How “Accelerated Learning” Training Programs Can Help You

Updated: July 14, 2010

BizTip #1 - Acknowledge that traditional training programs tend to be ineffective in meeting organizational needs.

There are big differences between traditional and accelerated learning training programs. Traditional training programs are based on passive learning, while accelerated learning programs emphasize active learning.

"Rote learning," which has been the mainstay of traditional training programs for the past 60 years, rewards conformity, stifles creativity, and does not work well for most people. Accelerated learning training programs, however, facilitate learning and cater to each individual's learning style and talents.

Training programs that provide information in a way that is "natural" for the brain make learning easier, help people to understand and remember job-related material, and expedite the integration and application of knowledge.


BizTip #2 - After learning more about accelerated learning principles, start including them in your training programs.

Although accelerated learning principles have been well-documented over the past 25 years, few organizations have incorporated these concepts in their training programs. Many books and online resources encourage organizations to adopt the following accelerated learning principles:

  • Create a stimulating and rewarding learning environment
  • Promote positive emotions and a relaxed state of mind (receptive "internal environment")
  • Cultivate self-confidence and self-esteem
  • Foster cooperation among learners
  • Regularly communicate expectations and personal responsibility for learning
  • Recognize individual learning styles


BizTip #3 - Help your employees learn faster and remember more.


Incorporate the following accelerated learning techniques in your training programs:

  • Provide a "big picture" framework to improve the retention of information
  • Use activity-based, collaborative learning techniques
  • Pose hands-on problems and encourage questions
  • Make effective use of music to enhance learning
  • Provide regular feedback to employees regarding progress in training
  • Recognize and reward successful performance in training


BizTip #4 - Reduce training time while making learning more enjoyable.


Organizations want training to be as efficient as possible. But sometimes efficiency can make training boring. Employees want training to be interesting. But sometimes fun and stimulating techniques take a little more time.

You can merge the best of both worlds and include the following training and development activities that not only reduce the amount of time employees spend in training but also make learning more stimulating:

  • Provide reading materials that are comprehensive, organized, and easy to understand
  • Make presentations that minimize the use of words and involve colorful graphics
  • Watch and discuss videos that highlight important concepts and practices
  • Use workbooks relating to relevant subject matter areas
  • Assign individuals to work with a "learning partner" to reinforce the retention of information
  • Encourage trainees to participate in group learning activities to encourage teamwork
  • Provide demonstrations of the correct way to perform job activities
  • Ask trainees to demonstrate to peers that they understand the proper work techniques
  • Ask trainees to perform job activities under guided supervision
  • Provide daily progress evaluations to assess the comprehension of information