More and more organizations are adopting the approach of self-directed learning, for example in the context of e-learning or blended learning journeys. Self-directed learning offers many advantages, such as individualization, adaptive learning, and greater flexibility. However, new solutions also place higher demands on learners than traditional learning methods. For successful self-directed learning, it is therefore important as a people developer to actively develop the learning culture of your organization. Based on our experience in numerous different customer projects, we have put together seven specific practical tips for you on how this can be implemented.
Tips for promoting self-learning skills
1. Provide a platform and resources with which self-directed learning can be realized
For self-directed learning to be successful, it is first of all important to give the target group access to relevant and high-quality learning content. It is important to note that simply providing as much content as possible is not enough. For self-directed learning to work, suitable e-learning courses or other learning content must be selected, curated, and advertised for the specific target group. The better the content meets the learning needs of employees, the more likely it is that the company’s learning offers will be used. The design and user-friendliness of the learning platform also play a role here. In addition to providing high-quality learning solutions, it is also important to provide tools that support learners in their learning process. There are many options here – some suitable examples are OneNote, Miro or Conceptboar
2. Promoting individual learning skills
Self-organized learning places higher demands on learners than classic, more externally controlled learning formats. It therefore makes sense to offer workshops and training courses that provide learners with the basic tools they need to learn on their own. This includes how they can determine their learning needs, set individual learning goals, find the optimal learning time, and reflect on their learning progress. Conveying specific learning or time management techniques such as the Pomodoro method can also help employees to learn more efficiently and in a concentrated way. They can use a learning diary to track their own learning progress, record milestones, and develop motivational strategies. Such structured offers help employees to “learn to learn” and thus to learn more effectively on their own.
3. Coaching and mentoring for self-directed learning
Learning coaches who are explicitly available as contact persons for self-directed learning can significantly support the learning process. These coaches can be leaders or experienced colleagues who have been specially trained for this role. Through regular feedback and support, they can help learners to optimize their learning process and stay motivated. In addition to support from learning experts, the use of learning buddies is also helpful. Such learning partnerships enable a continuous exchange about learning progress and challenges and have an additional motivating effect due to the social aspect.
4. Learning targets as part of the agreement on objectives
Anchoring learning targets in employees’ agreements on objectives increases commitment and reflects the importance of learning within the organization. Development goals should be clearly defined and made measurable so that progress can be tracked. By integrating learning targets into official agreements, learning is given a fixed place in everyday working life, and it is legitimized that employees invest time and resources in their further development.
5. Create time for self-directed learning
A major advantage of self-directed learning is its flexibility. However, this is also a big challenge, especially in terms of self-motivation. Employees can complete courses at their own pace – “Anytime” often becomes “Another time”. Self-management requires not only personal initiative, but also freedom; employees must be given the opportunity to invest working time in their development. This can be achieved through company-wide regulations and raising awareness among leaders. In addition, leaders and management should act as role models and show that learning is also a priority for them. By establishing learning as an important part of everyday working life, employees can plan and use their learning time better.
6. Provide learning spaces promote social exchange formats
Self-directed learning also benefits from social elements that promote reflection and practical application of the learning content. Social formats such as hackathons, peer-to-peer formats, learning conferences, WOL (Working Out Loud), peer coaching, and knowledge sharing sessions in teams increase motivation and create commitment. As a people developer, you can initiate such formats yourself or support people in your organization in implementing them. Social learning as an addition to the individual learning process is an important motivating factor and supports learners in putting new knowledge into practice.
7. Anchoring learning as an organizational value
In order to establish an active learning culture, learning must be anchored as a central value in the organization and become part of the corporate culture. This requires role models. Management should actively set an example of how they themselves continuously acquire new skills and which learning strategy they pursue. A culture that values and promotes self-initiated and self-directed learning in companies shapes employee behavior and supports successful and continuous development.
By implementing these seven practical tips, you as a people developer can specifically promote the self-learning skills of your employees and establish a sustainable learning culture in your organization. Self-directed learning offers numerous advantages and makes a significant contribution to individual and organizational development. It is the responsibility of people development to create the right framework conditions and to accompany and support employees on their learning journey. If you want to find out more about this topic, take a look at our whitepaper on digital and self-directed learning. In our free blended learning course for LD professionals, you will learn how you can motivate your employees to engage in self-directed learning and further develop the learning culture in your organization.
