Learning pathways can be an effective tool for unlocking the untapped potential of the talent already existing within the organisation. When L&D ensure to offer a variety of learning pathways to choose from in an on-demand format, it gives employees agency in their professional development. In this low-pressure environment, all members of an organisation can take ownership of improving their skillsets.

Designing learning pathways

Upskilling is the key to success in the rapid changing world of work. One way to prepare the workforce for the future is using the learning pathways technique.
Learning pathways are goal-oriented steps of instructional experiences designed to foster growth. When learning paths are designed thoughtfully, it will reduce analysis paralysis and time waste.

Learning pathways

<ul><li>Select high-quality resources. L&D teams should know the best-in-class content providers.</li><li>Include a mix of content, such as articles, videos, podcasts, and infographics. </li><li>Building learning scaffolds. </li><li>Communicate relevance. People are more motivated when learning is highly relevant to them.</li><li>Keep learners motivated by celebrating milestones.</li><li>Promote new learning pathways. Prepare promotional materials that convey the value of the pathway.</li></ul>

Best practices for designing learning pathways

There are several ways to deliver content, such as articles, videos, podcasts, and infographics. Offering content in a variety of formats caters to a wide range of learning preferences and will keep learners engaged for longer.

Include a mix of content

Learning pathways are an efficient way to overcome skills gaps within an organization, making the best use of an existing talent pool without the hassle of recruiting and hiring. Well-designed learning pathways cut through the noise by offering a clear series of steps to help employees reach their goals. It leads learners so that they know where they're going and are eager to get there.

The rise of learning pathways

L&D teams should stay in the know on what is the best-in-class content providers. YouTube and TikTok offers millions of videos with basic to advanced lessons on every imaginable skillset. Learners have developed expectations of what constitutes premium quality content.

Select high-quality resources

Designers of learning pathways can incorporate ways to celebrate learners' milestones.
For example, learners might receive a digital badge or downloadable certificate they can add to their resumes and include on LinkedIn or a professional portfolio when completing a course.

Keep learners motivated

People only remember information if they understand how it fits into a scaffold of prior knowledge. Learning pathways can help employees build on previous knowledge when it is offered in a microlearning format, short, incremental bursts that allow learners to take breaks and easily return to the information.

Build learning scaffolds

After developing a learning pathway, launch it by sending out organization-wide emails and preparing promotional materials that shows the value of the pathway.
Share what opportunities could result from mastering the skill.

Promote new learning pathways

People are more motivated when learning is highly relevant to them and when they understand what they will gain from it.
At the beginning of the pathway, ensure that learners know what they will accomplish throughout the path. Relevance can be linked to job tasks and business objectives.

Communicate relevance

problemsolving

Problem Solving

habits

Habits

career

Career

productivity

Productivity

personaldevelopment

Personal Development

The Key Benefits of Micro-Learning

Learning pathways can prepare employees to take on greater responsibility, qualify for a new role, or cultivate better habits to improve their performance.

Learning pathways are goal-oriented sequences of instructional experiences designed to foster growth.