Individual learning

Individual learning is training that is individualised to take into consideration the differences between learners. It is most appropriately used in a one-to-one situation, such as training successors or team members in the workplace. Unlike facilitated learning where the trainer takes a more passive role, with individual learning the trainer needs to consider and cater for the needs of individual participants for example:

• Rates of learning and learning style
• Attitude
• Maturity
• Interests which effect the level of learning
• Motivation
• Learning environment

It doesn’t necessarily mean learners are at home — they can be in a classroom and still work through things at their own pace.

The main types of individual learning are:

• Distance learning
• Resource-based learning
• Computer-based training
• Directed private study

The advantages are:

• Many learner differences can be taken into account
• Learners can work at their own pace at the time most convenient to them
• Different learning styles can be accommodated
• It is cost-effective for large number of learners
• Learners are more in control of how and what they learn
• It is active not passive learning

There are some disadvantages:

• There is a long lead time to prepare materials
• Learner motivation can be hard to maintain
• The trainer’s role needs to change

This kind of training is probably most appropriate when the trainer is providing on-the-job training for one or a small number of colleagues. It is a good idea to link the training to practical exercises based on the working need — for example, planning a record survey, drawing up appraisal guidelines etc. It can also be very effective to provide this kind of training as a follow-up to face-to-face training.

Last updated: 20 December 2005