Effective learning is driven by challenge and ambition, while ineffective learning is driven by fear and compulsion. Learning interventions should throw challenges at individuals and fuel their ambition by showing successful examples. Tools for challenge-driven learning include case scenarios, real-life problem solving, and new experiences. To make fear- and compulsion-driven learning more effective, assessments should be non-judgmental and focus on building skills rather than testing. Teaching is only effective when the learner is ready.

1. Dimensions of Learning
saugata@metl.in
1

2. • No one can teach anyone
• An individual learns, only of he wants to learn
2

3. Drivers for Learning
• Challenge
• Ambition
• Fear
• Compulsion
3

4. Examples
Driver Example
Challenge Faced by the problem of enemies jamming the frequency and
misdirecting the torpedos, the need was felt to have a guiding
system that cannot be manipulated. The subsequent research and
associated learning led to the technology of CDMA
Ambition Walt Disney wanted to create the world’s finest animation company
and created the Disney empire. He learnt through failures and was
constantly driven by the need to create the perfect piece he always
wanted to
Fear Corporate training programs are graded by instructors and there is
a fear of passing or failing in the test. Every student who gets into
the company passes the test, but has he learnt? The question
remains…
Compulsion Students are forced to learn through the school system, even
though the teachers may be substandard ones or the quality of
education non-conducive. Worldwide leads to a loss of capability,
gives rise to standardization and kills creativity 4

5. Effective Learning
• Effective learning is driven by challenge and
ambition
• Ineffective learning is driven by fear and
compulsion
5

6. Challenge
• Effective learning interventions will throw a
challenge at the individual and expect them to
solve that
• It can be a new potential challenge in the
future or an existing one that the organization
is facing
6

7. Ambition
• Effective learning intervention will fuel the
ambition in an individual and lead the person
to success through learning
• Promote group learning practices that
showcases the ideas and implements it in
record time
7

8. Learning Tools
Driver Tools
Challenge Relevant case scenarios, solving real life problems as a team,
implementing solutions at the field level, new experiences e.g.
sending non-swimmers to learn swimming, going on
expeditions
Ambition Visiting other companies that are doing things differently and
achieving better results, working or interacting regularly with
successful individuals, stroking the passion of
entrepreneurship, relevant simulations
8

9. Knowledge
• New knowledge – focus on providing insights
and nuggets/ learning apps
• Existing knowledge – focus on nuances,
experiences
9

10. Making Ineffective learning effective
Negative Handling it
Drivers
Fear Do away with grading. Give interesting assignments which
the group can create, do not offer any punishment – just
provide rewards. Make learning aspirational, interesting and
non-judgmental so that individuals can learn on their own
Compulsion Understand the learner motivation, engage the learner on
the need for learning the topic, assess but do not test, do
away with the criticality of examination or testing
10

11. Teach only when the learner is ready
11
Else you are wasting yours and his time

12. Personal Background
• Professional
– Individual experience – through various stages of career
– Corporate training of over 2000 individuals over past 15 years
– Programs across India, US, South East, Middle East
– Interventions across frontline, middle management and senior
management
– Focus on strategy, process, mindsets and skill building
• Personal
– Individual experiences – through stages of life
– Career guidance
– Learning from, teaching and bringing up a child
– Learning from and teaching pets
12