Adaptive learning is highly trending. But what does that actually mean and what benefits does it bring for employees and educators? We have done some research for you and summarized the most important learnings in this article.
In most training sessions, many different learning types come together, all of whom are supposed to participate in the same course. But how can you cater to all learning types in corporate training? One possibility: adaptive learning!
The core idea: Learning is becoming increasingly individual, and this also applies to the learning content itself.
"Adaptive learning" means nothing more than learning adapted to the learner themselves. Everyone should be picked up at their current level of skills and knowledge. This way, no one is over- or underchallenged, and the learning effect increases.
Four advantages of "adaptive learning"
1. Courses are not fixed in their format
When your courses and content are adapted to the needs of the participants, you can vary the content in terms of language and scope. The advantage: You don't have to resort to the lowest common denominator and can adapt the content to the level of the learners. This ensures that all employees receive the basic information while those eager to learn can get additional material.
2. There is less boredom and confusion
Not all employees are at the same level of knowledge. Therefore, fixed courses can lead to some participants getting bored. On the other hand, it leads to confusion if you talk about topics and content that are completely unfamiliar to some course participants. With individual learning content, you can satisfy both groups.
3. The readiness to concentrate is higher
When you give employees the freedom to help determine the scope and process of learning, their willingness to learn increases. After all, if employees do not have to struggle through a fixed training program, they can direct their attention specifically to the learning content that is personally new and relevant to them.
4. The joy of the learning process increases
Adult learners like to have control over the way they learn. Through the positive experience of having an influence on the process themselves, you can even additionally motivate employees and they will start to enjoy the learning process.
Adaptive learning therefore helps to advance the individual learning process and is just one way in which learning can become even better in the future.
Example of an adaptive learning technique
That was quite theoretical, so let's show you an example in conclusion. A good method in the sense of adaptive learning is to have employees take intermediate tests. This allows you as the person responsible to see where everyone stands, who is secure in the learning material, and who might need more material or exercises. Your learners can also check for themselves what they should review again.
It is important that intermediate tests are not understood purely as control, but as a diagnostic tool. Adaptive learning only unfolds its full value if differentiated learning paths or in-depth content are actually offered based on the results.
Own representation: Process diagrams help to check one's own level of knowledge.
Conclusion
Adaptive learning is not a technological trend, but a didactic approach that places individual learning processes at the center.
By having learning content respond flexibly to prior knowledge, learning progress, and needs, not only does employee motivation increase, but also the effectiveness of further training. Over- and underchallenge are reduced, and learning time is used more meaningfully.
Those who use adaptive learning strategically create the foundation for sustainable competence development and a future-proof training concept.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
What is meant by adaptive learning?
Adaptive learning adjusts learning content to the individual knowledge level and learning progress of the participants. This way, learners receive exactly the support and depth they currently need.
What advantages does adaptive learning offer for companies?
Companies benefit from more motivated employees, more efficient learning processes, and training that takes different prior knowledge into account better than standardized courses.
How can adaptive learning be implemented in practice?
A proven method is intermediate tests, which are used to determine the current level of knowledge. Based on this, additional content, exercises, or alternative learning paths can be offered.
Does adaptive learning absolutely require artificial intelligence?
No. Adaptive learning is primarily a didactic concept. Even simple learning level tests and individually provided content enable adaptation to different learning needs.
