4 steps and 4 tips to build an engaging training module

Today's companies have grasped the decisive role played by professional training, both for the smooth running of their business and for employee motivation.

Faced with this reality, they are becoming more and more active in developing their own learning paths, in line with their challenges, relying in particular on tools such as LMS (Learning Management Systems).

The training module is one of the pillars of these paths. Mastering the design of a training module means ensuring the perfect transmission of knowledge.

So, what is a training module ? And how can it be designed to produce training that your employees will never forget?

See all software Learning Management System (LMS)

What is a training module?

Training module: definition

As part of an overall training program, a training module is a self-contained unit designed to impart knowledge and skills on a specific subject.

In other words, it serves to break down and structure a broader learning program, with the aim of :

• make teaching more digestible ;
• enable each individual to develop his or her skills on a topic-by-topic basis.

5 examples of training modules

To give you a better idea of what we're talking about, here are a few examples of training modules that could make up a course on developing managerial skills:

• Conducting individual interviews ;
• Team conflict management ;
• Leadership and assertive communication;
• Performance assessment ;
• Constructive feedback techniques.

Objectives and impact of the professional training module

Each training module has a clear objective:

• to impart (or reinforce) a skill that can be directly applied in the field ;
• to update their knowledge in the face of changes in their profession and in society (hello artificial intelligence, to name but one);
• prepare for certification, if required.

To design a good training module is therefore to participate in the culture of employee development, through skills enhancement. It's a win-win situation for both the organization and its employees, since it :

• enables us to stay up to date and innovative, and thus maintain a strong competitive position ;
• encourages employee commitment, making them more productive, and above all... more loyal!

Composition of the training module

Each trainer is free to structure the training module as he or she sees fit.

Nevertheless, the following 3 components are often found:

• The initial assessment phase, used to identify the learner's skills and needs. This can take the form of quizzes, open-ended questions, etc.
  
  
• The learning phase. Here, the participant gets to the heart of the matter and discovers new notions before putting them into practice. The transmission is done in stages, through structured and varied content (texts, videos, serious games, etc.).
  
  
• The final evaluation phase, to check that the learning objectives have been achieved.

How do you design a training module that will engage your employees?

Step 1 - Define the module's objectives

The first thing to do: ask yourself what the objectives of the training module are. In other words, what is the employee supposed to have learned by the end of this unit?

To do this

• start with the problem to be solved in your company ;
• then take stock of the skill levels of the employees involved in solving the problem.

The result will be precise, ideally SMART, objectives 😉

Step 2 - Creating and structuring content

Once the objectives have been set, it's time to create and structure the content.

Here, everything must be designed to make learning more dynamic and progressive. Each step must guide the participant, without losing him or her, in memorizing the course.

Let's imagine a training module on time management. It could contain the following sequences:

• Identify sources of wasted time;
• Prioritizing tasks;
• Using a planning tool.

💡 How do you present a training module ? Start by clearly stating its objectives and what the participant will learn. Then briefly describe its content and the teaching methods deployed (duration, format, assessments, etc.).

Step 3 - Apply the right teaching methods

There are several teaching methods to choose from, depending on the target audience and the context.

More specifically, there are :

• face-to-face, which favors direct interaction and group dynamics ;
• distance learning, more flexible and accessible online, perfect for geographically dispersed learners or those working from home;
• blended learning, combining live exchanges and independent work;
• asynchronous training, which lets employees progress at their own pace.

At the same time, it's important to vary the teaching aids used. Text, video, podcasts, infographics, interactive quizzes... diversity keeps curiosity alive!

Step 4 - Integrate evaluations into the training module

Training does not stop with the transmission of knowledge. It's important to check that skills have been acquired.

To do this, integrate several types of assessment:

• initial assessment, to measure the starting level and adjust the course if necessary;
• formative assessments, throughout the module, for support and correction;
• the final assessment, which officially validates what has been learned.

But there's no question of turning the exercise into a nightmare worthy of the worst surprise tests in middle school! 😱 Instead, opt for fun assessments, designed solely to encourage progress, not stress the employee.

Pedagogical module: 4 best practices to know

#1 Involve learners

Who hasn't complained at school because they didn't understand the practical application of a given lesson (the famous "there's no point")? Well, it's the same with adults.

So, within each training module, create opportunities for employees to put their newly-acquired knowledge into perspective, to anchor it in real-life situations (using interactive activities in particular).

But involving learners also means encouraging collective emulation and collaboration. We therefore advise you to plan group work or workshops, which are ideal for exchanging ideas.

#2 Be flexible

A good training module adapts to the pace and profile of each learner.

Why not opt for adaptive learning? This innovative approach lets you adjust content in real time. How do you do this? By analyzing the employee's responses and preferences, the IT system used proposes personalized resources.

For sure, this tailor-made learning will boost your employees' commitment and efficiency!

#3 Put technology to work in your training module

Technology greatly facilitates the implementation of the good teaching practices mentioned above, particularly in terms of interaction and flexibility.

The Learning Management System (LMS) comes to mind in particular, as an ideal ally in the design and distribution of training modules. More concretely, this is a platform enabling learners to :

• access learning content;
• participate in learning activities;
• benefit from support throughout the course.

💡360Learning is an excellent example of a Learning Management System, combining rapid training creation and collaborative learning. Thanks to the contribution of artificial intelligence, it takes just 7 minutes to create a module. This saves time, making it easier to continuously adapt to the realities of the field. What's more, by focusing on collaborative learning, this LMS greatly enhances learner commitment (91% completion rate vs. 21% on average).

360Learning

+200 reviews

SEE SOFTWARE

Collaborative Learning Platform

Learn more about 360Learning

#4 Don't neglect human support

Training isn't just about imparting content: it's also about supporting employees throughout their career to prevent demotivation, among other things.

This support can take several forms:

• a tutor or referent available to answer questions ;
• personalized coaching sessions;
• regular feedback on progress made;
• a forum where participants can share experiences and best practices.

☝️ Don't neglect this follow-up, as it creates a real human link in the face of the loneliness that sometimes weighs on employees in the digital age.

See all software Learning Management System (LMS)

The training module in a nutshell

You now know how to create an e-learning training module, but above all how to make it more attractive: with the right content, the right structure and the right practices (flexibility, collaboration, etc.).

By applying our advice, you'll be able to build a training program that makes an impact, ensuring that your employees are fully engaged in their learning journey. The result: a solid increase in skills, which will be as beneficial for the company as it will be for the employees.