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Learning Bursts: A different way to deliver training

What is a Learning Burst?

The Learning Burst training method gives participants the opportunity to learn without having to disrupt their daily workflow. A Learning Burst is a combination of an 8 to 10-minute audio cast (in a talk show format) and a workbook of supporting material. At times, simulations and case studies augment the Learning Burst. The workbook material contains further elaboration of the audio topic, a short quiz, and a prompting exercise to get participants to think about how they would apply what they have learned to the business or workplace. Workbook chapters for each Learning Burst are 3-5 pages in length with each Learning Burst being a self-contained discussion of a particular topic. Audio segments are in a MP3 format and can be played on any compatible player/device.

A series of Learning Bursts make up a course with usually 10-15 bursts per course. Think of it this way, each Learning Burst is a mini-course within itself and when you combine the bursts together they make up the equivalent of 1-2 days of training. I have created three Learning Burst courses. I have created three Learning Burst courses and samples can be downloaded below.

• Business Acumen: Your Key to Success
• Marketing Mastery: Your Key to Success
• Business Innovation: The Art of Creative Thinking
• The Introverted Leader: Building on Your Quiet Strength

Example of Using Learning Bursts

Powers Resource Center successfully used Business Acumen: Your Key to Success.  Here is what founder Tara Powers had to say after using Learning Bursts:

"Hi Dave - as you know I have had great success using your Learning Bursts method and the Business Acumen program for a group of Emerging Leaders. We took it a step further and included the CFO as our subject matter expert for the course and would meet every two to three weeks to discuss the "bursts" that the leaders were focused on. There are so many ways to apply this learning model and incorporate various SME's into the process. We also used the Executive team as the Board of Directors at the end of the program when the Emerging Leaders presented the results of their business simulation. The insight that the executives shared with these future leaders about the choices they made in the business simulation provided incredible value and completely engaged participants in their learning process. I look forward to running this same program again with another company this year! This is a fabulous method for learning and engagement!"