Whether it takes place in person or in a context ofelearning, the training that uses the Social learning involves a number of tools and methods. Behind the theories related to social learning is the idea thatThe learning process is affected by the environment and the interactions we have, especially with our peers.. On average, learners would keep 5% of the information they hear and 10% of what they read. This may not seem like much, but social learning makes it possible to overcome this phenomenon: 50% of the learning content delivered by this method would be retained. Here are the points to consider when evaluating social learning training.
Step 1: Does social learning improve learners' concentration?
Learning theories say that we can't learn if we're not focused on the task at hand. On the other hand, many theories suggest that social contexts help focus the learner. By simplifying the idea: If the group is concentrated, the individual is de facto also more likely to be concentrated. For a social learning format to catch the attention of learners, and therefore improve the quality of their concentration, it has to be engaging. For this, various methods can be used, such as the game (Gamification), multi-party problem solving, etc.
-> What questions should you ask?
1 - Is the group's collective attention focused on the same exercise or content?
2 - Does the training use mechanisms such as gamification to retain learners' attention and concentration?
Step 2: Does the training promote information retention?
Information retention is a central criterion for evaluating social learning training. While learning in a group can be fun, the primary goal remains to allow the learner to integrate concepts and learn how to apply them. Two criteria in particular will be involved in the retention of training content. The first concerns the form of the content and its content, which should be memorable. Again, tools exist to develop high-impact training content, such as the Mobile learning, team games, but also scenarios. On the other hand, The repetition rate is another criterion to look closely at to assess social learning training from the angle of information retention. Social learning training that makes it possible to reproduce an action and repeat it, alone or with peers, allows the learner to have a better cognitive grip on the subject. Reproducing actions also makes it possible to understand them and to work on their aspect that can be improved.
-> What questions should you ask?
1 - Are the content and form of social learning training content easy to remember?
2 - Is the key content repeated enough during the training to ensure retention?
Step 3: Does the training allow learners to interact and discuss training concepts?
Social learning has a social aspect, as its name suggests, which involves to learn together, but also to be able to learn from others. The Peer learning, which has now proven its power over learning and information retention, is an aspect of social learning that promotes learning between learners. In a training context that uses social learning, encourage learners to interact to ask questions, to shed light on their understanding of the concepts studied or simply to help each other makes it possible to increase the effectiveness of training, andoptimize collaboration in business.
-> What questions should you ask?
1 - In person, does the training allow moments of exchange between learners, in particular through questions or the contribution of each person's personal knowledge?
2 - In the case of e-learning, does the training have a forum or messaging tool to promote these spontaneous exchanges?
Step 4: Does the training include motivational sources or elements?
Motivation is at the heart of successful training. In the case of social learning training, a motivation mechanism that is very often used and proven is that of Gamification. Whether it is working as a team to obtain a reward using a point system or the learning game pitting learners against each other in a competitive context, it is often the game that is at the center of motivation, but not only that. In fact, Motivation is also based on positive reinforcement: A learner who sees another learner succeed in learning and derive personal benefit from it will also be motivated to succeed.
-> What questions should you ask?
1 - Does social learning training use gamification?
2 - Does the training highlight the benefits of learning and individual and group successes?
Step 5: What can we say about social learning in an e-learning framework?
E-learning in itself does not necessarily involve social learning. It actually depends on the types of training provided and the learning goals. Sometimes you need a training plan requiring a bit more interactivity between learners. The integration of social learning with e-learning allows for better engagement. Social learning training, e-learning version, must therefore also meet the same criteria as those mentioned above, while using specific digital tools. In this context, gamification, webinars, forums and other social features are of course the lifeblood, and the biggest challenge remains toencourage and facilitate interaction between physically distant learners.
-> What questions should you ask?
1 - Does social learning training offer tools for exchange and socialization that are easy to use and engaging?
2 - Are learners regularly encouraged to interact, for example through notifications?
