Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Learner focused: Not just buzz words.
During resource development, being learner focused means taking the time to understand the person who will use what we create. A resource can meet the unit requirements and still leave a learner wondering what to do, why it matters or how it connects to their goals. We need to hear from learners to find those gaps to create effective training and assessment materials.
Designing Effective Training and Assessments
How Industry Consultation Supports Resource Development
Industry consultation is an essential part of resource development. When developing resources, we know how to interpret requirements and design learning and assessment, but we are not experts in every job or subject we write about (crazy, I know). This is why industry consultation is essential for course development. People doing the work can tell us whether a scenario is realistic, what tools and language they use, and how workplace practice is changing. Their knowledge helps us build activities that reflect the work.
Industry consultation matters most when we act on it. We might change an example, simplify an instruction or offer another way to practise. Then we check whether the change helped.
Gathering Direct Learner Feedback For Assessment Design
Learners bring a different kind of expertise: they can tell us what it is like to use the resource. Student feedback forms and trainer observations are useful, but direct feedback with learners provide deeper insight into how the resource can support them effectively.
We might ask which instruction made them pause, what example helped or what they expected to happen next. I want to understand their experience, not judge their performance.
Developers might ask which specific instruction made them pause, what example helped them understand the material, what they expected to happen next in the resource, or how the layout and presentation influenced their engagement and motivation to continue learning.
Applying Universal Design For Learning (UDL) Principles
Universal Design for Learning helps us anticipate and reduce barriers by offering different ways for learners to engage, access information and show what they know and can do. This is an important step in ensuring inclusive learning is at the forefront of design.
Even with careful design, we can miss barriers. Learner feedback helps us understand where a resource is difficult to use and which changes or supports would make a difference.
What It Means To Be Learner Focused In Resource Development
Industry consultation, learner feedback and Universal Design for Learning are an integral part of how to make effective training and assessment materials.
Industry consultation tells us how workplace practice is changing and helps us create resources that match expectations.
Learner feedback is crucial for how our resources are actually used in practice.
Universal Design for Learning is essential for considering accessible learning formats for all students.
And that is what being learner focused looks like in resource development.
Pivot Training proudly delivers training across South Australia and Western Australia.
FAQ
What does it mean to be learner focused in resource development?
Being learner focused means taking the time to understand the person who will use the resource. It ensures that even if a resource meets unit requirements, it does not leave a learner wondering what to do, why it matters, or how it connects to their goals.
Why is industry consultation important when creating training resources?
Industry consultation is essential because people doing the work can tell us whether a scenario is realistic, what tools and language they use, and how workplace practice is changing. This helps build activities that accurately reflect the real work.
How does Universal Design for Learning (UDL) improve training materials?
Universal Design for Learning helps us anticipate different needs and identify barriers. By asking learners directly, developers can find out where a format gets in the way or which specific support makes a positive difference.
How do we gather feedback from learners?
Resource developers gather feedback through student feedback forms and trainer observations, but speaking directly with learners is also highly valued. This direct approach helps us understand the learner’s experience rather than just judging their performance.
What specific questions should we ask learners during consultation?
Developers might ask which specific instruction made them pause, what example helped them understand the material, what they expected to happen next in the resource, or how the layout and presentation influenced their engagement and motivation to continue learning.
How should course developers act on the feedback they receive?
Consultation matters most when it is acted upon. Developers might use the feedback to change a confusing example, simplify an instruction, or offer another way to practise, and then follow up to check whether that change actually helped the learner.
About the Author
Chris Andrews
Chris Andrews is the Development and Assessment Coordinator at Pivot Training, where he plays a key role in the design, development, and review of training and assessment materials across the RTO.
Chris brings experience in training delivery, leadership, coaching, mentoring, and learner support and guidance, underpinned by formal qualifications in training, education, coaching, and communication.
His work focuses on developing inclusive training and assessment resources, practical tools and learning materials across the RTO. His approach is shaped by a genuine interest in helping people build confidence, develop skills and move toward their goals.
Chris regularly shares insights into the training development process, including how materials are designed to meet regulatory requirements, align with industry standards, and support learners to build confidence, develop skills, and progress toward meaningful employment and training goals.