Further education can be so simple – when learners do not (unconsciously) make mistakes that hinder the learning process. If you, as a trainer, know these 3 typical learning mistakes, you can help your participants learn relaxed at last.

The success of a training or coaching depends not only on you as a professional, but is also influenced by the motivation and methodology of your participants – learning mistakes often stand in the way.

In the list of typical learning mistakes at modu-learn, I have found myself more than once. Both during my studies and later in my career, I probably made every mistake at least once – and thus made my life harder. Unfortunately, learners often only notice such mistakes afterwards.

So that you, as a trainer, can recognize typical learning mistakes of your participants in the future, here is a summary of my Top 3 typical learning mistakes I often experience in further education – including suggestions on how to avoid them in your training:

Rank 3: Too few breaks while learning

With intensive training over one or more days, the brain's performance limit is quickly reached. Concentration wanes, and information doesn't stick in the head. Nevertheless, many learners tend to overload themselves.

Strategy: A maximum of 6 hours a day, the brain is capable of learning. So, design your training days to be shorter than 6 hours and plan enough breaks. To shorten your training day, you can also offer theoretical content in a supplementary online course. This way, you spread the learning load over several days. If you offer an online course, also remind your participants within the course after each learning unit to take breaks 🙂

Fixed breaks are also important in online training to remain receptive.

Rank 2: Learning without a plan

Most trainings or workshops are quite extensive. Consequently, your participants need to internalize a lot of learning material in a short time. Many participants learn without structure, timeline, or consideration for breaks. Long-term learning effect – not happening.

Strategy: Your training or seminar days are probably well planned. Therefore, you should focus on the preparation and follow-up. Ideally, create a plan for the first weeks after the training together with your participants. Define the order of the topics and offer targeted learning impulses and exercises. This will bring structure to the important transfer from the training room to everyday life.

Example of a learning plan in the online course. Source: blink.it learning platform

Rank 1: Boring learning methods

The “killer” for many participants in trainings and workshops: Monotonous learning methods such as frontal lectures or repeated reading create boredom, which lowers motivation – and consequently also the learning success.

Strategy: Offer your participants different learning methods and media. In addition to classic texts, you can also use graphics, mind maps, sketchnotes, or videos to make the content varied for your participants. Variety is important not only on the training day but also before and after, to maintain your participants' motivation in the long run!

Multimedia learning stimulates the brain, maintains motivation, and increases the learning effect.

You can implement these tips particularly effectively if you complement your in-person events with online courses (blended learning): In the course, you can intentionally incorporate longer breaks by gradually releasing the content, create a structured learning plan, and use diverse media.

You can implement such blended learning in 9 simple steps. Download our free guide “Blended Learning for Trainers” now and start your next training without the 3 typical learning mistakes!