As leaders and facilitators whilst we can see the benefits for two/three-day training programmes and workshops that dig deep into a particular subject, in today’s workplace never has the phrase time is money been more relevant. With skills shortages, a shrinking workforce, a move towards a four-day working week and an ever more demanding client/customer base, we need to find ways in which we can upskill our employees in the quickest most effective way that most important sticks. There are two ways in which we can do this; Firstly, curate a multi-dimensional learning pathway combining eLearning, micro-sessions, reading, articles, conferences, mentoring, and workshops to give a rounded approach to upskilling. The second is to incorporate accelerated learning into your workshops, inductions and learning.
What is Accelerated Learning?
Accelerated learning is an instructional approach designed to speed up and enhance the learning process. It is based on the premise that people learn best when they are actively engaged in the learning experience, when their learning is multi-sensory, and when they feel relaxed and emotionally connected to the content. This approach leverages cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and educational theory to create an environment where learning can happen more quickly and effectively.
Origins of Accelerated Learning
The concept of accelerated learning was popularized by Bulgarian psychiatrist and educator Dr. Georgi Lozanov in the 1970s through his development of the Suggestopedia method. Suggestopedia is based on the idea that a positive, relaxed state of mind can dramatically increase learning potential. Lozanov's method utilized music, art, and suggestion to enhance the learning experience and make it more enjoyable.
Over time, accelerated learning has evolved, incorporating insights from other fields such as neuroscience, cognitive psychology, and adult learning theory. Today, it is widely recognized as an effective approach for corporate training, educational workshops, and personal development programs.
Core Principles of Accelerated Learning
Accelerated learning is grounded in several key principles:
Active Participation: By being actively involved in elements of the learning, individuals are more likely be engaged in and retain the information.
Multi-Sensory Learning: The brain responds more actively to information when as many of the senses are engaged as possible, this forms pathways that can aid the retention of memory and association.
Relaxed Alertness: When learner are calm and relaxed they are more likely to remember more of the learning and also process it quicker.
Emotional Engagement: Finding ways for learners to relate to the learning using stories and relevance, forms an emotional connection that enhances retention and the motivation to keep listening and learning .
Social Interaction: When learning is delivered in a social context it allows the learners through discussion and exploration of the subject to retain more content and have fun doing so.
Contextual Learning: Rather than deliver learning in the abstract or as theory, the more we can make it relatable and relevant the more likely learners are to understand and remember the key messages.
Accelerated learning and VAKs
These principles are closely connected to the VAKs learning styles and convincer channels, Visual, Auditory, Kinaesthetic and Sense (thinking). The origins of the VAK learning style typology can be traced back to th 1960’sand the work of educators such Marie Montessori, studies of personality by William James and Wilhelm Wundt, the ideational types of Ernst Meumann, the identification and assessment of learning disabilities such as dyslexia and auditory processing disorder, and the kinaesthetic method of remedial reading instruction created by Grace Fernald. We may have differing amounts and combinations of these styles and as such will respond to, be absorbed by learning when delivered in different formats. Accelerated learning considers the use of these different formats ensuring that in mixed groups each individual can be engaged through the use of the convincer channels that most appeal to them.
Practical Tips and Tools for Implementing Accelerated Learning
Create a Safe and relaxed Learning Environment: As a facilitator ensure they feel comfortable taking risks, asking questions, and making mistakes. This means building trust through ensuring what is said in the room stays in the room.
Do your homework: translate theory into practical, relevant information they can relate to.
Incorporate Music and Art: Use background music during activities and incorporate visual art to create a stimulating learning environment
Facilitate Active / Multi-sensory Learning: When designing programmes incorporate activities, stories, discussions and practical exercises, that appeal to all the senses thus changing the state /mindset of the learner so that learning fatigue does not set in, and they become bored.
Use Storytelling: Storytelling helps with learning because stories are easy to remember. Organizational psychologist Peg Neuhauser found that learning which stems from a well-told story is remembered more accurately, and for far longer, than learning derived from facts and figures. Similarly, psychologist Jerome Bruner’s research suggest that facts are 20 times more likely to be remembered if they’re part of a story. (Boris, 2017)
Apply the Learning: Incorporate real-world simulations, case studies and practice opportunities where learners can apply what they’ve learned in a practical context.
Encourage Social Learning: Create opportunities for group work, peer teaching, mentoring, coaching and collaborative problem-solving. Social interaction enhances learning and gives learners an opportunity to ask questions they may not feel comfortable asking in a larger group environment.
Gamify the Learning Experience: Introduce elements of competition, rewards, and challenges to make learning fun and dynamic.
Feedback and Reflection: Encourage continuous feedback and reflection. Allow learners to assess their understanding and make connections to personal experiences.
By incorporating accelerated learning techniques, you can make shorter sessions more effective, curate learning that is more robust and appeals to more learning styles and make longer sessions more enjoyable.
References
Lozanov, G. (1978). Suggestology and Outlines of Suggestopedy. Gordon and Breach.
Fallace, T (2023) . Where did the visual, auditory, and kinaesthetic learning style typology come from, APA journals article spotlight, highlights in psychological research. https://www.apa.org/pubs/highlights/spotlight/issue-277
Meier, D. (2000). The Accelerated Learning Handbook: A Creative Guide to Designing and Delivering Faster, More Effective Training Programs. McGraw-Hill.
Jensen, E. (2008). Brain-Based Learning: The New Paradigm of Teaching. Corwin Press.
Gardner, H. (1983). Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences. Basic Books.
Silva, T. (2006). Accelerated Learning Techniques for Adults: The Complete Guide to Fast, Easy, and Efficient Learning. Silva.
Boris. V (2017) What makes storytelling so effective for learning. Harvard Business Publishing. https://www.harvardbusiness.org/what-makes-storytelling-so-effective-for-learning/
Kolb, D. A. (1984). Experiential Learning: Experience as the Source of Learning and Development. Prentice-Hall.
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