June 21, 2013
Human Information Processing System: Sensory Memory to Working Memory
Industry:
Solution:
- Learning Management Systems
- Online Workforce Training Courses
- Custom Workforce Training
- Incident Management Software
- Mobile Training Apps
- Don’t expect workers to multitask during training. Remove them from their normal job responsibilities so they can focus on the training.
- Perform training in an environment that’s free from external distractions. If possible, use a training room that’s removed from the work area.
- Our brains are very attracted to visual stimuli, so try to include lots of visual input in your training materials.
- While creating visual components of your training materials, keep the basics of good visual design in mind (or hire someone who knows them). This will allow you to use shape, color, and other aspects of visual design to draw the learner’s attention. The book Visual Language for Design: Principles for Creating Graphics that People Understand by Connie Malamed does a great job of explaining basics of visual design and putting them into the best context for learning professionals and is highly recommended. She uses the phrase "preattentive visual processes" to explain things you should think about during the visual design phase so that your training materials will enter the learner's working memory. For more information, we've written a blog post with some examples of effective visuals and why they help people learn.
- Keep the visual components of your training materials simple. This is a key point that Malamed makes in her book.
- Try using online video that includes people (either animated or “real life” people). For a brief explanation why, go to this course from the behavioral psychologist Dr. Susan Weinschenk (who goes by the name of “The Brain Lady”) and watch the free sample of Video 42, “Why Online Video is Compelling.”
- Use intructor-led, classroom training with a lively, engaging instructor. Many of the tips that Dr. Weinschenk made in the link above about online video also apply here--the instructor should be enthusiastic; the instructor should move around a little, but not too much; the instructor should use his or her hands; etc. Also, remember to keep these essential steps of training and these adult learning principles in mind.
How to Write Learning Objectives
All the basics about writing learning objectives for training materials.
Download Free GuideRelated Resources
Optimizing Driver Training and Compliance at Anheuser-Busch
April 24 2025
How Food and Safety Training Courses Strengthen Your Reputation in Food & Beverage Manufacturing
March 31 2025
Driving Learning Excellence and Operational Efficiency at Michigan Sugar Company
March 19 2025