Creating Inclusive Learning Experiences

I tried out LinkedIn premium for a month this summer and one of the most valuable benefits is having access to LinkedIn Learning.  The first course I took was called, “Creating Inclusive Learning Experiences” by learning and development expert Naphtali Bryant. Bryant argues that making learning experiences inclusive is a powerful way to invite all members of an organization to the table and make it possible to create ownership and authenticity while building skills for those involved.  He uses a framework called INCLUDE that provides a practical approach to identifying key features of inclusive learning.

He starts by explaining how best to investigate the needs of learners by focusing on what he calls the 4Ps (patterns, problems, priorities, and pain points).  This provides a terrific means for doing a needs analysis and truly reflect on the real reasons your learners need the training.  He next focuses on what will nourish learners which involves finding the right mix of activities to keep learners engaged. Then, he reminds us of the power of collaboration and the value of working with multiple stakeholders whose expertise can provide the best possible experience for all learners. He then goes on to underline the value of listening to learners and getting to know them and centering learning around who they are.  Uniting learners is at the heart of an inclusive design as Bryant reflects that it is about creating an environment where people can be their full self and feel a sense of belonging.  The final two steps in the INCLUDE framework are discovery that emphasizes a learner-centered model and empowerment which refers to providing support to individuals along the way and providing participants with practical takeaways and resources to continue their learning after the training.
 
Bryant provides lots of practical activities for each part of the framework and it was truly an enlightening model to help make sure the learning experiences you design are inclusive.