There are many frameworks, models and approaches to guide the creation of compelling learning experiences. These frameworks, models and approaches all intend to move learners from their starting point to their desired endpoint in the learning journey. The number of tools and resources can be overwhelming, and getting clients to articulate the desired outcomes can be a struggle.
Through my experience working with clients, I’ve discovered an approach that consistently delivers substantial value, aiding us to hone in on pivotal goals for training or learning initiatives. This approach is known as the “head-heart-hands-voice” facilitated exercise.
The “head-heart-hands-voice” approach is a comprehensive method encompassing various dimensions of human engagement. It encourages us to consider the cognitive, emotional, physical, and expressive aspects of learning to craft more engaging, effective and impactful learning experiences.
The head represents the intellectual and cognitive aspects of learning. It involves engaging the participant’s mind through activities that stimulate critical thinking, problem-solving, analysis and acquiring new knowledge and skills. Clients often want learners to have a broader understanding of the subject matter and how it might apply to their work environment. To explore this, I usually ask, “By the end of this training program, what do we want the learner to know?”
The heart focuses on the emotional engagement of learners, which plays an integral part in memory and retention. Designing learning experiences that evoke positive emotions such as curiosity, excitement, empathy, and a sense of belonging can lead to increased motivation, deeper understanding, and long-lasting learning outcomes. Clients frequently express their desire for learners to develop confidence in the new task or belief that they can accomplish a new task or apply new knowledge. They may also want them to feel empowered to make choices or engaged in the new program, process, or initiative. To understand these deeper emotional connections to the learning, I often ask, “How do we want the learner to feel at the end of this training program?”
Hands emphasizes the action of doing – applying and using what the learner has learned in their day-to-day work. This experiential learning process is critical in training programs, providing participants with a safe place to complete hands-on activities, try interactive simulations, role-play scenarios and practice practical application of knowledge and skills. By engaging learners in these activities, the learning process becomes more dynamic; learners can receive guidance, feedback, and redirection, all of which make the learning experience more memorable. To better understand the application specifics, I usually ask, “At the end of the training, what do we want the learner to do?”
Voice encourages expression and engagement in meaningful discussions and communications. This aspect of the exercises opens the exploration of opportunities for discussion, collaboration, presentation and reflection on the learning content. Often, clients will say they want their employees to express that they know what to do, feel confident in their roles and can apply the knowledge and skills, which ties together all the other elements. However, voice is also about asking questions and confirming understanding, which helps to reinforce learning and develop effective communication skills. To dig deeper into aspects of voice, I usually ask, “What do we want the learner to say at the end of this training program.”
The value of this exercise lies in its capacity to prompt clients to delve into these four dimensions, thereby empowering instructional designers to craft captivating learning experiences that cater to diverse learning styles, preferences, and necessities. It also helps to keep the learner at the centre of the design conversation, considering the learning gaps and desired outcomes as you move through the conversation. This approach helps clients understand that learning is a multifaceted experience that involves our mind, emotions, body and interaction with others.
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