At ProPractice.com, we understand that one of the most significant inhibitors to collective corporate training is the inability to cater to every individual’s learning style. In conceptualizing Performance Drilling, we set out to create a learning experience that would effectively encompass five of the most effective learning approaches.

To start, Performance Drilling utilizes avatars to interact and communicate with learners. We use avatars because they have been proven more effective in training exercises than video segments of real people. Avatars fulfill a critical role in providing realistic simulations that emotionally engage the brain through facilitating the different learning types. Our avatars act as simulated role models to perform the ideal version of an interaction between a customer and an employee. As the interaction unfolds, the learner is seamlessly and unconsciously presented with five different modes of learning. Each person will automatically gravitate towards the mode of learning best suited for them while still experiencing the other modes for maximum skill development. Every person will be able to learn and benefit from the five learning types presented in the simulation.

The five learning types PD presents to the learner are:

Learn by Reading a Full Script

Learners first view a basic overview of the content they will learn. The simulated role model will then present the information to the learner and expand upon the written text shown previously. The learner is able to read the script prior to hearing the role model speak.

Learn by Observing

Many people learn best by watching a role model perform an ideal representation of a real-life scenario. This gives learners a place to start when developing their own personal way of interacting with a client. Having the learner watch a simulated character is more effective than watching a live person because the learner can separate the performance from the individual, thus eliminating the brain’s natural tendencies to critique a person’s characteristics like their teeth, hair or clothing. The simulated role model is realistic enough to form an emotional connection with the learner but generic enough to allow the learner to focus on the actual message being presented.

Learn by Reading Key Elements

As the simulated role model speaks in full sentences, the key elements of the speech are displayed together. By fusing the two options together, the brain is stimulated in a unique way that forces the learner to both process and attempt to reconcile the spoken sentences and the written key elements into one common meaning. This is a proven brain activation technique that results in better comprehension and better retention of the subject material. The option to read a bulleted list of the lesson’s key points also gives the learner easy access to the most important parts of the dialogue.

Learn by Listening

The learner also has the option of simply listening to the role model presentation without having to watch the video or read anything at all. During training, all knowledge can be acquired by listening to the presentation performed by the simulated role model.

Learn Through Practice

The practice portion of the training session is designed to be interactive learning at its best. Everyone learns through practice. The more we do something, the better and more comfortable we get. Within the framework, the learner interacts with questions and concerns posed by the simulated client. The learner will be able to answer the questions as many times as necessary until they feel completely comfortable with the material. They are able to go back through the presentation to listen to the simulated role model, read the script, or study the key elements to perfect their craft. Once confident and comfortable with the material, they can move onto the testing portion of the module that is scored by a manager, peer, instructor, etc. The learner will be scored based on the content of their answers, the confidence in which they were delivered, and the timeliness of their response.

The different methodologies present the content in a variety of formats so that the learner can automatically gravitate to what works best for them without even thinking about it. In addition, what truly sets Performance Drilling apart from other eLearning software and makes it even more effective is the combination of each learning style and the ability for a learner to gravitate toward the style that is most effective for them. When all five are used together, Performance Drilling can also address the needs of people who effectively use more than one mode of learning. For instance, if a person learns best by listening to someone while watching them speak, the simulated role model offers both techniques concurrently. But if listening alone is beneficial, they can have the information spoken to them as they close their eyes and listen. Since multiple formats are available, when the brain starts to lose interest, it can move to a different approach to keep the learning process moving forward. No matter how a learner acquires and retains knowledge, Performance Drilling is capable of meeting their needs.

This multi-faceted approach to content presentation provides variety to the learner and keeps the brain engaged throughout the entire session. The activities are challenging and fun, and require active participation from the learner—versus typical eLearning approaches that present material in one way and result in passive and bored users. Real learning doesn’t happen there. Our approach has truly revolutionized the eLearning sphere and is soon to revolutionize the training process within your company.