|
Accelerated Learning, as its name suggests, is a method to increase capacity for learners allowing them to retain more information in a shorter period of time. The Accelerated Learning model is credited to the work of Dr. Georgi Lozanova, who used a variety of non-traditional training techniques that quickly became known as "suggestopedia". The main principal of Accelerated Learning is to create educational events that focus not on content and what should be taught, but instead on how a person learns. Using this model allows trainers, facilitators, and leaders to create learning events that are more impactful.
The Accelerated Learning model has four phases.
Phase 1 - Preparation: Arousing Interest
Adult learners need to know the rationale behind what is being taught and why resources, time, and effort are being spent on training. The goal of the preparation stage is to get participants excited. It is the opportunity to connect the individual to the WIIFM (What's In It For Me) of the training and how it will benefit them. The goal is to create a safe and welcoming environment that creates positive feelings about learning. This is done by engaging the learner's mind before you start with formal training.
This is done by:
- Setting clear and meaningful goals.
- Raising curiosity.
- Calming fears.
- Removing learning barriers.
- Having learners develop statements of how training will benefit them.
Phase 2 - Presentation: Encountering the New Knowledge or Skill
Training is more effective when learners are involved in creating the experience. Adult learners need to be able to relate learning to their own experience and leverage their personal learning preferences in order to get the most out of the learning experience. A well-designed program taps into the existing knowledge of the learner and is structured in a way that appeals to a multitude of learning styles by:
- Analyzing real world situations and putting them in the context of the training.
- Using multisensory interactions that engage visual, auditory, intellectual, and kinesthetic learners.
- Using exercise and activities that are team based, lead to discovery, and give the opportunity to solve problems.
Phase 3 - Practice: Integrating the New Knowledge or Skill
The traditional lecture model of training in which participants are expected to absorb large amounts of information and, just-by-magic know how to apply it, is not effective. In order for a new skill to be developed, a participant must have the opportunity to apply it and put it to work. This can be done in many ways. The key is making sure that the participant has a chance to take the tool out of the box and practice using it in relevant and applicable situations. It is important to create these opportunities for practice and incorporate them throughout the learning experience through:
- Use of simulations.
- Playing games that are tied to content.
- Forums that foster dialog around skills.
- Creating action learning opportunities.
Phase 4 - Performance: Applying the New Knowledge or Skill
Knowledge is great to have, but in order for it to benefit the organization, a learner must apply it to their work. It is important that participants have support and opportunity to take new knowledge and use it in their daily lives. This not only increases the amount of information retained by the individual, it also extends the learning experience beyond the classroom. Application of new skills fosters continuous growth and performance improvement by:
- Providing opportunity to apply skills immediately after the learning event.
- Creating action plans to be completed after class.
- Support for the participant by supervisors and management.
- Creating goals to practice skills and evaluate the effectiveness.
The effectiveness of a team or organization is dependent on the skills and abilities of the individuals. By implementing the four phase Accelerated Learning model you will increase the knowledge of your people, shorten the time it takes to pick up skills, and ensure a transfer of knowledge from the classroom to the work being done.
|
