In the first part of this blog series, we looked at how taking a campaign-based approach to learning can raise learner engagement ahead of a course launch. In this blog post, we look at strategies to sustain learner engagement during and post-course launch.
At LEO GRC, we understand that creating engaging learning is key to long-term compliance success. Disengaged, bored learners are far less likely to learn anything—so we employ various strategies to keep them engaged and embed critical learning points.
There's a broad range of tactics and strategies that can be employed to help ensure learning is engaging. But some of these strategies are more applicable and effective for compliance training than others.
The rest of this blog explores five strategies we think create high learner engagement, particularly in compliance training.
Learner Engagement Strategy #1: Diagnostic Tools
A diagnostic is an incredibly useful engagement tool for compliance training. Usually in the form of a quiz or assessment, a diagnostic can be used to gauge the existing knowledge or skill level of the learner before they take the course.
The results can then be used to determine if the learner:
- needs to take the course at all
- just needs to complete various topics or modules of the course to remain compliant
When it comes to annual, mandatory training, this tactic can prove very effective as it ensures learners only complete the learning they need. This avoids forcing learners through content they already know – which is never a strong tactic for engagement.
Related reading: '4 Ways to Revitalise Mandatory Training Through Engaging Learning'
Learner Engagement Strategy #2: Role Filters
We use role filters in many of our courses, such as our Modern Slavery and Conduct Rules courses. They are placed at the start of the course and ask learners to select their role before advancing.
A role filter ensures that course content is tailored to a learner’s position in the business. For example, managers often require a different level of knowledge around subjects, such as conduct rules, compared to other, more junior roles.
This level of personalization ensures the learning always feels relevant and reinforces the idea that the learning has been tailored to their needs.
Learner Engagement Strategy #3: Challenge the Learner
Providing the right level of challenge within a course can be a surefire way to engage learners.
In compliance courses, scenarios can be an effective way to achieve this. Scenarios give learners the chance to apply what they’ve learnt in a realistic context. This creates more of a challenge than a simple knowledge check.
Learning games, too, can be a highly engaging way of challenging learners to apply knowledge. Training games can be used alongside more traditional training methods to deeply engage learners. They can be a great follow-up to a formal course, or serve as part of a campaign-based approach to generate engagement ahead of time.
More from the blog: 'Branching Scenarios for Compliance Training: Why They Work'
Learner Engagement Strategy #4: Social Learning
An often underutilized tool for engagement, forums, discussion spaces, or workshops can provide a space for learners to collaborate and share experiences.
Social learning can be particularly helpful when implementing a long-term behavioral-change based program, where the aim is to embed new ways of working by exploring motivations and triggers.
With this kind of approach, an online forum in which learners can share reflections or discuss challenges is an effective way to prolong the impact of more formal learning components.
Instructor-led workshops, where learners can gather to explore more complex learning points and take part in scenario-based role plays can also be a powerful way to engage learners on critical areas of compliance.
Learner Engagement Strategy #5: Learning Portals
A learning portal provides you with the ability to carefully curate a variety of learning content, such as eLearning courses, videos, and articles. These elements can be hosted in one place for your learners to access.
This gives learners a more active role in their learning: they are able to pick and choose from a variety of learning and consume it in a way that suits them.
Of course, with compliance training there are likely to be mandatory elements that need to be completed. Supplement these with additional, non-mandatory learning content such as insightful articles, video, and animations and you will deliver a much richer overall experience to your learners.
Keep the portal updated with fresh content and you’re likely to keep learners returning and learning over time, helping to deeply embed key learning points.
Target Learner Engagement for Compliance Success
It may require more initial effort to fully design and implement some of these strategies within your learning programs, but the rewards are significant: higher completion rates, increased compliance, and decreased organizational risk.