Disappointed that training interventions aren’t hitting the mark? Then adaptive learning might be your answer! Camilia Miccolis tells us all about it
Employees are often a company’s largest expense, but they are also their biggest asset. Like all assets, a return on investment is crucial – but humans are more complex than tools, services and products. In order to unlock the true potential of employees, organisations must do more than simply “acquire” them as an asset, they must invest in them as individuals.
Gone are the days of group webinars and compulsory catch-all training classes – today’s learning is about investment in people, not classes
Every employee is different; each will have varying levels of experience, unique strengths and weaknesses, as well as their own ambitions, motivations and career goals. That is why one-size-fits-all learning pathways, with linear courses and pre-defined training programmes, are no longer fit for purpose.
According to McKinsey, around 90% of organisations say they expect to face knowledge and experience gaps in their workforce in the coming years, and that’s not something that can be fixed with traditional, static training or an unsustainable rate of new hires.
Enter adaptive learning. Adaptive learning is a training approach that leverages AI, monitoring and analytics to tailor educational content to the individual needs of each learner – both in terms of their role, and their individual ambitions. By continuously assessing a learner’s progress and preferences, adaptive learning platforms adjust the difficulty, type, and pacing of content to optimise engagement and ensure that employees are always learning based on their own needs. Gone are the days of group webinars and compulsory catch-all training classes – today’s learning is about investment in people, not classes.
Why traditional training methods miss the mark
Traditional training methods often miss the mark because they rely on an out-of-the-box approach that fails to accommodate the diverse learning needs of employees. These methods typically involve static content delivered in a linear fashion, which can lead to disengagement and frustration among learners who either find the material too challenging, or too simplistic.
Without the ability to adapt to individual progress and preferences, traditional training lacks the personalisation needed to keep employees motivated and invested in their learning. This inflexibility results in lower retention rates and less effective skill development, ultimately hindering organisational growth and performance. According to Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace 2024 report, engaged workers deliver a raft of positive outcomes such as a 78% reduction in absenteeism, a 68% increase in wellbeing and a 23% boost to profitability.
Not only is traditional learning outdated for employees, but it is also not working for employers either. There is a big movement towards skills-first organisations where merit is placed on the unique talents and abilities of an individual rather than on their job role or qualifications. Catering to these interests would enable that employee to become more dynamic and useful to the business, broadening their impact and allowing them to progress their career without tending their resignation.
The benefits of adaptive learning
Adaptive learning offers countless benefits that now make it an essential component of modern employee training. One of the most significant advantages is the ability to provide personalised learning experiences. By leveraging data analytics and artificial intelligence, adaptive learning platforms can assess an employee’s strengths, weaknesses, and learning preferences in real-time, then deliver tailored content that is neither too challenging nor too simplistic, ensuring that each learner is engaged and motivated throughout their development.
Personalised learning pathways help employees progress at their own pace, leading to a deeper understanding of the material and a more meaningful learning experience. Accessibilityis a key component of learning in the workplace and delivering training on the go through mobile devices can improve retention and overall uptake for professional development. What is more, this kind of learning can be delivered “on the job” using cleverly placed modules, prompts and pop-ups that address knowledge gaps as they emerge, and training courses can be recommended on a case-by-case basis rather than expecting all employees in a similar role to sit the same courses.
Another key benefit of adaptive learning is the immediate feedback mechanism. Traditional training methods often rely on periodic assessments, which can delay feedback and hinder the learning process. In contrast, adaptive learning platforms provide instant feedback, allowing learners to correct mistakes and reinforce their understanding on the spot. This real-time interaction not only enhances knowledge retention but also builds confidence as employees can see their progress and improvements immediately. Adaptive learning systems also continuously track and analyse learner data, offering insights into performance trends and areas that need further development, which is invaluable for both employees and employers.
Enhanced knowledge retention is another crucial advantage of adaptive learning. The approach employs techniques such as spaced repetition and interactive learning activities, which are proven to improve memory retention. Spaced repetition involves revisiting information at increasing intervals, reinforcing learning over time and ensuring that knowledge is retained long-term. Interactive activities, like quizzes and simulations, keep learners actively engaged, making the training process more enjoyable and effective. This interactivity ensures that employees are not just passively absorbing information but are actively involved in their own learning process.
Fast problems, fast solutions
Adaptive learning promotes continuous development and skill enhancement. In today’s distributed, fast-paced work environment, it is essential for employees to continually update their skills and knowledge. Adaptive learning platforms allow for the seamless integration of new training modules and resources, ensuring that employees have access to the most relevant and up-to-date information according to their specialisms.
This continuous learning culture helps employees stay current with industry trends and advancements, making them more versatile and valuable to their organisations. This will result in a more agile and resilient workforce that can drive innovation and adapt to new challenges as they emerge.
Camilia Miccolis is Director of UKI and Netherlands at Rise Up
