Destination Training Is Now More Important Than Ever
We live in a world where online training is becoming increasingly available. In fact, the last 12 months have expedited growth within the E-learning industry. According to this research study, the global E-learning Market is expected to reach USD 374.3 Billion by 2026, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of USD 14.6% from 2019 to 2026. Actually, this is a wonderful opportunity for all of us in the training industry. Be that as it may, it’s challenging to replicate the experience of a live, in-person training virtually. As a result, I believe that destination training is an important inclusion in the training mix. Before we look at 5 reasons to invest in destination training, let’s look at how we learn.
How Do We Learn?
Converse to what many of us were trained, there is actually a diverse range of learning styles appropriate for every learner. In fact, most trainers appreciate that when students are not performing as well as they could be, it is likely they just need to be taught in a different way. Moreover, diversity stems far beyond qualities, beliefs and creed, it also determine how we best learn new skills.
The idea of individualized learning styles started in the 1970s and since then has greatly influenced education. Neil Fleming’s VARK model is a popular framework. Fleming’s learning styles are categorised into visual, auditory, reading-writing and kinesthetic. Expanding on Fleming’s work, Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligence theory suggests there are 7 learning styles and I’m inclined to agree. These are:
- Visual or Spatial
- Aural (Auditory-Musical)
- Verbal (Linguistic)
- Physical (Kinesthetic)
- Logical (Mathematical)
- Social (Interpersonal)
- Solitary (Intrapersonal)
Misleading Statistics
If you tap in the search term “distribution of learning styles across the population” you’ll get some interesting results. There are many sources suggesting that 65% of the population are visual learners and that only 5% of the population are Kinesthetic learners. For example, this research states “In the general population, the distribution of the three learning styles is: 65% visual, 30% auditory and 5% kinesthetic.” (2)
However, it’s important to ask what parameters the research conducted within, and what kind of information is being learned. For example, trying learn how to play hockey without picking up a hockey stick would be very difficult indeed. Whereas, to learn the history of the world, we can easily accumulate knowledge by reading a book, watching a video, listening to a podcast or sitting in an online history class. To give another example, I’m pretty sure that when we pass our driving test we really only understand the basic movements required to drive a vehicle, and have only a controlled experience of what it’s like to actually drive a vehicle on a road. We only really begin to understand what’s important about a ‘stopping distance’ for example when we’re driving by ourselves on the road. It’s the fear of wondering if we can stop in time to avoid an accident that seals that knowledge into our memory. In fact, emotions are powerful learning triggers. This article gives an interesting insight into the emotional triggers that relate to learning, or not learning as the case may be.(3)
Over-Categorisation Can Be Unhelpful
Even more misleading, is the tendency to profile and categorise our learners. For example, we might be blinded by the fact that someone may present as a visual learner. This idea may lead us to imagine that they won’t respond as well to another medium. This is simply not true. We all have the capacity to learn via multiple different media, we may just have a preference for some types over others. In the same way, we all have the capacity to operate extraverted behaviour even though we may be more comfortable operating as an introvert.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Online Learning
Virtual or E-learning is going to become more and more common in our world. To some degree, we have to prepare more for a ‘one-size fits all’ approach in online training. Specifically, there’s a greater need to predict how the overall population of learners will behave. For example, if someone is using on online learning platform without interaction from a teacher or trainer, there is no opportunity for the trainer to sketch out the concept for a visual learner, or engender discussions for social learners.
Obviously, this problem is resolved in an online classroom led by a teacher. However, is the teacher able to identify when a single learner is misinterpreting the training or lacking in clarity, and take rapid action?
Either way, we could argue the benefits and dis-benefits of E-learning until we’re blue in the face. So, I’ve noted a few in the images below. There’s no doubt that E-learning will become more prevalent in our education systems and businesses going forward. Additionally, the more common it becomes, the faster better solutions will arrive.
Right now, many trainers, including me, are delivering online learning. The market is changing rapidly and it’s important to refresh our skills and work towards continuous improvement. For me, I believe that in my field of training, real insight and understanding is more challenging to gain in an online environment. It also requires a broader range of skills and a greater injection of energy while training to get similar results to a live training environment.
What Are The 5 Reasons To Invest In Destination Training For Coaching & NLP?
In the same way that online learning is not always appropriate, destination training also has an appropriate place.
Clearly, destination training requires a much greater investment than a locally delivered live training or online training. However, I believe in my field, when learning involves understanding personal and human connection, how to guide and motivate ourselves, and the role of emotions in performance, destination will deliver a better ROI every single time. What’s more, the higher we rise up the career ladder, the more appropriate destination training becomes, and the more value we gain from the experience.
