We have all experienced training in one way or another. But why do we undergo training? What is the goal of training?
Well, the goal of any training is behaviour change. When we learn new things, we move away from less desirable towards more desirable behaviours.
The biggest problem in learning design is assuming that a learning experience’s awesomeness alone will magically draw learners in. Nope, you have to weave in some habits; do a little dance with your learners halfway down the road!
So how can you create a learning experience that encourages learners to change behaviours they have cultivated over time?
Behavioural Science - The study of human behaviour
The truth is that change is hard.
Understanding behavioural science helps educators create learning experiences that promote behaviour change in a way that doesn’t feel invasive to the learner.
Three important theories can make learning more effective and relatable:
Before we explore nudge theory, let's first get a handle on what nudging means.
Imagine you're in a cafeteria at your workplace. The cafeteria offers two choices for drinks: regular sugary sodas and water. To encourage healthier choices, the cafeteria places a large, beautifully displayed container of ice-cold water right at the front of the drink section. The sugary sodas, on the other hand, are tucked away on a lower shelf, less visible and less appealing.
As you approach the drink section, your eyes are drawn to the refreshing water display, and you decide to grab a bottle of water without even thinking about the sugary sodas. The simple act of placing the water prominently and making it visually attractive nudged you towards a healthier choice without limiting your options.
In this scenario, the cafeteria's nudge—by strategically displaying water and making it more appealing—has influenced your decision towards a healthier beverage option.
In the simplest terms, nudging involves gently guiding behaviour by tweaking the way information is presented. It affects someone’s choice without taking away the power to choose.
How to use nudging in learning (E.A.S.T METHOD)
These four simple ideas will help incorporate nudge theory in any learning activity.
1. Easy
Making it easy! If you want to encourage a behaviour, take away all the barriers that might stop a person from doing it.
Reduce the hassle and effort, and use simple messages.
Also, no one wants to tackle a complex task. Break down the learning into small, easily digestible portions.
Then make these digestible portions available across various devices. This gives learners more freedom to choose what they want to learn and when. It also forms a "nudge ecosystem," gently reminding learners about the option to explore new topics.
2. Attractive
Remember how placing an attractive water display at eye level influenced your behaviour/choice above?
Well, don't make your learning plan boring or complicated.
Use visually appealing and easy-to-understand content. Learning should be ongoing and encourage people to want to learn.
3. Social
Imagine you're at a local electronics store browsing for a new television. As you explore the TV section, you notice a sign next to a particular model that reads, "Most Popular Choice Among Our Customers!"
Intrigued by the endorsement, you start comparing the features of that TV with other models. The sign has planted a seed of social influence, subtly nudging you to consider the "most popular" option. Even though you hadn't initially planned to buy that specific model, you find yourself leaning more favourably toward it as you continue your research.
By presenting the TV as a favoured option among others, the store has nudged you toward considering it more seriously, even though you still have the freedom to choose any TV you want.
People often go with what others are doing. If you tell someone what most people are choosing or doing, they'll likely pick or do the same thing.
4. Timely
Encouraging a behaviour requires picking your moments.
People are more and less receptive at different times, although what time that is varies for each person.
So, if you know your target learners are more likely to respond positively to nudges like reminders in the evening, then do it!
Conclusion
You can use the E.A.S.T method as a checklist to make sure you’re squeezing the most effectiveness out of each stage.
When we understand how choices are influenced in small but strong ways, we can create learning environments that lead learners gently to make better decisions.
