Action Based Learning: A New Trend in Skills Development
Action-based learning is a term that has been making its rounds on the internet lately. I'll skip the lengthy intro and get straight to it. Action-based learning is exactly what it sounds like: it's a form of learning where information is orchestrated by actions to make the learning process more interesting. It might sound like a lot at first, but in real life, it is way better than reading through pages and pages of theory and trying to understand the gist of it. Action-based learning is a solution to traditional learning.
In a more qualitative definition, academic learning via deliberate movement is known as "action-based learning" (ABL). It uses the biological connection between the brain and the body to maximize learning. It has been observed that students tend to learn better when they are moving around while reading something. Action-based learning considers that and suggests that we physically implement said theory to learn better.
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Traditional Learning Doesn’t Work Anymore, and That’s a Fact
The ups of action-based learning can be better understood if it is placed in comparison with traditional learning methods.
To put it plainly, traditional learning is teacher-centric. A person states pre-existing facts, explains reasons, etc., and a student listens.
Action-based learning, also known as action learning, flips this equation over. Action learning is more student-centric. It is applied, analytical, inductive as well as deductive. It motivates the student to apply their knowledge in real life and form their analysis and observations, unlike the traditional construct where pre-existing observations would be stated to the listener.
Action-based learning goes beyond just theory and focuses on real-time application.
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So What is the Catch about Action-Based Learning?
The answer is simple. It is better and more integrated. We live in a world where information is clearly accumulating every day. Google has answers to pretty much all your questions, and if not, there are people on the internet who do. The world is densely connected, and we don't quite need the human brain space to store information. We do, however, need skillsets and experience to hone said skillsets. The world around us has changed enormously, and clearly, skills and abilities are the new currency.
While theoretical knowledge is essential, it's a great idea to induce practice of those theories to open up the potential for improvements or new discoveries. From the other side of the table, action-based learning also makes the learner think and ask questions instead of just intaking knowledge. If questions were never asked, we would never really get to know more. Action learning is also much easier and learner friendly since it is learner-centric, to begin with. The learner doesn't get overloaded with a lot of things to know and understand at once. They are only taught enough to get them to the next level, but everything learned has to be put into application and experienced so that one really, fully knows what they are talking about.
Action-based learning also provides scope for developing own opinions and views and coming up with new propositions.
Why is It Better than Traditional Learning?
Another idea related to traditional learning is the idea that one size fits all instruction. This kind of instruction assumes that all learners must progress through their education at the same rate and with the same resources in order to achieve the same level of abilities, knowledge, and skills, regardless of their intrinsic talents and abilities.
With the help of this, they create distinctive exams that set the bar for all students at the same height.
Students, however, vary significantly from one another. Each has a unique skill set, learning style, and IQ, as well as a different rate at which they assimilate information. Can we then use other techniques that take into account their particular circumstances to help the kids achieve the same level of education?
The idea of action-based learning might come off as familiar since this is implemented at school levels for the initial development of the child. But we are not talking about that here.
Action-Based Learning for Adults
Adult learners are more autonomous and have a lot of potential with action-based learning. Adults also develop to be more pragmatic, and hence, any questions asked would trigger the need for a practical and well-reasoned answer. Inculcating action-based learning in the curriculum for adult students would make way for a much more productive and developmental learning environment.
- Learn more deeply because they actively engage in their learning and apply what they learn. This is a very effective way to create learning that’s self-driven and sticks.
- Learn in the context of its application, this improves retention of knowledge. Research shows that without any reinforcement or connections to prior knowledge, learners forget 56% of the information in one hour, 66% after a day, and 75% after six days.
- Promote positive character traits, develop capabilities, enhance existing skillsets or develop new skillsets.
- Learners complete 60% of the training courses on average vs 15% for Content-based learning.
- 87% of learners engage with content and interact with their mentors, coaches, subject-matter experts.
- Learners that actually take action retain 90% of the information.
All these results in permanent behavioural change and impacts organisations positively for the long-term.
What Sets Uplyrn Apart?
What sets Uplyrn apart from other eLearning platforms is a shift away from content-based learning (or traditional learning).
One reason so many companies fail to create lasting impact through training is because they focus on content delivery rather than the application of learning.
At Uplyrn, we believe Action-based learning is the future of learning. We want to be involved with our learners throughout their entire skills development journey, providing them with better career outcomes. An integrated approach is needed to achieve this:
- Access our library of bite-sized video courses that are designed to meet your individual needs, fit into any schedule and support different learning styles of team members in organisations.
- Connect with Mentors who can be your role model. Be it in our career or life, having a mentor is crucial to all of our continued growth and development.
- Be coachable. A coach provides space and structure for the reflection that is necessary for learning and growth, improvement in performance, targets and goals.
- Live virtual training classes - For those who learn better in real-time interaction with their lecturers and other students.
Drive Performance with a Culture of Continuous Learning.
- An upskilled workforce is a workforce that’s engaged, motivated, and productive.
- Invest in your people, and grow your business.
Set apart your organisation with mentorship.
- Launch a Mentoring Program that will facilitate your employees towards a deeper understanding of their passions, strengths, talents, personalities and values.
Maximize employee performance by helping them reach their peak potential through coaching.
As you create a more well-rounded, cross-trained workforce, you not only increase your team’s effectiveness, it certainly improves employee retention, boosts morale and increases customer satisfaction.
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