Learning Methodology: A Practical Tool for Learning Design

Julian Stodd

Dec 2013 · Julian Stodd

About this ebook

 Designing engaging and effective learning is both an art and a science: through ten years as eLearning Director of a global training business, Julian has designed and delivered hundreds of learning solutions and, through research and experience, created a six step Learning Methodology.A Methodology is not a process: it's more about a mindset, exploring how we set the CONTEXT for learning, how we DEMONSTRATE key principles and provide space for EXPLORATION, to play with the learning. We need to create spaces for REFLECTION and tools for ASSESSMENT, as well as provide FOOTSTEPS for ongoing performance support.

At each of the six stages, Julian explores the key points of what we should and shouldn't do, as well as asking questions that we can use to shape and structure the learning design.

A strong learning methodology does not constrain what we do: it liberates us to create challenging and effective learning solutions that deliver a solid return on investment.

About the author

Julian Stodd is a learning and development professional based in the UK, specialising in elearning, mobile learning, social media and learning theory. As founder and co-captain of SeaSalt Learning, Julian is heavily involved the strategic and operational development of learning solutions in a range of areas, working at a strategic level with global clients to understand how their learning needs can be met.

Julian started out volunteering in museums at the age of twelve, doing every job imaginable, from conserving artefacts and cataloguing collections, through designing exhibitions, and into giving guided tours and working with school groups. He loved the opportunities to work with stories, to meet people, and to walk with them along a learning journey.

Via a conservation sciences degree with archaeology, this led him into postgraduate research around educational theory, communication theory, psychology and design. Julian is grounded in understanding how people learn, whatever the technology, and what the barriers are that can prevent them from learning.

Today, he writes widely in his learning blog around various aspects of learning: mainly e-learning, social learning and learning technology. Asked recently what the most important skill was for an aspiring e-learning specialist, Julian's answer was ‘storytelling’. At heart, everything revolves around the clarity and coherence of the narrative.