How might we engage learners?

As learning experience designers, I believe we cannot directly ‘engage’ learners, but our challenge is to create the conditions which support learners exercising their autonomy and choosing to engage in the learning experience on offer. According to neuroscientist, Dr Immordino-Yang, emotional connection to the content is key: “It is literally neurobiologically impossible to think deeply about things that you don’t care about”. The Dr argues that meaningful learning happens when content is relevant to the learner’s life, when it sparks interest and an emotional bond can be created with the subject, rather than trying to retain sterile content.

Here are three strategies that we use at Alkimia Learning to help create these conditions include:

1. Dedicate time at the start of any learning experience (and periodically throughout the learning journey) for the learners to reflect, identify and share what Kaospilot calls their '3P goals' - at a personal, professional and practical level;

2. Invite participants to do an appreciative reflection and sharing of a time when they experienced or were able to demonstrate the skills, knowledge or attitude that are in focus - even if in a very small way in a totally different context. I've found this promotes positive emotions and primes people for learning;

3. Use the 5E experience model from Kaospilot to think about the learning you are offering as an experience that generates emotions. I have found this expands my ‘design space’ and in particular encourages me to consider the first and fifth Es – ‘Excitement’ and ‘Extension’. 

Have you experienced moments when you saw your learners deeply invested in the content? 

What strategies have worked for you that may be useful for others?