Converting Obscure eLearning Content into Usefulness - Tip #17

Ruth Clark in her book Building Expertise (1999) wrote about the failure of knowledge transfer from short term learning to on-the-job situations. Clark argued that for knowledge transfer to occur, there is the need for some kind of "hints."  From her insights, it is possible that certain eLearning content stay obscure or forgotten and therefore does not  translate to the learner's application on the job. Hints might be missing to aid the learner.   

"Hints" are events and experiences that are associated with the knowledge. However, because of  oversimplification, learners fail to apply acquired information since there are no associated events or experiences that aid them in the recall of such knowledge or skill.

In the Story-Based eLearning Workshop, we discuss the usage of story triggers which are akin to "engine starters" or primers. When you present the triggers, they elicit some memory recall.

"Triggers for Learning Recall"  

Please see below the list of possible triggers. You can develop more of these "learning recall activators" that are related to your content, learning and work environment.

Read the list of "triggers" on the left side of the chart. Instantly look to the right and ask the question, "What idea pops to my mind as I ask the question?" The answer would be the obscure or "inert" content that is discovered.  

Tips

• The closer the trigger is to the nature of the content, the better it helps recall knowledge.
• The more specific the trigger, the better it facilitates the knowledge recall.

Add triggers to convert obscure content into usefulness and help activate your learner's  recall and transfer of knowledge.

Ray Jimenez, PhD

Vignettes Learning

"Helping Learners Learn Their Way"