Self-Directed Learning

Bill Kennedy, Head of E-Learning and Technology Section, Sinarmas Land

The world of learning is changing from centralized to decentralized. Imagine if the training is conducted based on mandatory with a stick behind, employees will not enjoy their learning journey resulting in half-hearted and ineffective learning.

Harnessing self-directed learning is proven to boost learning curiosity and learning appetite in a learning culture. Thus, should we open the learning opportunities fully? Or should we set certain parameters on it?

Here are some tips on Self-Directed Learning:

1. CURATE LEARNING PATH.

Learning is everyone’s right. When we give them the freedom to choose their learning path, meaning that the responsibility is shifted from organization to personal making them feel responsible for their choice. As a Learning and Development HR, we need to keep the demand on track. Aligning with their competencies and carer development is a must. With this, employees are still responsible for what they choose, while Management still keeps intact in managing their employees.

2. BITE SIZING MODULES.

Have you ever wondered why an old player like YouTube is beaten by TikTok and reels? Based on research, our brain tends to enjoy bite-size content compared to the long one. That’s one of the factors why TikTok and reels are popular. This is also applied to learning; we can chunk long video learning into a more attractive bite size. With this, the efficacy of the module is more compared to the long one, less tiring, and more attractive.

3. FACILITATE LEARNING COMMUNITIES

A culture will last when the communities last. Same with learning culture, to make it lasting we need to create learning communities. Simple reader communities will do. Similar to sports communities, there are tons of ideas to create learning communities. Humans can’t stand alone, that’s why communities exist to help.

"Harnessing self-directed learning is proven to boost learning curiosity and learning appetite in a learning culture"

4. FORMAT DIVERSITY.

Learning can be in many forms. Providing more than one platform or method of learning will create excitement and fun. Learning campaigns and activities will be a key feature in maintaining learners’ engagement.

5. STEN INTO AI

In this era, AI will ease our process, imagine the burden that you must carry if you rely on Excel and manual processes (especially for large-scale of company). AI will help you match competencies and skillsets unique for every one of your employees. 6. SET GOAL AND TRACKING Have you heard about “dopamine?” It’s a happiness hormone that is released when you complete the task. It gives you the energy to continue to the next task. Setting a staging goal completion as well as tracking completion will give you challenges and a dopamine effect while learning. Small achievements matter, don’t set a long journey to achieve, remember you need dopamine shots periodically.

7. OFFER LEARNING CREDITS OR INCENTIVES

Who doesn’t like to be recognized? Incentives or credits could be interesting in creating a learning culture, it’s fine to prepare some souvenirs or credits for the highest learners, collecting points will be a fun activity to do. Incentives don’t have to be a fancy thing, a simple public recognition will do.

8. USER-FRIENDLY LEARNING PLATFORM

Finally, is user friendly learning platform. Make sure that your platform is easy to use for everyone across generations. The learning platform must be able to keep up with other apps’ interfaces.