In my opinion, destination training delivers a deep and meaningful experiential learning environment that builds a strong knowledge foundation and a greater level of confidence at the end of the programme. I’ve been running destination training for over 10 years and I notice a higher level of confidence and understanding in those who’ve attended a destination training. Here are my 5 reasons to invest in destination training if you want to become a coach or you’re looking for personal transformation.
1. Environment
A new environment always brings a fresh perspective. However, an environment overflowing with natural beauty, comfort and ease allows us to feel nurtured and cared for. When all of our basic needs are taken care of with seamless ease, our mind is free and we’re open to learn. We naturally develop a ‘can do’ mindset. We start to realise that anything is possible.
What’s more, when we’re comfortable and we have space for solitude, uninterrupted thought and self-reflection, life appears differently. Quite simply, we’re giving ourselves the gift of ‘freedom to be’. As if we’re able to stop time while we’re in this place and see our lives from the outside in.
If we’re learning NLP or coaching techniques, it’s imperative we learn how to shift our perspective, find inspiration, draw connections between concepts and more. In a blissful environment we’re unconsciously learning how it happens.
2. Balancing Intense Thought With Relaxation
When we’re taking-in a vast amount of new information, our brains are working very hard. Just like our bodies, our minds benefit from rest and recuperation after learning.
Specifically, with NLP training or Coaching training, we’re not only taking in vast amounts of new information, we’re practising new techniques on one another and working on real issues. That is to say, we’re delving deep into our minds from a logical, conceptual and emotional perspective. It’s intense and tiring. So, just as we benefit from a hot bath and a cup of tea after re-arranging the furniture in our house, we benefit from profound relaxation after days of learning and emotional shift.
At a destination training venue, you can lounge around in a hammock, have a drink with fellow students, go for a swim or a dive or take a long walk. There is space to process your learning experience and knowledge.
3. No Distractions – Away From Work
Sometimes our daily lives offer us a great excuse NOT to focus inside, on who we are, what we want and more. In other cases, life is just so busy that we don’t believe we can prioritise exploration and learning over the ‘musts’ of the day to day.
When we are far-removed from our usual life experience, we are free from distractions in the moment, urgent matters that, seemingly, only we can resolve, and everything else that seems to eat into our usual timetable. In fact, that freedom often causes us to question whether we are choosing to engage in those distractions or if they’re really important at all.
When we’re learning NLP or coaching, having uninterrupted time to explore our minds, our thoughts and our feelings is incredibly valuable. Free from distraction we find resolution more quickly and we can turn up the intensity at will, knowing that we can crawl into bed afterwards if we want a bit of extra TLC after a breakthrough session.
The gift of space and time in any life is precious. For this type of learning experience, I would argue that it’s the difference that makes the difference.
4. New People – New Energy
When we engage in destination training we meet a range of different people. The environment is new to everyone, which brings a sense of equality and curiosity for one and all. Everyone’s present for the same purpose, and everyone wants to engage.
I think we all know what happens when you put a group of highly engaged people in a room together. That’s right – MAGIC! What’s more, when you’re learning coaching or NLP, it’s so useful to blend different cultures, perspectives, ideas and dreams. Specifically, it gives you a lot of experience in using the techniques in a very short space of time.
Equally delightful is the ability to share with people on such an intimate level. When we meet others who are also driven to gain self-insight, understanding, realise their dreams and more, we know that we’re not alone in this world. There are people like us! In fact, some of those people will act as a support network, become firm friends, and support us in accessing a much bigger world in the future. Who wouldn’t want that?
5. Focus
When we visit a destination for a purpose, we are naturally motivated to get the best out of that experience. What’s more, when we’re free from the physical daily distraction of work or family, we free our minds to focus on the experience at hand. We literally give ourselves permission to immerse ourselves in the learning project.
In fact, when we direct our in this laser-like way, we get so much value out of the day-to-day experience, because we’re looking for the learning opportunity. That is to say, when we work with a new technique, or when we learn something interesting, we’re asking ourselves “how can I apply this in my business or personal life?” Having that learning supports us in taking ownership of our learning experience.
Where Does That Leave Us?
In summary, I believe that a combination of online and in-person training is valuable for the future. In essence, it’s less about the advantages or disadvantages, and more about the appropriateness of the learning experience vs learning goals. What is the outcome we want to achieve?
I will always have a preference for live training and a love for destination training, mainly because I enjoy the face-to-face interaction. For me, it feels more impactful. So, I’m aware my filters are focused in that direction, which drives me to discover how I can improve my online training further. However, I still believe it will take a few years for an online training to supersede the experience of destination training.
Find Out More About Working With Me
Find out more about my Ultimate Destination NLP Training in 2021.
To find out more about coaching with me, or if you’d like to arrange a call to see if we’re a good fit for one another, please send me an email to sarah@sarahmerron.com.
Find out about NLP Training here.
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