shooting about 50 metres into the sky from a fissure about 2.5 kilometres long. "The area is part of the Svartsengi volcanic system that was dormant for nearly 800 years before reawakening,” according to the Associated Press. You can watch it live here: Iceland Volcano Live.
Today's volcanic eruption serves as a stark reminder of nature's power to disrupt our plans in an instant. As instructional designers, we are continually asked to pivot and turn challenges into opportunities for growth and learning. And all of this is done through applying adult learning principles.
Let’s look at the importance of a few of these principles in training design.
Real-World Relevance: Incorporating current events like this eruption into our training materials adds relevance and immediacy. It helps learners connect theoretical knowledge to real-life situations, enhancing engagement and retention.
Experience: Adults bring a wealth of prior knowledge and experiences to the learning environment. Acknowledging and building upon this existing expertise not only fosters a deeper understanding of the subject matter but also creates a more inclusive and respectful learning environment.
Self-Direction: Adult learners thrive when given the autonomy to direct their learning journey. By providing options for self-paced learning and personalized goal setting, we empower learners to take ownership of their learning experiences.
Intrinsic Motivation: By highlighting the personal benefits and rewards of acquiring new knowledge and skills, we can inspire learners to actively participate and invest in their own learning journey.
Collaboration and Participation: Just as communities come together to support one another in times of crisis, collaborative learning environments foster engagement and knowledge-sharing among learners. By facilitating group discussions, teamwork, and peer learning activities, we create opportunities for learners to collaborate and learn from one another's experiences.
If you would like help turning challenges into opportunities for growth and learning, reach out to us.
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