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How To Make Training More Effective With Real-Life Learning

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Learning through doing, or more specifically, reflection on doing, has been shown to be one of the most effective ways of engaging with learners and boosting knowledge retention rates.  The Experiential Learning Model was developed in the early 1970s by David Kolb, and it resonates so clearly with us when we think about how our community of trainers work to effectively develop the skills of their delegates.

A recent newsletter from the CPD Standards Office looked at “The Impact of Experiential Learning on Training Effectiveness”.  The concept of transforming passive learners into active participants was discussed.  To put this into context, rather than just simply attending a training session, if delegates actively participate in an ongoing mentoring and support system, using real world examples and experiences to cement their learning, then retention of knowledge can be as high as 90%.

Here’s how the Performance For Sales training, mentoring and support framework follows the four stages of Kolb’s Experiential Learning model:

1. Concrete Experience – Performance For Sales Trainers work closely with their delegates who are in a marketing role and carry out tasks, solve problems and plan strategies using The Marketing Performance Framework® as part of their day-to-day work.
  1. 2. Reflective Observation – Through active mentoring, delegates are encouraged to reflect on how their experience is going.
  2. 3. Abstract Conceptualisation – Delegates are supported to create new ideas of how to use the framework to overcome challenges, carry out tasks in line with business objectives and plan their time.
  3. 4.  Active Experimentation – Delegates apply this new knowledge and skills to the next cycle of work, and the cycle begins again.

In essence, delegates learn specifically through real-world experiences that are personal to them.  In the words of the CPD Standards Office, 

“learners gain a deeper, more personal understanding of the subject matter”.

The benefits of experiential learning include:
  • - Learning “on the job” gives real, practical experience which solidifies learning.
  • - Being guided through personal reflection and the generation of new ideas by a professional coach builds confidence.
  • - Learners develop problem-solving skills.
  • - Employers benefit from upskilled staff with new skills which are directly transferrable to their job roles.
  • - Learners feel motivated and empowered to achieve.

If you’d like to deliver training, mentoring and support in The Marketing Performance Framework® to your delegates/clients then we’d love to hear from you!
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Performance For Sales

Performance For Sales

181 Coniscliffe Road, Darlington, Darlington, DL3 8DE

01325 582008

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