Unfortunately, the tech industry is still largely ruled by 20th-century thinking, where learning was about memorizing information from teachers to pass a final test. Back then, the test was seen as the culmination of the course, not a true measure of long-term understanding or skill.
Modern learners, especially digital natives, have access to nearly unlimited information through their mobile devices and interact with it differently. As a result, technical education has evolved. Vanguard educators now prioritize outcomes/objective-based and active learning approaches that emphasize real-world impact, behavioral changes, and enhanced human performance from training.
For example, traditional testing methods relied on final exams that focused on memorization, often using vague multiple-choice or true/false questions that prioritized recall over true understanding. These high-stakes, one-time exams offered little room for ongoing assessment or improvement, and feedback was minimal. As a result, students rarely understood their mistakes and had no opportunity for personalized learning.
In contrast, modern testing emphasizes validating knowledge application, practical skills proficiency, and overall competence in the subject area. Rather than focusing on memorization, learners are assessed on their ability to apply knowledge in realistic scenarios. Recent approaches to knowledge testing also feature clear, straightforward questions to minimize frustration and support knowledge retention, helping students remember information long after the test.
Modern instructional design and delivery strategies also place great emphasis on coaching and mentoring, offering formative feedback throughout the learning event to help participants focus on the key information and skills they need to achieve their learning objectives.
It’s widely acknowledged that traditional educational systems are outdated, yet many organizations continue to settle for the same old methods—and then wonder why their training investments fall flat.
Instead of paying for your teams to attend a "training vacation," get informed, evaluate, and assess whether the program or course curriculum, assessment, and delivery approaches are designed to help you and your organization achieve meaningful performance goals and real success.
Don’t get frustrated or complain if you don’t do your homework before signing up to your next training course!
About the author:
Jerry Morla, MBA, MSL, PMP, CPD leverages decades of experience in project management in the tech sector and workforce training for telecom and ICT clients, including Fortune 500 companies globally. He has taught at both undergraduate and graduate levels in higher education. Jerry holds an MBA, a Master of Science in Leadership, and has completed all coursework for a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership, focusing on organizational performance and next-gen leadership models. He also holds a Graduate Certificate in Educational Technology and Online Instruction.
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