3 pedagogical learning methods that you absolutely need to know

Training engineering must rely on effective pedagogical approaches to ensure relevant and impactful learning. However, talking about teaching methods can be misleading: a one-size-fits-all approach is not appropriate for all learning situations. At Didask, we prefer to talk about pedagogical principles, because they allow adaptation to learners' needs and training objectives.

So what are the essential principles to know in order to design a truly effective training course? How do these approaches promote engagement, memory, and skills development? In this article, we give you 3 fundamental pedagogical principles that you should definitely put in place.

Why should pedagogical principles be preferred over fixed methods?

The choice of a pedagogical approach is a central question in training engineering. However, the concept of pedagogical method can induce a certain rigidity. A fixed method, applied systematically, does not take into account the specificities of the learners, the educational objectives, or the training context.

At Didask, we prefer to talk about pedagogical principles. Unlike methods, these principles offer flexibility that allows learning to be adapted according to the specific needs of each situation. For example, rather than imposing a masterful method or a project-based approach in all cases, educational engineering must take into account several criteria:

• Learner engagement : A participatory and interactive approach promotes attention and motivation.
• Memorization and comprehension : Active methods and experiential learning facilitate knowledge retention.
• Adaptability and the impact on skills : A well-applied pedagogical principle makes it possible to adjust the training to the realities of the field and to professional objectives.

The effectiveness of a training therefore does not lie in the application of a single method, but in the implementing proven principles that allow better assimilation and retention of knowledge. In the rest of this article, we will detail 3 pedagogical principles essential for designing effective and engaging learning experiences.

The 3 pedagogical principles you need to know

1. Learning by trial and error and decision making

THElearning by trial and error is based on a simple principle: we learn best by testing, deceiving ourselves, and adjusting our actions. Rather than passively assimilating information, the learner must deal with a lot of precise feedback, both on MCQs for memorization and on major projects to improve skills.

Why is this approach effective?

• Elle promotes long-term memory, because the brain remembers information better when it is associated with a concrete experience, when it has been tested during a practical exercise for example. That's what we call the Testing Effect.
• Elle Stimulates engagement by actively involving the learner in their own learning process.
• It allows a thorough understanding, because mistakes are learning opportunities rather than failures.

Implementation in an LMS

Learning by trial and error is particularly effective in e-learning, thanks to modules with a high proportion of implementation, case studies and numerical simulations. One LMS like Didask allows this principle to be integrated into practical cases. Each learner response is associated with specific feedback. On more complex exercises, it is the Learning assistant by Didask who takes care of it!
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2. Active pedagogy and learner participation

The active pedagogy is based on the idea that the learner should not be a simple spectator, but an actor in his learning. Unlike traditional methods where the teacher transmits knowledge in a top-down manner, this approach encourages participation, exchange and reflection. By putting themselves in the teacher's shoes, the learner analyzes productions other than his own. This allows him to practice giving feedback but also to solve more complex tasks.

Why is this approach effective?

• Elle promotes engagement by involving learners in concrete activities.
• Elle Improves memory by making learning more interactive and personalized.
• Elle develops transversal skills such as cooperation, critical thinking and problem solving.

A concrete example

In a training course in project management, rather than content themselves with a theoretical course, participants are divided into small groups and have to manage a fictional project. They make decisions, adjust their strategy and get immediate feedback to improve their approach.

‍ 💡 Good to know: If you are not comfortable with the term LMS, we have a great guide article.

3. Immersive training and role-playing

THEimmersive training is based on the simulation of situations close to reality in the field to allow learners to develop skills in context.

Why is this approach effective?

• Elle stimulates decision making by placing the learner in front of concrete and evolving situations.
• Elle promotes engagement by making the training more dynamic and interactive.
• It allows a risk-free experimentation, especially in sensitive areas such as first aid training, conflict management or commercial negotiation.

A concrete example

Let's imagine a training in crisis management for managers. Instead of presenting them with a theoretical course with a decision-making strategy, we can place them in an interactive scenario where they can practice applying this strategy directly, as if they were in the field. They can observe each consequence their choice leads to and adjust their strategy as the training progresses.‍‍

Implementation in an LMS

At Didask, simple practical cases are set up to start with small scenarios. Corrected activity is also possible. The learner can complete an activity from scratch and receive customized feedback.

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Training engineering cannot be limited to the rigid application of fixed teaching methods. To ensure effective and impactful learning, it is essential to rely on proven pedagogical principles that are able to adapt to learners' needs and training objectives.
Whether through trial-and-error learning, immersive training, active pedagogy, active pedagogy, simulation, flipped classroom, digital tools or project-based learning, these approaches promote engagement, memory and skills development.
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