The Blended Learning is a learning system that puts the learner at the center of the training so that he can get involved and stay motivated. It combines online and face-to-face training to improve interactivity and understanding of the subject. Being multimodal, blended learning uses different pedagogical modalities. Which one should you choose to ensure the success of the training? Overview.
Choosing the type of pedagogy
The use of blended learning leads to three different specific educational situations including:
- Face-to-face: this is classical training, with the physical presence of a trainer. The face-to-face module can be done individually between the learner and the trainer to study a specific subject, in a small group (less than 8 people), in a medium-sized group (from 9 to 36 people) or in a large group (more than 37 people).
- The remote or elearning : it refers to online training. It can be done asynchronously in auto-training, synchronously or asynchronously, in a small group or even in a large group.
- Experiential: this pedagogy includes all forms of professional learning at the workplace. It can be done formally or informally in the presence of a tutor, sponsor, mentor or in groups to improve collective skills.
To make an informed choice, you should refer to:
- Available time;
- Content to be promoted;
- Learner profile;
- Educational strategy to be adopted.
The choice of teaching technique
The teaching technique is none other than the way in which the training sequence is organized. It sets up the activities to be carried out to ensure the success of the training. Since its design is unlimited, it is possible to choose the ideal teaching technique (s) according to the situation and predefined objectives and to build a training plan customized.
Face-to-face teaching techniques
Classic, this face-to-face training brings together all possible teaching techniques for a better assimilation of information:
- The interactive presentation : it is done in a small group. After carrying out the necessary research, each group sets out the theme to be addressed and discusses it with the audience to co-create the knowledge.
- Feedback : the mentor stimulates learners' thinking to simplify the practical phase.
- The application exercise : it consists of using several application exercises to assess the understanding of the subject and to put into practice what has been learned.
- The case study : it consists in studying and solving a particular problem.
- The educational film : watching a documentary or an explanatory multimedia video improves the assimilation of the subject.
- Co-coaching : this learning tool allows two or more actors to train each other through coaching. The aim is to accelerate the acquisition of collective skills.
Distance learning techniques
Focused on online learning, this teaching technique can be done in several ways, including:
- Social networks : thanks to easy access to the Internet, it is possible to use social networks (Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.) for educational purposes. In this era, the Social learning is on the rise. The creation of a learning community around a training course, via the Internet, improves the retention of information and the assimilation of the subject.
- Serious games : this professional learning tool creates work situations to understand a real case. It adapts to several sectors of the company and can be customized according to circumstances. Although little used, the serious game is nevertheless an innovative tool that improves the understanding of risk, the management of stress and the resolution of a problem. The learner is prepared to confront and resolve real life situations.
- The daily training : it consists in creating a specific learning itinerary so that the learner assimilates the module at their own pace. As the name suggests, the learner should learn daily and step by step by referring to their online resources or by seeking the advice of the available tutor/mentor.
- The virtual classroom : learning takes place synchronously with a group of students and a trainer. This experience allows a real and instant exchange for more interactivity.
- Video conferencing : whether in a professional or student setting, videoconferencing makes it possible to hold a meeting, at any time, to assess or optimize the progress of the educational modules.
- E-reading : very practical, this technique consists in using an e-reading form to solve a question. It improves the autonomy of the learner, provided he is provided with all the information.
- E-positioning : it consists in evaluating the level of the learner before the training in order to adjust the modules to his level.
Experiential learning techniques
Learning in the professional world is entirely doable if you get the right tools. Experiential learning techniques are variable and in number:
- The training or flash explanation : it consists in briefly explaining a subject to ensure its understanding. It requires efficiency, precision, and speed.
- Solving a common problem : to enhance learners' abilities, it is possible to solve the same problem. This technique makes it possible to find an effective solution quickly.
- The feedback : for more interactivity, it is possible to ask questions about learners' feedback. Feedback improves the training process.
- Collective exchange : it can be a small feedback, a diagnosis of knowledge or simply an exchange for educational purposes.
