How to Apply Action-Based Learning in the Remote Workplace

Action-based learning (ABL) is proof that learning through action is the best learning strategy for most types of employees. Also called experiential learning, this type of training can be supplemented by visuals, but ultimately focuses on employees learning from direct experience. In this post we look at how ABL came about and how to apply it in remote workplaces.

While this learning practice is now a major workforce strategy, it actually began in classrooms. School nurse and ABL enthusiast Brandy Bowlen explains how the movement-based system has seen success in many of the world’s classrooms in recent years. By taking advantage of the links between movement and learning, classrooms everywhere are finding new ways to increase student engagement and knowledge retention. Not surprisingly, this practical, hands-on approach to education is also useful when training people at a professional level. And while it may seem like it’s much more difficult to practice experiential learning with remote employees, the remote workplace is actually perfect for employees to learn on the job.

Find the Right Organizational/Training Specialists‍

Experiential learning is particularly important in the current age of disruptive innovation. In fact, Maryville University reports a growing demand for training specialists who are prepared to usher in organizational change. This demand had been prompted by businesses seeking tech-driven training methods, processes, and structures for managing remote teams. As more employees and companies utilize e-learning, social media, and work process software, the business world is becoming increasingly tech-dependent. And addressing the needs that come with these new technologies requires specialists who can apply action-based learning when training both old and new employees.

Establish an Experiential Learning-Friendly Culture

One advantage of a remote workplace is that employees and managers are likely to be open to creating a new and unique business culture that can work towards everyone’s needs. This means that it can be easier to apply ABL techniques when training employees who are used to working remotely. Training Magazine outlines five tips for building the ideal remote workforce culture:

• Deciding what type of culture you want to see

• Hiring supportive staff

• Fostering a fun and collaborative environment

• Using remote communication technologies to keep in touch

• Becoming the culture you envisioned

You can use these five tips as the foundational framework of how to approach creating a work culture that applies ABL as a long-term training strategy.

Consistent Communication is Key

Here at myQuest we have already detailed how consistent communication is one of the keys to engaging and training remote employees. This is another advantage that remote workplaces have over traditional offices – remote workers already depend on a culture of consistent communication. This means that wherever the job and/or hands-on training takes them, it’s easier for them to keep in touch and even get real-time advice from supervisors. Remote workers are arguably more suited to non-traditional and experiential training methods compared to traditional office employees – as long you successfully establish consistent communication between working teams.

Given the correct approach, action-based or experiential learning can be easily applied to training a remote workforce. Much of this is due to the inherent nature of remote work. The ideal remote employees are ones that can work with minimal to no supervision, are able to consistently keep in touch, and are used to learning while on the job. In short, some of the best experiential learners belong to the increasing number of remote, online professionals in the world. If you can take advantage of this fact, you can streamline your company’s training and work processes, ultimately towards creating a work environment that fosters active learning and collaboration.

Want to deliver action-based learning experiences in your organization?

If you are intrigued by the idea of action-based learning but not sure how to use it in your training, then this opportunity is for you!

This coming May, we will be hosting a FREE webinar: “How to Use Action-Based Learning to Increase Training Impact”.

The speaker in this webinar will be Craig Weiss, one of the most influential people in the world for e-learning and the learning system space.

Craig will share the most effective ways to increase engagement and create more impact in your organization through action-based learning. In this webinar, you will learn all about:

• The best practices for using action-based learning to increase engagement
• The powerful AFT learning model and how you can implement it into your own training programs
• Proven strategies to achieve a 5X higher training completion rate
• And much more...
  

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Written exclusively for myquest.co by Alice Carter