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Head of Shackleton Consulting, an expert in the field of training and development (L&D), author of the book "How People Learn" and host of the blog Aconventional.
Nick Shackleton-Jones is the author of the popular blog Aconventional, which focuses on training and development. His content is becoming an integral part of many valuable resource collections in the field of learning and development (L&D). Nick's views may seem radical to professionals working in education and training, and this underscores his unique approach to modern teaching methods.
In several blog posts, Nick analyzes the reasons why education and instructional design are often ineffective. He points to the lack of practical focus in curricula, which leads to a gap between theory and reality. Nick also draws attention to outdated teaching methods that fail to address the needs of modern students and the demands of the labor market. A significant aspect is the lack of innovation in instructional design, which makes learning less engaging and relevant. Finally, he emphasizes the need to adapt educational approaches to create more effective and meaningful learning outcomes.
On Instructional Design: "Just Fads and Rituals"
In one of his publications, Nick identifies two main reasons why instructional design, especially in the field of corporate adult learning, may not be justified.
The main reason is that many aspects of instructional design, such as learning styles, Kolb's models, and Bloom's taxonomy, are elements of folklore. They often represent habits and rituals that have a weak or even non-existent evidence base. It is important to think critically about these concepts and evaluate their real-world effectiveness based on current research and practical experience.
The second reason is that it is not related to the learning process. Some theories, such as cognitive load theory, have validity, but they do not address learning itself, but rather specific aspects of design, such as memory testing. In other words, it refers to teaching practices that do not contribute to real changes in the learning process.
Many professionals may object and disagree with this point of view. How then do we design learning experiences and create value for students? Nick, who has many years of experience in the field of instructional design, explains his position. He argues that, based on his experience, high-quality instructional design does not produce the expected results.
Stop for a moment. Stop rushing and start moving forward meaningfully. Immerse yourself in the process of learning and development.
On schools and learning research: "Personal meaning to an individual is not taken into account"
Nick takes a radical position on learning, arguing that educational professionals often confuse key concepts and are insufficiently aware of the natural processes associated with learning. He focuses on the distinction between education and learning, emphasizing that they are two different processes that require a separate approach and understanding. Thus, it is important to distinguish these concepts in order to create more effective teaching methods and improve educational practices.
Shackleton-Jones emphasizes that most living things learn through repetition and observation of the environment. Humans, in turn, also learn from stories and the retelling of others' experiences. At the core of these learning processes are the senses, memory, and the central nervous system, which determine our reactions and behavior. Over time, these reactions change, become sharper, and adapt under the influence of new experiences acquired throughout life. It is important to note that people's reactions are varied, and that each person is attracted to something unique. This aspect makes learning and the perception of experience deeply personal and individual.
Nick illustrates the importance of perception using the example of a co-worker meeting. One employee remembers that discussing the weekend with his boss is undesirable, as he clearly did not like the topic. Another, however, notices the stylish Rolex watch on his boss's wrist and decides that this could be an opportunity for communication. Thus, the same situation is perceived differently, which highlights the diversity of stimuli and people's reactions.
Nick shows Skepticism toward educational research often cited by practitioners. The expert notes that most of this research focuses on the mechanisms of symbol memorization. However, this is only a small part of the learning process, and memorization is often artificially modeled in research. Furthermore, the personal significance of the information for the student is ignored, significantly reducing the actual learning effect. Effective learning requires addressing the individual needs and motivation of students, which significantly improves learning and makes it more meaningful.
Shackleton-Jones makes a bold hypothesis:
If the entire education system disappeared overnight, it could have a significant positive impact on learning. Children would be forced to spend more time with parents and peers, allowing them to absorb new knowledge and skills more quickly. This approach was common until recently. We saw similar changes during the pandemic, when learning became more at-home and less formal. During this period, my daughters saw me work for the first time and were able to understand what happens in meetings and how work is organized. This highlights the importance of interaction in learning and the opportunity to learn in a natural environment.
The author argues that companies may consider eliminating their learning and development departments, as these units often simply replicate existing educational models, leading to common shortcomings. An example of this approach is ByteDance, the owner of TikTok, which has already taken steps in this direction.
On trainers and instructional designers: "They dance to make it rain"
To solve this problem, Shackleton-Jones recommends starting with a focus on people, paying attention to their important aspects and real needs. It is important to identify personal significance, which makes the learning process more effective for each individual. This approach allows us to create a more targeted and effective educational space, focused on the real interests and motivations of participants. By considering the unique needs of people, we can significantly improve the quality and effectiveness of learning.
Understanding people's needs is key to creating an effective learning experience. If we do not take the time to identify their interests and problems, we will not be able to develop programs that are truly meaningful and capable of changing the lives of participants. Experts emphasize the importance of a deep analysis of the expectations and preferences of the target audience for the success of educational projects. By creating programs based on real needs, we ensure their relevance and effectiveness, ultimately leading to significant transformations in learning.
Many of the problems and concerns that people face already have solutions. Therefore, the primary value lies in creating tools and resources that help people address these challenges. It's important to offer people a new challenge that will allow them to develop and find new ways to solve their problems.
Challenges play an important role in people's lives, whether it's moving to another country, starting a new job, or recognition from colleagues. We can both create new challenges and support people in overcoming existing ones. However, we currently rarely do these things. It is important to recognize that overcoming challenges promotes emotional development and personal growth. Learning may not always be easy or fun, and this is because every challenge requires effort and focus. However, it is important to note that not all challenging learning is difficult. Nick emphasizes that many aspects of learning can be difficult, but this does not necessarily mean they are challenges. The right approach to learning can make the process more effective and engaging, even in difficult circumstances. Trainers and educational professionals strive to facilitate the development of others, often by presenting them with the right challenges. However, their approaches are often based on intuition and serendipity. They use a variety of methods to inspire people, from stories that evoke an emotional response to creating conditions that can change someone's life. For example, dancing as a way to make rain is a metaphor that emphasizes the belief in the power of action and intention. In some cases, this actually leads to success, and rain, as a symbol of change, may come.
Therefore, it is important to understand that trainers' approaches may vary, and sometimes random actions have a significant impact on people's lives. The effectiveness of such methods depends on the context and the participants' readiness for change.
Reading is an important aspect of our lives, influencing the development of thinking and enriching knowledge. It helps improve concentration, expand vocabulary, and develop critical thinking. Reading books, articles, and other materials helps develop skills for analyzing and synthesizing information. Furthermore, regular reading can serve as an excellent way to relax and relieve stress. Scientific research confirms that reading not only provides entertainment but also has a positive effect on brain health, improving its functionality. Therefore, it is important to set aside time for reading, choosing a variety of genres and topics. This will not only enrich your inner world, but also help you stay up to date with current trends and events.
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