The Simple Personalisation Tool to Stop L&D Wasting Time and Money
In today’s fast-paced work environment, where time is a precious commodity, Learning and Development (L&D) teams are under increasing pressure to deliver effective, efficient training that resonates with learners. Personalisation is key to achieving this, and one of the most powerful yet often overlooked tools at your disposal is the diagnostic, or as it’s sometimes called, the pre-assessment quiz.
What Is a Diagnostic Tool?
You may know it as a pre-assessment quiz, a ‘test out,’ or even a ‘learning gauge-ometer’ (okay, maybe that last one is just us!). Whatever you call it, the purpose remains the same: a diagnostic is designed to assess your learners’ existing knowledge or skills at the start of a course or programme. Based on their performance, the course content is then tailored to meet their specific needs, saving both time and resources.
Imagine rolling out your annual compliance training, for example. Instead of forcing all employees to slog through content they already know, a diagnostic tool personalises their learning journey, allowing them to focus only on areas where they need improvement. This approach not only respects the learner’s time but also maximises the return on your L&D investment. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.
Why Test-Outs Are Essential for L&D
1. Time Is the New Currency
In an era where employees are constantly juggling multiple tasks, saving time is invaluable. The Fosway Digital Learning Realities 2023 report put it perfectly: “The cost of learning content is nothing compared to the cost of time wasted for learners to go through things they already know.” Diagnostics ensure that learners only engage with content that adds value, thereby optimising their time and boosting productivity.
2. Prioritising Focus
Diagnostics allow learners to concentrate on what really matters—the areas where they lack knowledge or need a refresher. Therefore by eliminating redundant content, you prevent learning fatigue and keep learners engaged with fresh, relevant material.
3. Meeting Learners Where They Are
Personalisation is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Diagnostics take personalisation a step further by ensuring learners only go through sections of a course that are relevant to them. For instance, if a learner aces the diagnostic, they can skip to the end of the course. If they need help in specific areas, the diagnostic will guide them to the right content.
4. Turning a Negative Into a Positive
Learning should be an escape from the daily grind, not an additional burden. Personalisation (or adaptive delivery) was recently voted as the 4th hottest topic in L&D for 2024 by Global Sentiment Survey. By personalising content through diagnostics, you create a more engaging, fulfilling learning experience. Learners will appreciate that their time is being respected, and they’re more likely to come away from the course feeling satisfied and accomplished.
How to Maximise the Benefits of Diagnostics
While diagnostics are a powerful tool, their potential is often underutilised. According to the Fosway Digital Learning Realities 2023 report, nearly 50% of L&D teams rate their use of assessment and diagnostic tools as ‘Basic.’ So, how can we ensure we do better?
1. Prioritise Personalisation
From the outset, think about how you can tailor the learning experience to meet individual needs. Whether through role selectors or dynamic assessments, make personalisation a core focus.
2. Communicate the Benefits
Make sure learners understand that the diagnostic is there to help them. If they can demonstrate their knowledge upfront, they can skip unnecessary sections. If they need help, the diagnostic will guide them to the content they need.
3. Keep Tests Short and Sweet
Diagnostics should be quick and easy, not a barrier to learning. Keep them short to minimise frustration and get learners into the main content as smoothly as possible.
4. Offer Flexible Learning Journeys
Just because a learner passes the diagnostic doesn’t mean they should be forced to skip the rest of the course. Offer them the choice to either bypass sections they’ve mastered or go through them anyway if they feel they need a refresher.
Final Thoughts
Maybe you didn’t need convincing about the power of diagnostic tools, but we believe this simple personalisation tool is often overlooked. At InfoAware, we are committed to making the learning experience as straightforward and effective as possible for your learners. We value their time, and we value your bottom line.
Interested in exploring how diagnostics can enhance your learning programmes? Get in touch with our friendly team at InfoAware today. We’d love to brainstorm the perfect solution for you and your learners.
